PowerGenix, manufacturer of nontoxic, safe, high performance rechargeable nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, today announced it has been certified as an official licensee by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service organization dedicated to recycling rechargeable batteries. PowerGenix’s NiZn cells will receive their own unique RBRC Battery Recycling Seal, letting consumers and businesses know the rechargeable batteries may be recycled at more than 50,000 RBRC collection sites in the U.S. and Canada.
Representing more than 350 manufacturers of rechargeable batteries, RBRC licensees comprise more than 90 percent of the rechargeable battery industry. PowerGenix is the first manufacturer of NiZn technology certified by the RBRC, adding NiZn to its list of accredited chemistries. The chemistry addition is the first for the RBRC in seven years and designates NiZn as the fifth rechargeable chemistry recognized by the organization in addition to Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH), Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries.
“RBRC serves a valuable role, joining the world’s major battery manufacturers into a single body committed to act responsibly in support of proper resource utilization and environmental care,” explained Dan Squiller, CEO of PowerGenix. “PowerGenix’s Nickel-Zinc batteries are inherently more recyclable than any other rechargeable battery chemistry commercially available today. Licensing with RBRC is an important step in helping consumers identify local recycling opportunities available to them and positions Nickel-Zinc to become a mainstream battery chemistry.”
“PowerGenix’s support of RBRC’s free and convenient recycling program demonstrates a commitment to the environment and the responsible use of rechargeable batteries,” said Greg Broe, Interim COO of RBRC. “The RBRC has added Nickel-Zinc as a certified chemistry for collection and recycling, a significant step for the portable power industry, and PowerGenix rechargeable batteries will be the first to carry the new NiZn RBRC Seal.”
Without the need for electrode stabilizers, such as rare earth elements (REEs), PowerGenix’s batteries also facilitate easier recycling and insure environmentally sensitive resource availability, since both nickel and zinc are able to maintain their physical and performance properties after recycling. PowerGenix’s NiZn cells are also RoHS compliant, certification that they contain no toxic or heavy metals.
The RBRC supports rechargeable battery recycling by providing collection materials and paying all program costs for retailers, communities, public agencies and businesses. Since 1996, RBRC has recycled more than 42 million pounds of rechargeable batteries.
About PowerGenix
PowerGenix has developed and patented a high-energy density, high-cycle life and cost effective Nickel-Zinc battery targeting the market for power intensive portable products and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Specifically designed to utilize existing Nickel-Cadmium/Nickel Metal-Hydride manufacturing processes, techniques and equipment, PowerGenix offers the supply chain scaling and security OEMs require. With its patented rechargeable Nickel-Zinc battery technology, PowerGenix is pursuing applications to replace existing Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal-Hydride batteries in the multi-billion dollar rechargeable battery market.
About RBRC
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a nonprofit, public service organization dedicated to rechargeable battery recycling. There are over 50,000 retail, business and community collection locations enrolled in RBRC’s rechargeable battery recycling program through throughout Canada and the United States. RBRC is funded by more than 350 manufacturers and marketers of portable rechargeable batteries and products. RBRC’s public education campaign and recycling program is the result of the rechargeable power industry’s commitment to conserve natural resources and prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream. In pursuit of its mission, RBRC also collects old cell phones. Cell phones collected through the Call2RecycleTM program will be recycled or refurbished and resold when possible with a portion of the proceeds benefiting select charities. Contributions or gifts to RBRC are not tax deductible. For more information, call 877-2-RECYCLE or visit www.call2recycle.org.
Contacts:
Skye Laudari, 415-977-1925
skye@antennagroup.com
or
Stanton
Crenshaw (for RBRC)
Ryan Murphy, 646-502-3568
rmurphy@stantoncrenshaw.com
