CHICAGO – What do computers, lead batteries, household paper products, leafy vegetables and diapers have in common? Their sustainability, according to a new report released by The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), a global organization with a mission to help make consumer products worldwide more sustainable.
In July, TSC released its 2017 Impact Report, titled “The Call for Collective Action Across Supply Chains.” In that report, lead batteries were one of only five consumer product categories that scored 64 and over (top score was 100). The elite club was singled out for high scores in sustainability key performance indicators (KPI’s) developed by TSC and self-reported via survey.
The TSC report concluded that lead batteries scored high in the category involving worker health and safety, where the industry has invested in systems and technology. It also scored high KPI’s in product stewardship and recycled content, demonstrating an industry-wide commitment to closing the loop.
Steve Binks, regulatory affairs director with the International Lead Association (ILA), said it’s re-assuring that an organization such as TSC has recognised lead batteries for their sustainability credentials.
“No other energy storage system can achieve the 99 percent collection and recycling rate or the high recycled content of a lead battery.” He added that lead batteries continue to advance, meeting the world’s changing energy needs.
“Lead batteries are critical for many green technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, and to store and optimize renewable energy. They are truly an essential, innovative and sustainable product that powers and protects our way of life.”
ILA members provide a critical role in this sustainability success story by ensuring that every used lead battery is collected and recycled to produce materials that can be used to make a new battery. Download TSC’s 2017 Impact Report at www.sustainabilityconsortium.org. Watch this video to learn more about how lead batteries have become the most recycled consumer product in the United States.
