PPG’s New Paint for a New Start initiative Transforms School, Children’s Care Facility in France

PPG has completed colorful and transformative makeovers at a primary school in Moreuil, France and children’s care facility in nearby Saultain through its global New Paint for a New Start initiative, part of the company’s COLORFUL COMMUNITIES program. The projects brought together more than 80 PPG employee volunteers along with 30 local volunteers, who together beautified the facilities with a fresh coat of paint and vibrant murals.

The projects were carried out at the Lucie Aubrac school in Moreuil and the Association Pour l’Enfance Rurale (APER) in Saultain. PPG donated nearly 100 gallons (450 liters) of SEIGNEURIE® paint by PPG paint to support the two projects, including Seigneurie Evolutex Bas Carbone, which includes bio-based raw materials. The color scheme was based on the PPG Colors of the Year 2023 from the CHROMATIC® color chart, including Bleu Melville and Gold Vendée.

At the Lucie Aubrac junior school, volunteers renovated a large, covered space in the school’s playground and worked with artist Camille Fosse to create a large mural called “Super Nature” around the theme of the environment and the power of collective action. The mural depicts an enchanted forest where humans and animals take care of each other.

At the APER children’s care facility in Saultain, volunteers repainted rooms and refinished floors in the facility and repainted outside fencing. They also worked with artist Leona Rose, who produced a mural based on designs made by the children with a jungle theme, featuring endangered animals.

“We are delighted to be part of this collaborative project to beautify the living spaces of students and teachers in our local community,” said Aurélie Carmona Bertin, director of PPG’s Moreuil site. “The creation of this wonderful artistic work is a great example of how we bring to life PPG’s purpose of protecting and beautifying the world and an opportunity to raise environmental awareness among the children.”

In the second year of New Paint for a New Start, PPG employees around the world are volunteering their time throughout the months of June, July and August to transform more than 25 schools. Using PPG paint products and color expertise, each project aims to create engaging spaces for students to learn and grow.

“PPG employees from every region are coming together once again to protect and beautify schools and learning spaces to inspire bright starts for students,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility. “For young students, every day is an opportunity for a new start – we are aiming to create joyful spaces where they feel supported and engaged.”