Some like it hot: Pb2023

More than 200 people joined the international lead conference in Athens to discuss supporting a sustainable future for lead. 

The event opened with two well-attended workshops covering battery energy storage opportunities and workplace exposure management, which took place ahead of the Women in the Global Battery Industry reception.

And delegates enjoyed a spectacular rooftop view, overlooking the Acropolis, at the official conference reception, (pictured below). 

Day one of the main conference began with keynote speakers from across the industry, including Lampros Bisalas, Chief Executive of the Greek lead battery manufacturing and recycling business, Sunlight Group, (pictured below) and Thea Soule, Chief Commercial Officer of global recycler and lead-producer, Ecobat. 

Delegates welcomed incisive updates on the global lead market as well as in-depth briefings on Chinese and Asian markets. And the impact of regulatory requirements in Europe and the United States reinforced the important work of the associations who are engaging stakeholders and advocating on behalf of the industry.

And there was a special moment for long-serving ILA employee Maura McDermott, (pictured below) who was awarded the International lead medal marking 35 years of service to the industry ahead of her retirement. 

After a full day of debate and presentations, the official conference dinner provided some relief from the intense heat, with a cool port-side restaurant on the shores of the Mediterranean, complete with Greek food and music. 

The final day included presentations reaffirming the industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing and recycling practices. 

Dr Andy Bush, Managing Director of ILA, the conference organiser, (pictured above) welcomed the record attendance. “The number of people attending Pb2023 has reinforced the significant role our industry is playing supporting the many users of lead, including the battery industry,” he said. “There is no doubt that we have a major role to play supporting worldwide efforts to decarbonise, as well as supporting products which are essential to the global economy and people’s day-to-day lives.”

The next ILA organised conference will be ELBC in Milan – September 2024.