In a first for Australian paint companies, Dulux Australia has published and released in-depth environmental documentation on its products to assist architects, specifiers and construction industry members in achieving sustainable and Green Star certified projects.

The Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) detail the environmental impact of the company’s paints throughout the lifecycle of the product, from the production and processing of raw materials, to manufacturing, distribution and application. The documentation also covers any waste generated throughout the lifecycle, and opportunities for recycling of packaging.

Developed by life cycle assessment (LCA) professionals with direct input from the industry, EPDs are based on accepted industrial standards and rules. The reports present a key pathway for manufacturers and developers to generate credits in Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star rating tools.

The three EPDs encompass wall paints, ceiling paints and preparation paints, providing comprehensive data on selected products within each paint range.

Dulux Australia Sustainability Manager Philippa Charlton says releasing the EPDs is an important step for the company and reflects the brand’s commitment to environmental best practice. “We’re proud to present this valuable product information and be fully transparent about our products’ environmental impacts, which will be highly valuable for the industry, as well as painters and consumers.

“This documentation sets a significant benchmark across the paint industry, and will be an effective measure of progress as we move forward,” Charlton says.
To develop the EPDs, Dulux engaged with a leading sustainability consulting company, thinkstep. thinkstep Managing Director Barbara Nebel says it’s inspiring to see this move. “Transparency is becoming increasingly important in the building and construction sector. Dulux has embraced this trend by publishing the first Australian EPDs for paint covering more than 30 product variants.

“We are excited to see Dulux drive change and innovation in its supply chain,” says Nebel.

Dulux Australia’s environmental product declarations have been prepared in accordance with international standards and independently verified. The EPDs are available on the Australasian and International environmental product declaration websites.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, CWS. You can read more about EPSs here, here, and here.