18 November 2024
1. Information session - 5 December (3 to 3.45pm)
Greenwashing: Making claims about environmental sustainability and performance
With the ACCC prioritising enforcement around the accuracy of corporate sustainability and environmental claims, ABRI has arranged for Johnson Winter Slattery Partner, Michelle Laidlaw, to provide members with an overview of:
What is greenwashing?
Recent updates in sustainability policy development
Australian Consumer Law and ACCC green guidance
Examples including accuracy, advertising, risks, qualifications, vagueness
This session will be of interest to everyone across the battery value chain, from companies making claims about lead acid battery recycled content to end of life management through to recyclers looking to sell materials for new batteries.
Session details:
Thursday 5 December, 3 to 3.45pm
Online - register
2. Funding opportunity for battery recycling projects across the IndoPacific
With many ABRI members having strong links across the IndoPacific region, ABRI is drawing your attention to this funding opportunity for Australian organisations to partner in the region to support the clean energy transition.
Key details (check link for full information and eligibility criteria):
🔋Application period - 6 December 2024 to 10 February 2025
🔋Projects aimed at developing, diversifying and/or reducing vulnerabilities in solar PV, hydrogen electrolyser and battery supply chains across one or more of the following stages of these supply chains: raw material processing; manufacturing of components; assembly; and recycling
🔋R&D or feasibility studies
🔋Jointly delivered by Australian and Indo-Pacific organisations
3. Watch this space - 2025 Battery Recycling & Manufacturing Summit
ABRI is starting to prepare for the 2025 Battery Recycling & Manufacturing Summit. Content being explored includes - overseas experiences, navigating planning systems, skills development across the TAFE sector, an examination of how OEMs explore sustainability reporting.
If you are interested in sponsorship, being part of an organising committee, etc, please reach out to ABRI’s CEO, Katharine Hole via email.
Key details
17 July, Sydney - ABRI is looking to hold in a different city in 2026
4. ABRI Working Group - prioritising feedback on revamp of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
The ABRI Dangerous Goods Working Group is now established with seven lead acid and lithium battery members participating from across the value chain.
ABRI with expert advice from the Working Group is preparing submission to proposed changes to the Australian Dangerous Goods Code to ensure that existing special provisions and proposed changes align with safe, sustainable and pragmatic industry outcomes (submissions due 10 December, with target commencement October 2026). The National Transport Commission’s presentation on the Code revamp provides a useful overview of the structural changes to the Code but unfortunately doesn’t go into detail on the implications for the battery value chain.
ABRI’s submission is expected to focus on:
Provisions (e.g. Special provisions) that industry would like retained
Areas where the ADG could be clarified/improved
Concerns re any proposed changes and possible alternative solutions
Areas/changes ABRI supports e.g. changes to requirements for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
If you would like to join this working group, please contact ABRI CEO, Katharine Hole, on email secretariat@batteryrecycling.org.au or ring 0488 216 750.
The first meeting is online, 2-3pm Wednesday 20 November.
5. ABRI Member Events
20 November - ABRI Dangerous Goods Working Group second meeting
5 December - Online (3 to 3.45pm) - Greenwashing: Making claims about environmental sustainability and performance - Register
17 July 2025 [TBC] - 2025 Australian Battery Recycling & Manufacturing Summit
6. Building the Industry’s Voice - out and about with ABRI
13 November - Promoted battery recycling industry at Launch of the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub - Energy Storage in Queensland: Mapping opportunities and impacts Mapping tool Webinar recording
18 November - Cwlth DCCEEW information session on proposed legislative and permit application changes to support Australia’s commitments under the Basel Convention and OECD Decision
29 November - Energy Policy Research webinar and panel discussion to spark conversation on policy gaps surrounding the environmental stewardship of household batteries in Australia - details to come