In the world of motive power, where forklifts hum through warehouses and construction equipment roars to life, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. Sustainability is no longer a future prospect or headline buzzword; it's a driving force reshaping the industry. As a leader in motive power solutions, HAWKER® strives to operate at the forefront of this transformation, proving that power and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand.
We see sustainability as an opportunity for innovation and growth in the motive power industry—and we’re using our legacy of powering progress to seize it. From product design to material sourcing, let’s take a look at how sustainability is woven into the operational fabric of HAWKER®.
You’ve probably heard of the “cradle-to-grave life cycle” in manufacturing conversations. This design philosophy is undoubtedly important, taking into consideration the environmental impact of the end-of-life disposal step for any given product.
We think that’s great, but we aim to push it one step further with a cradle-to-cradle mindset. Cradle-to-cradle design means that when we’re engineering a motive power battery, we’re doing it with a second life in mind.
We start with longevity. Each battery we produce is created to be fully functional for upwards of a decade. But once it’s reached the end of its useful life as a motive power solution, it doesn’t have to be discarded. Instead, it can be recycled such as our standard lead products, or even transformed into a different type of battery for stored energy. For example, at the end of its motive life, our HAWKER FLEX® Li3 lithium-ion battery can be repurposed as a reserve power solution for generators, backup power banks, and more.
While traditional flooded lead-acid batteries have long been the workhorse of the motive power industry, they come with inherent environmental challenges. They require regular maintenance, including regular watering, which can lead to potential issues like gas emissions and acid spills if not handled properly. In environments where safety and hygiene are paramount—such as food processing or pharmaceutical facilities—these risks can be a major concern.
In the quest for sustainable motive power, lithium-ion batteries have often been hailed as the gold standard. Their ability to deliver high power, rapid charging, and flexible "opportunity charging" makes them a compelling choice. However, the high cost of lithium batteries has been a significant barrier for many businesses.
Enter TPPL (Thin Plate Pure Lead) batteries, an innovative solution that bridges the gap between traditional flooded lead-acid and cutting-edge lithium technology. HAWKER FLEX® TPPL batteries offer the same performance advantages as lithium but at a fraction of the cost. We often say, “You’re getting lithium power at a flooded lead-acid price point.”
For businesses that have relied on traditional flooded lead-acid batteries for decades, TPPL represents a game-changing opportunity to transition to a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.
At HAWKER®, we understand that quality isn't just about creating a product that performs well. It's about building a product that lasts. Our commitment to rigorous testing and adherence to industry standards, like the UL 2580 listing and ISO 26262 certification for our lithium product, is a testament to our dedication to safety and sustainability.
By engineering batteries that can withstand the harshest conditions, resist weather elements, and perform flawlessly under abnormal electrical conditions, we're creating products that are inherently more sustainable. Longer-lasting batteries mean fewer replacements, less waste, and a reduced environmental footprint. It's a win-win for our customers and the planet.
When you choose HAWKER®, you're choosing a partner dedicated to powering progress responsibly. For more information about our rigorous quality standards, explore our article about CE and UL Standards for HAWKER® Products.
At HAWKER®, sustainability extends beyond our factory walls and into the very heart of our supply chain. We believe that true environmental responsibility means ensuring that every step of our production process upholds the highest ethical standards. That's why we're unwavering in our commitment to ethical sourcing and vendor vetting.
We understand that certain raw materials, particularly those used in lithium-ion batteries, can be sourced from regions where human rights abuses and unethical labor practices are prevalent. We refuse to contribute to such exploitation.
We have implemented rigorous processes to vet every vendor we work with. We carefully review their practices to ensure they align with our values and meet stringent ethical criteria.
From pioneering new sustainable battery technologies to sourcing our materials from ethical companies, we’re embracing resilience and reliability in every aspect of what we do. By choosing HAWKER®, our customers can be confident that their motive power solutions are built to last on a foundation of integrity, responsibility, and sustainability.
We believe that a sustainable future is one where both people and the planet thrive, and we're committed to doing our part to make that vision a reality. When you’re ready to upgrade your motive power solutions, find an authorized HAWKER® Dealer near you to get started.
If you're ready to unlock the potential of TPPL batteries in your operation, we encourage you to contact us directly or connect with a HAWKER® dealer today. Our experts are ready to discuss your specific needs and demonstrate how TPPL can help you achieve a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future.
