RCA Member Feature: Renue Recycling Paint
We recently visited Renue Recycling in Calgary as part of an RCA member tour to learn how leftover paint is recovered, processed, and returned to the market as recycled product.
Renue operates as a downstream processor within Alberta’s paint stewardship system and plays a key role in diverting paint from landfill. In its latest reporting period, the facility received approximately 3.5 million kilograms of paint, demonstrating the scale of material managed through regulated collection systems.
During the visit, we were introduced to processes used to sort, filter, and blend recovered paint into new products. These recycled paints are manufactured without adding water, providing strong coverage—often requiring only one coat—and cost savings of up to 50% compared to standard retail paint.
Materials that cannot be reused as paint are managed through alternative recovery pathways. Off-spec latex paint is directed to the KBL Concrete Fly Ash Process, where it is incorporated into concrete production, supporting continued material use and reducing landfill disposal.
The visit also highlighted how associated materials are managed. Metal paint cans are crushed and recycled, while plastic pails are sent to partners, including DBS Environmental, for further processing. These steps reflect the broader system required to support effective material recovery.
We also observed how product design can influence recycling outcomes. Mixed-material components, such as plastic handles attached to metal cans, require additional separation, reinforcing the importance of considering end-of-life processing in product design.
The visit included participation from members of Calgary’s Goodwill Impact Centre, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in material recovery and circular procurement. These partnerships support local reuse and recycling efforts while strengthening the circular economy ecosystem.
Renue’s recycled paint products are distributed within Canada and internationally, including markets in Asia, South America, and Africa, demonstrating the potential for recycled materials to meet quality standards and compete globally.
Renue Recycling’s operations provide a practical example of how circular approaches can be applied at scale through effective systems, partnerships, and material recovery processes.