In 2015, the 76 paint re-use schemes which make up the UK wide Community RePaint Network redistributed over 337,000 litres of paint, the largest amount since the network was formed in 1993. The Network also launched its first ever paint remanufacturing centre at Community RePaint Cambridgeshire. The centre is not only new to the Network; it is the UK’s first ever remanufacturing centre for social re-use.
Community RePaint schemes collect unwanted, surplus paint and re-distribute it to individuals, families and communities in need, improving the wellbeing of people and the appearance of places across the UK. In 2015 over 432,000 litres were collected from householders, traders and paint manufacturers and redistributed to some 2,477 organisations and over 31,000 individuals. Across the UK 161 employees, 273 volunteers and 77 trainees contributed to the running of the schemes.
In December 2015, Community RePaint launched the first UK paint remanufacturing centre for social re-use at the Cambridgeshire Community Reuse and Recycling Network (CCORRN). The process enables leftover and surplus or end of line paint to be collected and then remanufactured into new containers, with certain additions to ensure its longevity and quality. The centre will remanufacture a range of emulsions which will be sold at low cost to the community for social benefit.
Reflecting on the landmark year, Martin Pearse, Network Manager commented:
“It’s great to see the network developing and strengthening each year, both in terms of the number of schemes across the UK and the achievements of each individual scheme. The launch of the remanufacturing centre is incredibly significant for the network. It simultaneously deals with the issue of waste paint, which is hard to dispose of, and the ability of people and groups with low incomes and budgets to improve their living and working environments.”
