Project Earth: Closing the Loop on Paint Pails
Project Earth: Closing the Loop on Paint Pails
Tens of thousands of used plastic paint pails—once destined for landfill—have been given new life through Project Earth, a circular economy initiative led by B&C Plastics in partnership with Dulux. This ground-breaking pilot project is proving how design, sustainability, and commercial viability can successfully intersect.
A Circular Economy in Action
At the heart of the project is B&C Plastics, based in Meadowbrook, Brisbane. Co-founders Royston and Wendy Kent have long believed in using design and innovation to drive environmental change.
“There has to be commercial viability, but where we can embrace the circular economy, it makes sense,” said Royston Kent.
Their focus? Transforming plastic waste—specifically post-consumer and post-industrial plastic paint pails—into new, usable products. By rethinking how materials are used from the beginning of the design process, B&C is making a measurable impact on plastic waste diversion.
Saving Waste and Reducing Cost
The scale of the issue is significant. According to Dulux Trade Commercial Sustainability Manager Mark Taylor, construction companies can use up to 40,000 plastic containers per project, spending as much as $180,000 annually just to dispose of them.
“We created a lot of plastic waste,” said Taylor. “Sustainability is one of our core values, and this project has allowed us to not only divert waste from landfill but save our customers money and create a product we can resell.”
Defining a New Standard
Project Earth has been pivotal in helping B&C Plastics clarify their business identity.
“It’s allowed us to be very specific on who we are as a business,” said Royston. “We are the go-to company for design and development, but also circular economy products using recycled material.”
The results of the pilot are shaping more than just products—they're shaping an industry-wide shift in how plastic waste is viewed, handled, and reused.
Looking to the Future
With recycled material fast becoming a valuable commodity, both B&C and Dulux see this as just the beginning.
“We see ourselves becoming the partner of choice for those looking to improve the value chain,” Royston added. “Manufacturing locally adds real value.”
At B&C Plastics, circular thinking isn’t just a project—it’s a defining philosophy. Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment, they're not just talking about sustainability—they’re building it into every product, every process, and every partnership.