100 Million Batteries Saved from Landfills by 2027 with Shure Innovation

NILES, Ill., April 17, 2023 — By 2027, more than 100 million AA batteries will have been saved from landfills, according to Shure, a global leader in audio solutions. The number is based on data calculations from customers worldwide in music production, theater, touring, education, business, government, houses of worship, and more. 

With previous technology, disposable batteries were used to power microphones and transmitter packs. And audio engineers would frequently replace batteries – even when those batteries still had power – to ensure an uninterrupted performance with fresh batteries.

However, new innovation from Shure has converted those products to rechargeable options, creating significantly less waste. In fact, for David’s Byrne’s “America Utopia” Broadway show, the monitor engineer estimated they saved about 21,000 AA batteries from being disposed of in landfills because they used Shure’s rechargeable system over the course of the run.

In the past five years, Shure estimates that it has already eliminated more than 20 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills. 

“We take great pride in our ability to not only keep millions of disposable batteries out of landfills, but also to provide additional innovation and initiatives that help our customers and Associates be more sustainable,” said Chris Schyvinck, President and CEO at Shure.

With Shure’s rechargeable wireless audio technology – the first company to offer intelligent lithium-ion batteries for wireless microphones when it was launched nearly a decade ago – it has instantly transformed sound production into a much more environmentally friendly operation. And more concert halls, arenas, theaters, meeting rooms, schools and others are rapidly adopting the rechargeable technology.

In addition to rechargeable battery technology, Shure’s other sustainable initiatives include:

Product Initiatives

Shure works with suppliers who take action on sustainability, including suppliers who use solar power and recycled water in their operations. The Company is also working to approve water-based paints in the finishing process, which is friendlier for the environment.

Shure products are also engineered to last – from a durability and adaptive technology standpoint – avoiding costly replacements and unnecessary disposal of electronics, even as technology evolves.

The Company has also engineered its products to help with overall power consumption, using less energy in “down” modes and allowing remote monitoring of power use with Wireless Workbench Software.

Packaging

New products will be packaged using 75 percent recyclable and/or renewable materials in 2023. 

Shure has joined the Sustainable Packaging Coalition as it improves product packaging to be more sustainable. With more than 1500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, this is a significant undertaking. Some of the highlights include:

•      Replacing thermoform trays with more sustainable, recyclable alternatives such as molded pulp.

•      Reducing overall plastic materials in packaging.

•      Reducing the amount of literature that accompanies our products.

•      Right-sizing packaging for greater efficiency and reduced CO2 footprint from shipping and storage.

Facilities

Shure manufacturing plants feature robust recycling programs for cardboard boxes and wooden pallets, keeping literally “tons” of cardboard waste and nearly 5,000 wooden pallets out of landfills. 

Across Shure facilities, energy savings programs with LED lighting, motion-sensor lighting, smart climate control systems and other initiatives help reduce the Company’s overall carbon footprint. 

In fact, an energy audit of the Eppingen, Germany, office found that electricity use has been reduced by 15 percent since September 2022 due to energy efficient upgrades and practices.

People/Partners

Shure supports a number of global and locally-based organizations dedicated to sustainability efforts and ecology.

In addition to those efforts, our Associates around the world have volunteered for environmental efforts in their communities. 

Compliance

A cross-functional Shure team regularly reviews international regulations, directives, and standards to ensure environmental compliance with regulations like RoHS, REACH, and WEEE. The nature of these regulations promotes sustainable electronics and electronics manufacturing.

For more information about Shure’s sustainability efforts, visit Shure’s Sustainability Site, which includes an overview on the Company’s approach to environmental responsibility through people, products, facilities, communities, and partners.