EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Polymers & Coatings Technology program in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology has entered a strategic partnership with GDB International, Inc., a multinational conglomerate and global leader specializing in the paint recycling industry in producing a diverse range of recycled paints.

As part of this partnership, GDB International Inc. established the GDB International Expendable Scholarship in Polymers and Coating, a $10K scholarship for polymers and coatings students. GDB has also committed to accepting two polymers and coatings graduate students for a summer internship starting this year. Additionally, joint research programs at Coatings Research Institute are underway.

“I am very excited about this partnership as the GDB scholarship will support students in their experimental research that will develop advanced solutions for sustainable recycling of a wide variety of paints and coatings,” said Vijay Mannari, distinguished professor of polymers and coatings technology and director for Coatings Research Institute at Eastern, who is also instrumental in cementing this partnership. “The summer internship will provide a unique and unparalleled learning experience to our students in exploring emerging paint recycling processes,” said Mannari.

Mannari said that his visit to GDB operations in the summer of 2021 was beneficial in understanding technical issues associated with the paint recycling industry. “EMU Coatings Research Institute is in an excellent position to leverage its strength and develop solutions by joint research projects with GDB under this partnership,” Mannari added.

 GDB International’s mission is to reduce the carbon footprint of paints and coating products and preserve our land and water resources by developing responsible and sustainable recycling solutions.

“We strive to constantly innovate by investing in the paint recycling industry, tirelessly paving the way for a leaner, cleaner, and greener paint industry worldwide,” said Sanjeev Bagaria, CEO of GDB International Inc. “Radical ideas have always been encouraged at GDB, giving the students a chance to put their theories to practice. By bringing young, enthusiastic, and passionate talent on board, we are not only fueling our innovation with newer, contemporary ideas but are giving the youth a chance to invest in and better their future.”

“Being a founding and the presiding member of the IPRA, this partnership shall pave the way for numerous collaborative projects in the future, providing students with a more holistic learning experience. We look forward to bringing this fresh wave of energy to our team of experienced recyclers,“ Bagaria added.

About GDB International, Inc.

Over the last 25 years, GDB’s team of highly skilled professionals have worked to reduce the environmental degradation caused due to disposal of leftover paint by recycling more than 1.8 billion pounds of various paint and raw materials and over 25,000 tons of packaging plastics, paper, and cardboard. GDB’s focus on being a technology-first company has helped the multinational turn its zero-waste circular economy model into a reality. Reusing and effectively repurposing the left-over post-consumer paint for various schools, community centers, and homes spread across the Americas, Asia and Africa give the paint a new lease of life.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.