AutoX is dedicated to our Safety, Health, Environmental, Energy and Quality policies. We recognise that our long-term future is highly dependent on the sustainable use of natural resources, the quality of our products as well as the good health and well-being, both of our employees and the broader community. View our SHEEQ here.
AutoX is fully committed to sustainability in all areas of our business. This includes the financial sustainability of our company in the interest of all our stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, as well as the community and the greater good of our country. It also includes environmental sustainability which encompasses the total life-cycle of our batteries and responsible manufacturing practices for sustainable batteries.
Battery Recycling & Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to play our part in contributing to a greener South Africa and take our environmental stewardship very seriously. Sustainability starts with the raw materials we source and includes every step of the way until the end of each product’s life. We minimise our environmental impact as much as possible by implementing environmental practices throughout the process – from design and manufacturing to logistics and end-of-life battery recycling.
A lead-acid battery is 98% recyclable, making automotive batteries one of the most recyclable products in the world. The life-cycle of a lead-acid battery follows a continuous, closed loop: When a scrap battery is collected and returned to AutoX, its lead and plastic are reclaimed and directed to new battery manufacturing.
In addition to AutoX production, we have a scrap battery programme in place to optimise the collection and recycling of all lead-acid batteries. Most local battery importers do not have a scrap battery collection or sustainable batteries programme, which could lead to a more polluted local environment, should the batteries not be properly disposed of. AutoX aims to mimimise this risk by recycling all available lead-acid batteries.
Lead makes up a significant portion of the battery cost. AutoX passes the savings achieved through battery recycling on to consumers. The degree of ease and the cost-effective recyclability of lead-acid batteries makes them one of the most widely used in the world, keeping in mind their application. Every car with an internal combustion engine has a lead-acid starter battery.
As a responsible manufacturer, Auto X adheres to the:
- Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) – Chapter 2 – Bill of Rights Section 24 – Environment
- Occupational Health & Safety Act (85 of 1993)
- Compensation for Occupation Injuries and Diseases Act and Regulations (130 of 1993)
- National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act & Regulations (39 of 2004)
- National Environmental Management: Waste Act & Regulations (59 of 2008)
- Hazardous Substances Act & Regulations (15 of 1973)
- Environmental Conservation Act & Regulations (73 of 1989)
- National Water Act & Regulations (36 of 1998)
What makes a battery come to its end of life?
Even the best car battery degrades over time. As batteries are used, physical and chemical changes – many of which are irreversible – take place within the battery. While the crystal morphology of active material as well as substrates degrade due to contact and reaction with air and impurities, current collectors also corrode over time. The lifespan of batteries varies depending on use, application, driving habits, storage, temperature, care and maintenance.
