Automotive Sustainability Champions: SP Honors Leaders for Environmental Excellence
The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), a leading force in advancing environmental sustainability within the automotive supply chain, has celebrated its 2024 Environmental Leadership Award winners. These prestigious awards recognize and highlight the remarkable contributions of both organizations and individuals who are driving positive change in the industry.
The 2024 SP Awards were presented in four distinct categories, each showcasing different aspects of environmental excellence:
Community Impact: Toyota Tsusho America Makes a Difference
The Community Impact Award honors automotive suppliers who extend their sustainability efforts beyond their operations, actively engaging with local communities and organizations. This year, the award went to Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. for their commitment to environmental education and restoration.
Through their long-standing Earth Day initiative, in partnership with the Pike County Soil and Water Conservation District and other community organizations, Toyota Tsusho America has distributed over 3,300 trees to schools and organizations around their Princeton, Indiana site. This initiative has also educated nearly 3,000 students on the importance of environmental stewardship, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices: Lear Corporation’s ReNewKnitTM
The Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices Award acknowledges automotive suppliers who demonstrate innovative approaches to environmental sustainability. This year, Lear Corporation earned this distinction for their groundbreaking ReNewKnitTM textile material.
ReNewKnitTM is a lightweight, recyclable warp-knit textile material made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. This innovative fabric is finished with a foam-free recycled fleece backing and is produced at Lear facilities using 100% renewable electricity. ReNewKnitTM represents a significant step towards a circular economy in the automotive industry, minimizing waste and maximizing the use of recycled materials.
Demonstrating Environmental Innovation: Blackburn Energy’s RelGenTM
The Demonstrating Environmental Innovation Award recognizes automotive suppliers who develop groundbreaking technologies and processes that deliver significant environmental and economic benefits. This year, Blackburn Energy received this honor for their innovative RelGenTM hybrid charging technology.
In collaboration with General Motors and Moon Star Express, a leading carrier partner, Blackburn Energy conducted a pilot program demonstrating the ability of RelGenTM to significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions. The results were impressive: the technology boosted the carrier’s fuel economy by 16%, equivalent to a 1.2 mile per gallon increase, while eliminating the need for overnight engine idling. This technological advancement is expected to generate a return on investment within a year.
Shining Star: Recognizing Individual Leaders
The Shining Star Award honors individual sustainability leaders within the SP membership who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing environmental sustainability. This year, three outstanding individuals were recognized for their impactful contributions:
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Alex Phan of Magna:
Recognized for his leadership in reducing packaging waste by addressing inconsistencies in automotive wood pallet specifications. His efforts resulted in the publication of recommendations to optimize wood pallet management across the industry in North America, promoting sustainability and efficiency.*
Dan Esch of Ford Motor Company:
Recognized for his tireless work in promoting responsible management of automotive materials. His leadership has driven initiatives for recovering automotive materials and contributed to SP’s development of industry-wide best practices related to packaging, batteries, and other crucial waste streams.*
Sarah Tea of General Motors:
Recognized for her leadership in promoting nature-based solutions and circular economy efforts within the automotive industry. Her contributions to SP projects focused on nature conservation and sustainable packaging have significantly advanced these critical sustainability goals.A Shared Vision of Environmental Excellence
The SP Awards serve as a powerful platform to recognize and celebrate the remarkable progress made by automotive manufacturers and their suppliers in achieving a shared vision of a sustainable future.
Kevin Butt, Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability at Toyota Motor North America and Chair of SP’s Board of Directors, stated, “On behalf of the SP organization, we are proud to recognize this year’s award winners for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to environmental sustainability. Each of their efforts are driving meaningful change across the industry and setting an inspiring example for others to learn from.”
The SP Awards not only acknowledge past achievements but also serve as a catalyst for continued innovation and collaboration within the automotive industry, driving positive change for the environment and future generations.