Four associations representing the lead and lead battery industries have launched a program designed to help reduce substandard and informal lead battery recycling in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).
October 25, 2022
We enjoyed a great turnout of member companies at our 2022 Fall Meeting. Attendees were excited to come together to share learnings, collaborate on solutions and stay up to date on lead battery recycling developments. In addition to attending top-notch presentations from leaders in the industry, members took advantage of their time outside the meetings to maintain and build relationships with their peers. The community of lead battery recyclers in North America is relatively small, making it even more important for us to gather in person and share best practices.
Meeting in person twice a year gives ABR members a chance to learn from each other and create a collective momentum toward moving the industry forward. We always have exciting, thought-provoking presentations, and this fall’s meeting was no exception. This meeting featured presentations on innovations in the recycling process to continuously advance operations, highlights and an overview of ABR’s new member Grupo Moura, EHS updates, risk management considerations, compliance testing considerations, and an update on scientific research.
As a new member to ABR, Grupo Moura provided an overview of their business, recycling technology and facilities. Director de Metals e Sustainability Flávio Bruno and Project Manager Emydio Clemente provided attendees an in-depth view into their organization. Founded 65 years ago, Grupo Moura is now the largest battery manufacturer and recycler in South America. Their strong focus on environmental and social responsibility manifests itself in their energy-efficient methods, reduced water consumption, and investments in sustainability. Also shared was an overview of their new recycling plant underway in Brazil. ABR looks forward to collaborating and sharing best practices with Grupo Moura to empower responsible recycling in South America.
“Coming together to move toward our common goal of continuous improvement, ABR’s Fall Meeting was an excellent opportunity for our members to learn from each other,” said ABR President Rick Leiby.
“We are committed to empowering responsible recycling in North America and beyond – we were excited to learn more about one of our South American partners at this meeting. By sharing best practices and ideas for improving operations across continents, we will make an even greater positive impact.”
Posted in: News
October 4, 2022
Four associations representing the lead and lead battery industries have launched a program designed to help reduce substandard and informal lead battery recycling in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs).
The program – known as LeadBattery360° – builds on guiding principles agreed among the associations in 2020.
Supported by the ILA, Battery Council International, EUROBAT and the Association of Battery Recyclers, the initiative aims to promote and recognize best practice in the responsible management of lead throughout lead battery value chain – from mining through to battery manufacturing and recycling.
To support this program, a new website, LeadBattery360.org, highlights a range of initiatives supported by the industry to reduce informal recycling in countries ranging from Ghana to Bangladesh and from the Philippines to Costa Rica.
In the United States and in Europe lead batteries operate in a closed loop – where battery raw materials are recycled at end-of-life and used to manufacture new batteries – with up to 99% of spent lead batteries being collected and recycled. However, in some LMICs, improper and unregulated battery recycling of lead batteries can cause serious health risks for employees and nearby communities.
Dr Steve Binks, of ILA, the program director, said: “We all want to see an end to informal and substandard battery recycling and manufacturing where it exists, and this initiative aims to help countries where this is a problem improve through practical support and sharing best practice.
“Our guiding principles set the bar for the entire lead and lead battery value chain, ensuring that companies who are members of the four associations supporting the program continue to meet the already very high standards in place to protect people and the environment.
“As worldwide demand for rechargeable batteries continues to grow, we are committed to promoting ethically sound battery recycling and manufacturing through our LeadBattery360° initiative.”
The guiding principles established by the associations include commitments to:
LeadBattery360° members are part of the technical working group that is currently updating the Basel Technical Guidelines for the Environmentally Sound Recycling of Used Lead Acid Batteries. They also provided the technical input into standard operating procedures for responsible lead battery recycling that are currently being incorporated into regulatory standards in Ghana and evaluated in other countries.
Note to editors:
1: LeadBattery360° is a global program established by four associations representing the lead and lead battery industries – the International Lead Association (ILA), Battery Council International (BCI), the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (EUROBAT) and the Association of Battery Recyclers (ABR) – to unlock the power of lead batteries for a sustainable future. The initiative champions best practices in lead mining, lead production, lead battery manufacturing and recycling, and by encouraging responsible practices along the entire battery value chain through supply chain management and product stewardship.
2: For more information on Lead Battery 360 visit LeadBattery360.org or contact the International Lead Association’s media office on +44 7718 483887.
Posted in: News
