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Industrial waste still contains value once it has been discarded. A local paint manufacturer, Amoriguard, is turning recycled industrial waste into paints and other construction products. This sustainable produce of paints has sold its products to various projects, including the Mamelodi Mall in Tshwane and several property developments in the Western Cape.

The paints do not contain any harmful chemicals such as ammonia, formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds, according to Amoriguard founder Professor Mulalo Doyoyo. The paints are suitable for use in high-quality developments, as well as social housing projects, as they are durable and easy to apply.

Paints developed as a new use for industrial waste

Professor Doyoyo formulated the paints specifically to include a high amount of industrial waste. This gives the paints a higher solid and dry film thickness than normal paints, which means that fewer coats need to be applied to surfaces to achieve the optimal performance.

“We recognise the need to get rid of industrial waste and continue to develop new products to reuse these wastes, including paints and products for decorative concrete surfaces,” says Doyoyo. The recycling of industrial waste into these paints complies to international waste management standards and the products have been certified.

Developers are happy with the paints

Amoriguard co-developer and technical director, Ryan Purchase, states that developers have been happy with their products. Several existing building projects have stated their commitment to using the recycled paints. “This market is large in South Africa. We aim to select a few developers and build partnerships with them to grow the brands,” says Purchase.

The current product offerings of Amoriguard are focussed on painting, waterproofing and decorating. “All the recycled materials that we use are processed wastes, which means third parties refine or process the raw waste to ensure consistent products with very low batch variance,” explains Purchase. There is further potential for the company to expand into other markets where there are suitable waste resources available.

Development and testing is in-depth

Amoriguard tests and develops its products to high standards. Its roof paint undergoes a QUV accelerated-weather test that involves subjecting the paint to alternating cycles of ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture. This simulates exposure to intense sunlight and rain, and the test can last up to 6000 hours, or 250 days.

“Owing to the fine texture of the waste ingredients, they are suited for use in cement tiles, but can also be used on sheeting. We are finalising a basic colour range and will consider launching before midyear,” says Purchase. These paints have provided an end market for industrial waste and chemicals, essentially creating a circular economy and sustainable construction model.

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