Axalta Coating Systems, Ducks Unlimited Paint a Bright Future for Wetlands

Axalta Coating Systems has joined Ducks Unlimited as its newest corporate partner. A major developer, manufacturer and seller of industrial coatings in the United States and 130 countries around the world, Axalta continues to make protecting and conserving natural resources a corporate priority through a five-year, $10 million wetlands conservation program with Ducks Unlimited.

“We are excited and grateful to have Axalta as DU’s newest corporate partner,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall. “With their generous support, we can continue our goal to Rescue Our Wetlands.”

“Axalta and DU will both benefit from projects that conserve wetlands and natural resources,” said Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver. “Axalta is committed to engage in sustainable manufacturing and practices, and to provide environmentally responsible products and application systems to our customers around the world, including expanding the availability of waterborne coatings. With sustainability and conservation at the forefront of our business, we look forward to doing great work with Ducks Unlimited.”

Axalta’s colorful coatings can be seen on cars and commercial vehicles ranging from trucks and buses to ATVs and construction equipment, protecting against corrosion, adding years to vehicle life and conserving resources. Sophisticated engineering is used to produce coatings in sustainable ways and also enables Axalta’s customers to save energy and reduce CO2 and VOC emissions.

Coatings are found in less obvious places as well, helping to sustain product life cycles. Coatings protect oil pipelines from corrosive underground environments. Building facades, lawn furniture and playground equipment rely on coatings to protect them from harsh climates. Electric generators run more efficiently when coatings insulate them from high temperatures.

Now Axalta is helping to protect and sustain North America’s wetlands as well.

DU Chief Conservation Officer Paul Schmidt said the partnership with Axalta fits seamlessly with DU’s Rescue Our Wetlands campaign. “We will start with priority wetland projects under the umbrella of the Rescue Our Wetlands campaign, focusing specifically on the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes Initiatives,” he said. “Our biologists and engineers will deliver crucial restoration work in these important breeding, migration, and wintering areas which are near some of Axalta’s major U.S. manufacturing facilities.”

Waterfowl wintering on the Gulf Coast will also benefit from Axalta’s support. Through this partnership, more than 15,000 acres of threatened coastal prairie wetlands and marshes will be targeted by DU for restoration, enhancement and maintenance.

“Helping sustain natural resources is critical to Ducks Unlimited, Axalta and the people we touch,” said DU Chief Fundraising Officer Amy Batson. “We see this partnership growing and developing into a significant force for continental conservation.”