One of the great things about the CAP'EM project is learning about all the clever and innovative little companies that are out there trading. Take for instance New Life Paint. Here's an example of a product that keeps popping up on my radar.
First, I happened upon their website last winter when I was googling 'Recycled Paint'. So I thought, let's include them in our 'paint wall'- they're a good example of a company that is taking a waste product and giving it a new life (Ahem- hence the name I guess...). A couple of weeks later, I spoke to a Brighton based designer, Claire Potter, who was providing use with some upcycled furniture for the centre and she uses New Life paint regularly (she is just up the road from them).
Then...New Life paint was highlighted in Retail Packaging magazine because they have been chosen as the B&Q's paint provider for their new Home Eco range. That's right...a tiny company down in West Sussex is supplying an Eco Range paint for the biggest DIY chain in the country. Not bad going!
I love the story behind New Life paint. After a bit of 'gentle-requesting' from his wife to tidy up the garage, Keith Harrison, an industrial chemist, looked at all the paint tins they had and thought it a waste to just throw them away so he tried to find a place where he could recycle the paint. But nobody was doing it- spot the gap in the market!
Keith spent two years researching a way to recondition waste paint until he arrived at the magic formula and New Life paints was born. But really, they tell the story so well themselves, why not visit them and have a look at what they're doing here.
New Life Paint is one of the UK companies that CAP'EM are assessing with an LCA. Keep an eye on the CAP'EM website for the more technical information behind the LCA.
And if you're planning a little DIY over Christmas, New Life Paints can be found at Covers, Bunce's and G&S (if your'e in Sussex) or online (if you're not.).
Merry Christmas from,
