Sustainability

The lead battery industry is doing its part to achieve a low carbon future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions on multiple fronts. Lead batteries are a climate technology and support key applications in next-gen transportation, renewable energy, grid resiliency and connectivity – while modeling a highly sustainable, closed-loop manufacturing economy.

Sustainability that Boosts Domestic Fulfillment

Providing sustainable products has long been a priority for the lead battery industry. With a 99% recycling rate, innovative lead batteries are the most environmentally sustainable battery technology on the market. Today, U.S. lead battery recycling companies meet more than 83% of the lead demand in the U.S. BCI supports policies that prioritize recycling and seek to continue innovation across recycling technologies.

  • Incentivize Next Generation Recycling Facilities for Lead Batteries: BCI supports policies that continue to innovate around battery recycling, including incentives for next generation battery recycling facilities.

View Our Sustainable Fact Sheet

Lead battery domestic circular economy prevents supply chain disruptions

Batteries that Maximize Green Solutions

The sustainability profile of lead batteries adds to the sustainability of renewable energy, greener transportation and other modern technologies that reduce GHG emissions.

In fact, the lead battery industry’s closed-loop manufacturing process has become a model in how to create a successful, profitable circular economy. Here’s how:

  • A coast-to-coast collection system gathers and feeds more than 160,000 used lead batteries back to North American lead battery recyclers annually.
  • Lead battery recyclers process the used batteries into raw materials; lead can be infinitely recycled with no loss of performance.
  • Manufacturers use the recycled material to make new lead batteries. Fact: A typical lead battery is comprised of 80% recycled material.
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Ranking Sustainability: Lead Batteries Among the Best

Lead batteries rank top 5 most sustainable

Evaluating circularity requires translating the science of sustainability into quantifiable metrics and practical tools. The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), a global non-profit, puts lead batteries among the top five consumer products in sustainability.

A Call to Action

  • Consider the complete lifecycle impact of battery chemistries – compare their recycling rates, materials reuse, and overall sustainable practices.
  • Recognize the urgency to reduce consumption of resources to mitigate their depletion and the effects of climate change.
  • Support governmental investment to help sustainable lead batteries reach their full potential.

Read Now: The Circular Economy of Lead Batteries Information Brief

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