Staying Green with Dulux New Zealand

Dulux New Zealand is committed to caring for the environment and reducing carbon emissions. They have a focus on taking long-term care, sourcing supplies ethically, following ISO 14001 manufacturing stringency, reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions, reusing, and regrinding paint packaging where possible, and supporting communities through partners such as the Department of Conservation (DoC) and Surf Life Saving New Zealand and finally, minimising land waste contribution. Here's a look at some of Dulux's green initiatives: 

Introducing more environmentally-friendly paint options

Paint and coatings as a category are about maintaining our surrounding built environment. Dulux focuses on durability and protection for quality long-term performance. That is also a double-edged sword as these products are made with chemicals. Dulux has made great progress in removing chemicals of concern such as lead and mercury and developing superior-performing water-based paints, to replace flammable solvent-based ones.

Dulux is are at the forefront of introducing paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and eliminating chemicals of concern, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE), from their paint formulations. Dulux water-based paint makes up 95% of their products sold in the New Zealand market and is made locally. Many of the premium products meet the stringent environmental specifications of Eco Choice Aotearoa certification. In 2022, Dulux were accredited for six new products. Dulux is also recognised globally for two of their flagship environment-friendly products: Dulux UltraAir, and Dulux envirO2 by the Global GreenTag, a third‑party eco‑labelling scheme that assesses a company’s finished products and how they are made.

Reducing waste

Reducing product and packaging waste is another focus area. In 2022, 20% regrind material was introduced to Cabot’s 10-litre yellow plastic pails, saving virgin plastic for about 7000 pails per year, and Dulux increased regrind content in white pails from 20% to 25% and 50% regrind plastic pails used in a select range of products.

Correct waste disposal is another essential part of safe and sustainable working practices.

The Dulux EnviroWash System is an innovative, treatment system that turns paint wash‑out into treated water and solid waste. It provides painters with an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional methods of washing out painting tools, such as brushes and rollers.

Dulux is also proud to offer a Paint Take‑Back Service. Leftover paint and paint packaging can be brought to any one of the Dulux Trade Centres and a few other trade depots, and Dulux recycles, reuses, or disposes of it in an environmentally friendly manner.

And in 2023 Dulux Fast Finish Wet on Wet and Dulux Concrete & Paving, were launched to target areas where customers still purchase solvent-based products.

In addition, Dulux factories and trade centres operate with 100% renewable energy, and Dulux is making a steady progression to convert employee vehicles to hybrid and electric vehicles by 2026.

Involvement in community organisations

Dulux is involved in several programs to ensure the communities in which they operate are looked after. Dulux and the DoC have partnered since 2013, to protect and restore DOC and community huts protecting the natural and historic heritage sites inspiring the Dulux Colours of New Zealand range.

Cabot's Timber Finishes is a leading woodcare brand in New Zealand. Cabot’s is an official partner of Trees That Count and has funded the planting of thousands of native trees across the country in its mission to protect the timber for future generations to enjoy.

Dulux supports the community through our partnership with the DoC by providing paint for high-exposure huts and other buildings and financial support.

Dulux also partners with:

• Surf Life Saving
• Antarctic Heritage Trust
• Ryhaven Charitable Trust
• Pet Refuge
• Men’s Health charities

Additionally, Dulux supports many community groups with paint donations. Some recent feedback from summityourmountain (a charity for kids struggling at school) was “Oh my goodness, I could cry with gratitude — this is perfect for what we need! So much appreciated!”

At Dulux conferences and team sessions, part of the event is a community activity. At a recent conference in Rotorua, the Dulux team painted the Rotorua Youth Centre, the Pukehangi alleyway, and the Te Pākarito Kohanga deck. Employees each have one day annual leave per year to complete community activities.