COMMERCIALLY VIABLE METHOD FOR 100 PERCENT RECYCLING OF WASTE WATER-BASED PAINTS AND CHEMICALLY SIMILAR MATERIALS

摘要

The reuse of post-consumer leftover latex paint (PCP), i.e. paints that have been purchased by an end-user and for some reason riot completely used; presents a serious challenge. Typically 50 percent of PCP has aged, hardened or soured to the point where it is not easily reusable as a coating. Paint manufacturers have the ability to re-process miss-tinted batches, returns and other industrial leftover paints with relative ease, since the manufacturer knows the original formulation and can adjust the paint accordingly. Even so, many manufacturers choose to sell at a deep discount, donate, or even pay money to dispose of such paints, particularly if the paint has already been packaged. Apparently the recycling of even known "virgin" latex paints is neither simple nor cost effective for paint manufacturers. The focus of this paper will be on the ability to recycle 100 percent of PCP, including the portion not reusable as paint using processes that are commercially viable, i.e. can be used by for profit companies and are profitable. The most critical step for the manufacturing of recycled paints from post-consumer leftover paints is the initial segregation. Only the best quality paints should be designated for re-use as paint. Our experience at Amazon Environmental, Inc., based on the opening and inspection of over one million cans, indicates that on the average 50 percent of PCP is not readily reusable as paint. A logical idea would be to find another use for PCP that is not suitable for use as paint. Any paints of questionable quality, color or composition are best not made into paint but may be recycled by using the PCP to manufacture a patented product, Processed Latex Pigments (PLP).