Q&A with Amazon Paint VP Kari Potter

Kari Potter, the vice president at Amazon Paint in Minnesota, answered some questions about how her company gives old paints a new life by transforming them into high-quality and affordable paints with a selection of over 20 colors. Amazon Paint can be purchased at the Reuse Center at Boston Building Resources.

BBR: When taking in donated paint, what is the drop-off process like, and do you ever reject paint?

KP: We accept all latex paint in any condition. However, we do not accept oil-based paints because we're unable to recycle them.

BBR: What is the main source of paint donations?

KP: About 80% of our donations come from residential sources. We do get some from painters and companies, but most of it is household paint.

BBR: What is your process for inspecting the paint to determine usability?

KP: Every paint can is opened and inspected. Our staff, some of whom have been with us for nearly 20 years, cut open the cans and use a trowel to scrape and inspect the paint. They check the paint's condition and smell. Usable liquid paint is sorted by color into corresponding drums, while solid or unusable paint is placed into separate drums. These unusable paints are sent to our facility in Oklahoma, where they are processed and used as an alternative daily cover in landfills.

BBR: How is Amazon able to keep the pricing affordable despite the long and complicated process of recycling the paint? 

KP: We've been doing this for a long time, and our team has a lot of experience. This helps us accurately assess and select the right colors. We’ve developed a strong team that knows how to manage the process effectively. When we make the paint, it starts in a 500-gallon tank where we mix and adjust colors. We use a filtration system with 800-, 400-, and 100-micron filters to ensure the paint is smooth and suitable for use. Once the paint is ready, it’s transferred into cans manually. While our methods are low-tech, this hands-on approach helps us maintain quality and keep prices affordable.

BBR: Your website claims that Amazon Select Paint meets the same specifications as high quality virgin paint sold by the nation’s leading manufacturers. What are those specifications?

KP: First, we test viscosity. Then there’s color. We mix paint according to specific recipes and use a spectrophotometer to ensure color accuracy. We adjust the color by adding complementary hues until we achieve the desired result. The paint undergoes filtration to remove impurities before it’s packaged. Despite being low-tech, our process ensures that the paint meets high-quality standards.

BBR: What types of containers are the newly recycled paints packaged in?

KP: We use 100% recycled plastic containers. The cans made from recycled black plastic and plastic handles are lighter and easier to handle. We also recycle all the containers from the donated paint we receive.

BBR: Do you find that people doubt the quality of the paint because it is recycled?

KP: Yes, it can be a challenge. Some people are concerned that recycled paint won’t match their desired color or quality. However, our paint is a third of the price of new paint and is of premium quality. It’s often a great option for those who are open to classic colors.

BBR: What are some of the biggest challenges with the paint recycling process?

KP: One challenge is that people often hold onto paint longer than they need to, and it becomes unusable. About 40% of the paint we receive cannot be recycled into new paint. It’s a challenge to manage this waste, but we encourage people to bring in their old paint sooner rather than later.

BBR: I read that non-recyclable paints are made into other products, including a product for graffiti abatement.

KP: Yes, some of our paint is used for graffiti abatement by cities like Minneapolis. Basic paints are mixed with other materials for waterproofing basements or other applications. We also supply large quantities of basic paint to various customers for different uses.

BBR: With the name Amazon, many people must assume an association with the online retailer. How does that impact your business?

KP: Yes, our name sometimes leads to confusion with Amazon the retailer. We get frequent calls intended for Amazon. Our company was named after a parrot owned by the founder, Lorraine Segala, which was named Amazon.

BBR: Do you have a favorite paint color? 

KP: My favorite color is Oak Moss, a subtle greenish-gray that blends beautifully with the surroundings.

BBR: What are your most popular colors?

KP: White and Desert Beige are our most popular colors, as they are versatile and widely used.

Interview by Joy Shen