MechChem Africa September-October 2024

First Battery sets standard for recyclable lead-acid batteries First Battery leads the green energy sector with its new range of automotive lead-acid batteries, which are now 96% recyclable. This achievement showcases First Battery's strong commitment to sustainability and innovative energy solutions.

Left: At the starting point of First Batteries’ recycling facility in Benoni, scrap batteries are fed into a battery breaker, which separates lead, plastic and acid. Middle: Once the acid had been removed and neutralised, the metal and plastic materials are separated. The plastic components are processed into pellets for reuse. Right: The lead pieces are refined and blended to produce lead alloys for new batteries.

F irst Battery’s state-of-the-art re cycling facility in Benoni, Gauteng, is a cornerstone of its sustainabil ity 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, which separates 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 ele ments are safely disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations. “Our recycling infrastructure is a criti cal part of our environmental responsibil ity strategy,” says Charles Van Aswegen, Director of Manufacturing at First Battery. By maintaining a closed-loop system, we ef fectively 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 sustainabil ity, 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. In addition, 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 sustain able 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 stan dard for sustainability in the industry. With a rich heritage dating back to 1931, the com pany has consistently demonstrated leader ship 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 sus tainability in our operations,” adds Shane Petersen, director of sales and market ing 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 and 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 its business operations.

“It is important to note that the colour of the battery lid does not signify the commitment to recycling; it is 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 fu ture for generations to come,” he concludes. Founded in 1931, First Battery has al most a century of experience and expertise in automotive batteries and is currently the main supplier of OEM batteries to the local auto industry. First Battery also provides battery solutions directly to the public through its own First Battery Centre fran chises, including solar solutions for homes and businesses. https://battery.co.za Acid is neutralised and processed through the effluent plant.

30 ¦ MechChem Africa • September-October 2024