In an age where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a lifestyle, Panasonic batteries are leading a green revolution. Unique in their composition, they stand out for not harboring any of the environmentally harsh substances that their counterparts do. This alone sets the stage for an eco-friendly narrative, but it’s just the beginning of a fascinating journey towards sustainability.
Last year marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership between Panasonic Energy (Thailand) and CP All, bringing forth a visionary initiative of placing used battery collection boxes in 7-Eleven stores across the nation. The ambition? To hit the 1,000 store milestone by 2024, making it easier for people to contribute to a cleaner environment by recycling their used batteries. This move is more than just an environmental campaign; it’s a leap towards integrating used batteries back into the Circular Economy.
Takuya Tanimoto, the visionary Managing Director of Panasonic Energy (Thailand), sheds light on the gravity of the situation. “In Thailand, we consume over 300 million batteries annually, a staggering number that often sees these energy sources ending up in landfills. Space is becoming a scarce commodity, and we cannot afford to continue this trend. That’s why we’ve initiated a program to reclaim used batteries from consumers and breathe new life into them, aligning perfectly with the principles of the Circular Economy,” Tanimoto explains.
As pioneers in the field, Panasonic Energy (Thailand), also known as PECTH, sought like-minded partners to turn this vision into reality. Their journey began with a research project in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Mines on recycling technologies for used batteries. This collaboration soon expanded to include UMC Metals in the realm of steel recycling, adding another layer to the project’s goal of creating a sustainable loop of material reuse.
With CP All coming on board to deploy used battery collection boxes at 7-Eleven stores, the initiative took off, starting modestly with 31 stores and growing to 50 by 2023. Now, PECTH proudly stands as an authorized entity by the Department of Industrial Works to spearhead the recycling of battery materials into steel, marking a significant step forward in the ‘Circular Economy Initiative through Battery Recycling Project.’
At the heart of this transformative project is the ECOARC Furnace, an engineering marvel employing energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies. This Japanese-developed furnace not only melts batteries but does so in a way that yields billet products for the steel industry, turning potential waste into a valuable asset. Furthermore, the process generates steel slag, perfect for general landfills, and EAF dust, which holds the potential to be recycled into zinc oxide, hinting at endless possibilities for sustainable material use.
“This project is a beacon of hope for Thailand, playing a critical role in reducing ecosystem waste by recycling used batteries. It’s a full circle moment, reintroducing materials into the economic system and championing the Circular Economy,” beams Tanimoto, his pride palpable.
UMC Metals Ltd., under the guidance of Managing Director Settawut Yinmongkhol, also plays a pivotal role in this initiative. “Our long-standing experience in the steel industry has prepared us for this moment. The ECOARC Furnace, a product of collaboration between the Thai and Japanese governments, exemplifies a technology that not only focuses on melting batteries but does so by prioritizing environmental preservation, efficient energy use, and stringent pollution control,” says Yinmongkhol.
Yinmongkhol continues, “The beauty of the ECOARC Furnace lies in its capacity to filter waste and transform it into materials of economic value. Whether it’s steel slag for landfills, scale for cement, or EAF dust for zinc oxide, the filtration process ensures that the air remains clean as we recycle,” highlighting the meticulous planning and execution behind this endeavor.
Tanimoto is optimistic about the program’s potential, especially with the expansion of collection boxes in 7-Eleven stores, “The more we expand, the greater impact we’ll have. Not only are we promoting recycling among the community, but we’re also taking significant steps towards our ultimate goal – from used batteries to new batteries, pioneering full-scale battery recycling in Thailand. This is circular economy in action,” Tanimoto concludes, a testament to the transformative power of collaborative innovation.
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