Recycled content from RPC Oakham helps Dulux achieve a perfect finish

RPC Containers Oakham is enhancing the sustainability credentials of the world’s leading decorative paint company with a new plastic can made from one-quarter recycled material.

RPC Oakham’s expertise will allow Dulux Matt and Silk Colours to be the first to market with a paint range in cans boasting 25 per cent recycled post-consumer waste content.

Injection moulded polypropylene cans are being introduced in 2.5 litre and 5 litre sizes for the water-based emulsion range, produced by AkzoNobel Decorative Paints.

The lightweight containers come in a striking charcoal-black colour, which replaces the previous white can and creates a vivid contrast between the container and the paint.

RPC’s injection moulding technical manager Brian Edwards, says: “We’ve worked very closely with AkzoNobel on an exceptionally technically-demanding project.

“Our challenge was to balance the level of recycled content with the technical and performance requirements of the packaging.”

“Though 25% is currently the maximum we can use without compromising the integrity of the container  we are confident we will develop material blends that will enable us to increase this proportion over the next few years,” explains Brian.

The post-consumer waste used in the cans is supplied by the UK’s leading polymer recycler, Regain, and is sourced from domestic and overseas consumer markets.

Stuart Beecher, technical packaging manager from AkzoNobel adds: “The use of recycled material in our packaging is a key part of the AkzoNobel Sustainability Strategy and after working closely with RPC and Regain we have been successful in achieving the required technical performance to be able to bring the inclusion of 25 per cent PCR in a number of our containers to the marketplace.”

The new product underlines RPC Oakham’s commitment to offering customers unrivalled functionality with unmatched opportunities for eye catching design.

A recent investment at the Oakham factory brought in new equipment developed specifically to handle self-adhesive labels like those used by Dulux Silk and Matt Colours, as well as high-quality in-mould labelling.

Dulux Silk paint offers a wipe-clean delicate shine finish. Dulux Matt is a wipeable, smooth and creamy emulsion paint with excellent coverage that minimises imperfections, creating the most contemporary look for walls and ceilings.