Battery industry launches assurance framework to promote responsible production

LeadBattery360° (LB360) responsible production assurance framework aims to improve global supply chain practices in the lead battery sector.

A NEW PROGRAM to promote sustainable and responsible production practices in the lead battery supply chain has been launched by a global coalition of industry associations.

The LeadBattery360° (LB360) certification program will identify leaders in responsible production and material sourcing practices within the lead battery supply chain. The program is open to any industrial site involved in lead battery manufacturing, recycling, or primary lead production. It is expected that multiple sites worldwide will sign up for the new program in its first year.

The LB360 responsible production assurance framework has been developed by the International Lead Association, Battery Council International, the Association of Automotive and Industrial Battery Producers (EUROBAT), and the Association of Battery Recyclers. A not-for-profit foundation based in the United States will manage the effort supported by a multi-stakeholder advisory panel made up of a wide range of stakeholders including customers, investors, regulators, and civil society. 

Under the framework, organizations will be independently assessed by a third party to confirm they have successfully implemented policies and practices that meet the requirements of the LB360’s seven “guiding principles”.

The LB360° guiding principles are:

Support responsible battery manufacturing and recycling by placing environmental health and safety excellence at the heart of operations.
Promote the sound management of lead exposure and emissions by setting continuous improvement targets and sharing best practices.
Adopt responsible sourcing policies for lead-containing materials, seek to identify risks in the supply chain, and use influence to promote best practices for EHS performance in suppliers’ operations.
Minimise the environmental impact of products by encouraging the development of programs that ensure effective collection, transportation and environmentally sound recycling of used lead batteries.
Adopt business practices that consider the communities impacted by operations, respect the human and labour rights of employees and work against corruption in all forms.
Proactively engage key stakeholders in an open and transparent manner.
Partner with key stakeholders and government agencies to share our                        expertise and promote environmentally sound recycling of lead batteries low- and medium-income countries.

Participating companies will sign a letter of commitment to the program and complete a site assessment within 12 months. They will need to demonstrate that they fully meet critical LB360 performance expectations and agree to address any other gaps through a performance improvement plan within 24 months of signing the letter. 

Dr. Andy Bush, Executive Director of the International Lead Association, said: “Through this scheme, the companies who have signed up for the first wave of assessments are demonstrating their commitment to adopting the highest standards of stewardship across the lead production and battery manufacturing industries. This is a first of its kind in our industry. And the new foundation, supported by a multi-stakeholder advisory board, will ensure the scheme has robust and independent governance.”

“Battery Council International has a long history of supporting industry-led health and safety standards across North America that are stricter than those created by local government regulators,” said Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director of Battery Council International. “LeadBattery360 will allow our industry to share its expertise and best practices that already protect the health and safety of millions of citizens in the U.S. and Canada and help battery companies everywhere in the world operate as safely and responsibly as BCI’s member firms do.” 

Mark DeLaquil, General Counsel of the Association of Battery Recyclers, said: “The LeadBattery360° framework represents an important opportunity to extend responsible recycling practices. While facilities in the U.S. and Canada already operate under the world’s most stringent environmental, health, and safety standards, this program allows the industry to share expertise and help establish similar standards globally. We are proud to support this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to empowering responsible recycling and advancing sustainability worldwide.” 

Gert Meylemans, General Manager of EUROBAT, said: “EUROBAT and its members are proud to support the LeadBattery360° initiative, a key step in promoting responsible and sustainable practices across the global lead battery supply chain. This program strengthens environmental and social standards in both developing and mature markets while reaffirming the industry’s commitment to ethics and continuous improvement. EUROBAT looks forward to further promoting LeadBattery360° among its members and European member states.”

ENDS

Note to editors

For more information on LB360 please contact Hywel Jarman at ILA on +44 7718 483887 or [email protected] or Jeff Reeves at Battery Council International, via [email protected]