Bruske Måleri wastes no paint in their "Reduce Waste" project

Bruske Måleri has long been committed to sustainability and has carried out a number of initiatives to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently. A particular focus has been placed on reducing paint waste, which not only cuts costs but also reduces the environmental impact caused by surplus materials.

Through the project “Reduce Waste”, Bruske Måleri aims, among other things, to keep paint waste below 6% of all paint purchased. In 2023, the level was 9%, but the goal for 2024 was to push that figure down further. To achieve this, the company has regularly communicated the target to employees and implemented systems where all goals and results are documented. Bruske Måleri has a unique advantage in this effort, as they often work in rental apartments where standard colors are commonly used—creating a high potential for reusing materials such as trim and ceiling paint. However, a helicopter perspective is needed to make it possible to transfer leftover paint from one project to another and thereby reduce waste. That’s where a secret weapon comes into play.

"We have a material resource – Andreas Sundström. He has an important helicopter perspective across our entire operation. He knows which projects are underway, which ones are coming up, and what materials will be needed. He serves as the link between these projects and our project managers, and makes a major contribution to keeping our material waste low," says Ted Edin, Deputy CEO at Bruske Måleri.

Not all leftover paint can be used for standard projects, but Bruske Måleri doesn’t let that get in the way of their ambitions. Ted Edin explains:

"If we have leftover paint that can’t be used in rental apartments, we look into whether it can be used in other areas—for example, basement corridors. The requirements for specific colors are lower there, and both we and our customers are usually happy that we’re reducing resource use."

Bruske Måleri also places great importance on careful planning when it comes to material usage. Buying 10-liter cans “just to be safe” isn’t part of the strategy—instead, precise planning is key to reducing waste. The painters are involved and actively contribute to the process.

“I like involving the painters in our goals, especially in areas where they can influence the outcome themselves. Giving them concrete targets in their daily work creates greater engagement and leads to better results,” concludes Ted Edin.

And their efforts are clearly paying off! In 2024, Bruske Måleri’s paint waste was down to 7.9% of their total paint purchases—and they are well on their way toward reaching their goal!

Daniel Lindhagen, Painter and Andreas Sundström, Material Manager.