EcoLead CEO Kaspars Fogelmanis featured on TV24’s “Preses Klubs”
On December 16, Kaspars Fogelmanis, CEO of EcoLead—Latvia’s only facility dedicated to recycling used lead-acid batteries—appeared on TV24’s program Preses Klubs. During the broadcast, he shared insights on pressing issues and developments in Latvia.
Key Highlights from Kaspars Fogelmanis’s Remarks:
Sustainability and Recycling Expertise:
“EcoLead operates at the forefront of the green and circular economy, as the sole company in Latvia specializing in the recycling of used lead-acid batteries. A common question I’m asked is how long lead-acid batteries will remain relevant and what the future holds for lithium batteries, particularly as electric vehicles gain popularity. While recycling lithium batteries presents significant challenges, 97% of lead-acid batteries worldwide are fully recycled using proven and relatively efficient technology.”
Challenges in Lithium Battery Recycling:
“Used lithium batteries from electric vehicles are being collected, and efforts are underway to recycle them. However, a commercially viable solution for recycling EV batteries has yet to be developed. Research is ongoing in Western Europe, but at present, it’s not economically feasible.”
Politics and the Green Agenda:
“We’ve encountered instances where political interests are masked under the Green Deal. Some individuals appear to be leveraging green initiatives as a platform to advance their political careers.”
Labor Shortages and Automation:
“The shortage of skilled labor is driving Latvian manufacturing companies to optimize operations, automate processes, and reduce dependence on manual work. This shift enhances the competitiveness of Latvian businesses on a global scale. At EcoLead, we’ve embraced this path, but it hasn’t been without challenges. Employees are often resistant to change at first, and it takes time for them to adjust. New equipment also requires specialized maintenance, necessitating the development of new skills among our team,” Fogelmanis explained.
Watch the full episodes here:
https://xtv.lv/rigatv24/video/mz7B6OMx7XE-16_12_2024_preses_klubs_1_dala
https://xtv.lv/rigatv24/video/9PNW5Q1WGgD-16_12_2024_preses_klubs_2_dala
https://xtv.lv/rigatv24/video/adN1QJODNql-16_12_2024_preses_klubs_3_dala