Through the Green Mission battery recycling initiative, SUNLIGHT launches a comprehensive tree planting and awareness initiative
Athens, June 4, 2021 – SUNLIGHT, a member of Olympia Group, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, announces a comprehensive tree planting initiative, expanding the company’s commitments under its Green Mission program. The company recognizes the opportunities offered through the adoption of a circular economy model in relation to economic growth, competitiveness and environmental performance. In this context, beginning in 2015 when the Sunlight Recycling unit was launched, the company has collected and recycled more than 108,000 tons of old batteries and other recyclable materials at its facilities in Komotini, Greece. At the same time, the company has initiated operations of a new state-of-the-art lithium research center focusing on the study of battery recycling practices and the minimization of hazardous solid lithium waste.
With an ongoing focus on improving its environmental performance, SUNLIGHT implements an extensive program called “Green Mission” and today further strengthens its commitment so that for each ton of batteries recycled in its recycling unit, two trees are planted. It is estimated that for the 800 tons of batteries the company collects and recycles each year through the Green Mission program, SUNLIGHT and its employees will be planting more than 1,600 trees, equivalent to approximately 187,200 kilograms of oxygen per year and also equivalent to the absorption of 35,200 kilograms of carbon dioxide. As part of the project, SUNLIGHT is collaborating with the global non-profit Environmental Organization “we4all”, which was created to actively support the planet and raise environmental awareness among citizens and communities.
The tree planting activities will take place during the Fall of 2021 and the Spring of 2022 throughout Greece and in the wider region of Xanthi and Komotini, strengthening the strong ties that the Company maintains with the local communities, through its two production units.
On the occasion of the company’s new environmental initiative, Ioanna Gavrielatou, Marketing Director, stated: “As one of the largest companies active in global production of industrial batteries and energy storage systems, we recognize our responsibility to protect our planet and promote social progress. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy. Consistently, we take action and pave the way to a green culture and heightened environmental awareness“.
The Green Mission is an environmental program engaging dozens of companies, across business sectors, as well as government agencies and non-profit organizations, under the common vision to contribute to the protection of the environment. Its members are committed to the proper recycling of lead-acid battery waste, which can reach up to 95%, based on the state-of-the-art technology currently available.