Paintback and APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) have formed a world-first partnership that reimagines how unwanted household paint can be repurposed, transforming it into high-performance, Australian-made sports surfaces.
From October 2025, all Australian-manufactured Laykold® courts and APT turf systems will incorporate recycled paint supplied by Paintback. The initiative embeds recovered materials directly into elite sporting infrastructure, converting a difficult waste stream into durable, competition-grade surfaces.
Through this collaboration, APT will lift the renewable and recycled content of its locally made products to as much as 83%. This positions APT’s court and turf systems as the most environmentally advanced sports surfaces globally and represents a significant step forward for sustainable manufacturing within the industry.
Turning paint waste into lasting impact
Paintback has spent nearly ten years providing Australians with a responsible way to dispose of unwanted paint, preventing vast quantities from ending up in landfill or contaminating waterways. Since commencing operations in 2016, the not-for-profit scheme has recovered and treated more than 51 million kilograms of paint and packaging through a nationwide network of over 165 collection sites.
The partnership with APT marks Paintback’s first entry into the sports surface sector and will divert an estimated 240 tonnes of paint from landfill and waterways each year, creating a new, high-value end use for recovered material.
Paintback CEO John Ferraro said the collaboration aligns strongly with the organisation’s long-term goals.
“Our objective is to divert 90% of Australia’s unused paint from landfill and waterways. Working with APT opens up a completely new pathway to achieve that ambition."
“Sport is deeply embedded in Australian culture, and APT’s brands, including Laykold, are visible on some of the world’s biggest stages. Partnering with a business that shares our commitment to science-led innovation makes this a powerful platform for environmental change.”
Where recycled paint is used
Laykold® courts
Recycled paint will be incorporated into the undercoat layers of Laykold court systems, with up to 22% recycled content. This approach maintains the vibrant colour, play characteristics and premium finish of Laykold topcoats, while each court diverts the equivalent of approximately 124 one-litre paint cans from landfill.
APT turf systems
All APT turf products will include recycled paint within their backing layers, contributing 10% recycled content. The proprietary hybrid emulsion backing delivers improved environmental performance, a distinctive greener hue, and enhanced tuft bind when compared to traditional latex-backed systems. Each standard soccer field will divert more than 1,000 one-litre paint cans from landfill.
To learn more about Painbacks' partnership with APT click here