Recently, our Group Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) represented Treet Corporation at LUMS for an insightful session with MBA students in Supply Chain Management, focusing on the circular economy of lead-acid batteries in Pakistan. Through Treet Battery Limited, the makers of Daewoo Batteries in Pakistan, Treet Corporation is at the forefront of fostering sustainable practices in this vital industry.
Understanding the Role of Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are a cornerstone of the automotive, industrial, and renewable energy sectors, known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and importantly, their recyclability. These batteries consist of lead plates, lead oxide paste, and sulfuric acid as the electrolyte, making them essential yet complex products within the circular economy framework. Treet Battery Limited has recognized the immense potential to innovate within this sector while advancing environmental responsibility.
Insights into Pakistan’s Battery Industry Landscape
As the primary battery type used in Pakistan, especially in automotive and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems, lead-acid batteries have a large market footprint with prominent players like Daewoo Batteries, Atlas Battery, Exide Pakistan, and Osaka driving local production. To support this market, recycling companies like MMC Recycling and Metpak contribute to an impressive 75% recycling value addition, primarily through lead recovery. However, imported materials still constitute 70% of lead supply, highlighting the need for further localization and efficiency in resource use.
Treet’s Circular Economy Practices for Daewoo Batteries
Treet Battery Limited practices a robust circular economy approach, actively recycling 15-20 tons of scrap monthly. Our recycling processes include lead recovery from old batteries, repurposing polypropylene (PP) casings into plastic chips, and strategic bulk buying to manage fluctuating lead prices, which directly impacts the battery market in Pakistan.
Despite these efforts, the challenge of proper electrolyte disposal remains, with improper practices in the unorganized sector raising environmental and safety concerns. Treet’s dedication to organized, controlled recycling seeks to address these issues, setting a standard for safer and more sustainable practices.
Challenges & Opportunities in the Unorganized Sector
In cities like Karachi and Gujranwala, unregulated battery repair and refurbishing by informal cottage industries raise significant risks. With limited control over lead contamination, workers are exposed to potential health hazards, and local communities face environmental degradation. Our CINO emphasized the importance of developing comprehensive standards and regulations to address these social, economic, and environmental challenges, as well as the role that large-scale companies can play in leading these initiatives.
Looking Forward: Treet’s Vision for Sustainable Innovation
As part of Treet Corporation’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are continually exploring innovative solutions to improve battery recycling practices and reduce our reliance on imported materials. This includes advocating for better environmental practices in the industry and supporting policies to regulate and upgrade the unorganized sector, promoting a safer, healthier future for all involved.
Join the Discussion on the Future of Battery Recycling in Pakistan
The session concluded with engaging questions, exploring how local manufacturers could improve their alignment with environmental standards, the potential for innovative recycling practices, and ways to better the circular economy for batteries in Pakistan. With insights like these, Treet Corporation aims to contribute positively to a sustainable future, inspiring others in the industry to adopt similar environmentally responsible practices.
Stay tuned to Treet Corporation’s blog for more updates on our sustainability journey and innovations in Pakistan’s battery industry.
