East Penn Manufacturing power a closed loop circular economy
East Penn Manufacturing power a closed loop circular economy Sustainability Magazine
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East Penn Manufacturing: Leading the Way in Sustainable Battery Manufacturing
East Penn Manufacturing operates the largest single-site, lead battery manufacturing facility, providing energy across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company, founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, US, by the Breidegam family, has become one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers in response to the demand for batteries during the war effort.
Sustainability at the Core
From its inception, East Penn Manufacturing has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its practice of rebuilding used batteries from recycled materials. This approach not only reduces waste but also contributes to the circular economy. East Penn Manufacturing strives to enhance its sustainability efforts continuously.
2023 Sustainability Report
The company’s 2023 Sustainability Report provides insights into East Penn Manufacturing’s goals and achievements in sustainability. The report highlights the following:
- Powering a Circular Economy: East Penn Manufacturing closes the loop by recycling and reusing all three major parts of a lead battery (plastic, lead, and acid). Additionally, the company’s distribution system collects used batteries for recycling when delivering new products. In 2022, the Lyon Station facility recycled over 188 million pounds of lead, more than 10.2 million pounds of plastic, and over 6 million pounds of acid.
- Investing in People: East Penn Manufacturing values its employees and supports them through various programs, including healthcare premiums, training, and personal development. Approximately 23% of employees have been with the company for over a decade.
- Renewable Energy: The company is committed to procuring 15 megawatts of renewable electricity over a 15-year period through a solar energy project.
In recognition of its closed-loop manufacturing processes and environmental stewardship, East Penn Manufacturing was awarded the Supplier Sustainability Award by John Deere in 2023.
“East Penn’s growth has always gone hand-in-hand with our commitment to sustainability,” says Chris Pruitt, East Penn Manufacturing’s President and CEO. “We operate a circular economy that is supported by the recyclability of our batteries, so the only way for us to grow is sustainably.”
Conclusion
East Penn Manufacturing sets an example for sustainable battery manufacturing with its focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its circular economy practices, investment in people, and commitment to renewable energy, the company demonstrates its dedication to creating a more sustainable future.
Sources:
- East Penn Manufacturing
- 2023 Sustainability Report
- Solar Energy Project
- Environmental Stewardship
- Chris Pruitt – LinkedIn
- Sustainability Magazine
- EV Magazine
- Energy Digital
- Sustainability LIVE
- BizClik
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | – The company’s distribution system collects used batteries for recycling when delivering new products – In 2022, the Lyon Station facility recycled over 188 million pounds of lead, more than 10.2 million pounds of plastic, and over 6 million pounds of acid |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – East Penn Manufacturing supports its over 10,000 employees through programs including healthcare premiums, training, and personal development – Around 23% of employees have been with the company for over a decade |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – The company is committed to procure 15 megawatts of renewable electricity over a 15-year period through a solar energy project |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets under those SDGs identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- – The company’s distribution system collects used batteries for recycling when delivering new products (Target 12.5)
- – In 2022, the Lyon Station facility recycled over 188 million pounds of lead, more than 10.2 million pounds of plastic, and over 6 million pounds of acid (Target 12.5)
- – East Penn Manufacturing supports its over 10,000 employees through programs including healthcare premiums, training, and personal development (Target 8.5)
- – Around 23% of employees have been with the company for over a decade (Target 8.5)
- – The company is committed to procure 15 megawatts of renewable electricity over a 15-year period through a solar energy project (Target 7.2)
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sustainabilitymag.com
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