First Battery leads the green energy sector with its new range of automotive lead-acid batteries which are 96% recyclable. This achievement showcases First Battery’s strong commitment to sustainability and innovative energy solutions.
The company’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in Benoni, Gauteng, is a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy. The facility features advanced technology to efficiently recycle used lead-acid batteries, including a battery breaker, an effluent plant for acid treatment, a lead smelter, and a plastic reprocessing plant. These components work together to ensure that nearly all parts of a used lead-acid battery are recycled and repurposed.
The recycling process includes collecting batteries from First Battery Centre (the consumer-facing brand of First Battery) franchises, other automotive customers and industrial sources nationwide. So-called, scrap batteries are then transported to the Benoni plant, where they are processed through a battery breaker separating lead, plastic, and acid. The acid is neutralised and processed through the effluent plant, while the plastic components are converted into pellets for reuse. The lead pieces are refined and blended to produce lead alloys for new batteries. Any non-reclaimable elements are safely disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.
“Our recycling infrastructure is a critical part of our environmental responsibility strategy,” stated Charles Van Aswegen, Director of Manufacturing at First Battery. By maintaining a closed-loop system, we effectively reduce waste, minimise pollution, and ensure the highest quality of recycled materials for new battery production.”
The facility is a clear demonstration of First Battery’s commitment to sustainability, which extends beyond recycling. The company’s five manufacturing facilities are ISO 50001:2018 certified, adhering to the highest international standards for energy management. The certification highlights First Battery’s proactive approach to reducing its environmental footprint and optimising energy usage.
Additionally, First Battery offers eco-friendly solutions such as solar batteries, empowering consumers and businesses to adopt renewable energy sources. This aligns with the global momentum towards sustainable energy practices, promoting greener solutions that reduce environmental impact.
As global demand for batteries grows and concerns over environmental impact persist, First Battery is setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry. With a rich heritage dating back to 1931, the company has consistently demonstrated leadership in the battery manufacturing industry and has evolved from a traditional battery producer to a premier provider of advanced energy storage solutions for automotive and industrial sectors. This transformation highlights First Battery’s strategic focus on sustainability and innovation, ensuring that its products meet today’s energy demands and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations.
“For decades, we have prioritised sustainability in our operations,” said Shane Petersen, Director of Sales and Marketing at First Battery. Our 96% recyclable lead-acid batteries speak to our enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. We are not just providing energy solutions; we are redefining them to meet the future’s needs as well as the needs of our customers while minimising our ecological footprint.”
Petersen emphasised the importance of innovative methods such as enhanced recycling, highlighting First Battery’s ongoing commitment to investing in this essential aspect of their business operations.
“It’s important to note that the colour of the battery lid doesn’t signify the commitment to recycling; it’s what the manufacturer does with it that counts. At First Battery, our commitment to sustainability and efficient resource management sets an example for the industry, ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come,” he concluded.
