Closing the Loop: Stefanie Scruggs Of Ecobat On Embracing the Circular Economy
An Interview With Russell McLeod
Knowledge and Background: A deep understanding of sustainability principles is fundamental to creating a successful circular economy business.
In our current economic model, we see a lot of waste and inefficiency. Products are designed, used, and then discarded, often creating environmental and economic burdens. The circular economy offers a solution by designing out waste and keeping materials in use for as long as possible. This shift can lead to innovative business models, sustainability, and economic resilience. How are companies making this transition, and what can others learn from their journey? I had the pleasure of interviewing Stefanie Scruggs.
Stefanie Scruggs is Chief Sustainability and HSE Officer at Ecobat, responsible for the development, execution, and management of Ecobat’s sustainability and HS&E strategies. Stefanie brings 18 years of combined Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HS&E) leadership experience in the oil and gas industry. She holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
My journey began in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, home to one of the largest petrochemical sectors in the world. Growing up in this environment, the oil and gas industry was a way of life with most of my community working in this sector. Not only is this a significant economic zone, but Galveston Bay provides critical ecological habitat as one of the largest estuaries in the United States. This upbringing taught me about the crucial balance between industrial activities and environmental stewardship. Witnessing the vibrant, yet delicate, ecosystem of the Galveston estuary highlighted the importance of sustainable practices. This early exposure instilled in me a commitment to providing essential resources while safeguarding our natural environment, a principle that continues to guide my career.
Raised in a rural community as the youngest of four children, my parents placed a strong emphasis on the importance of education, driving me two hours each day to a private high school. This commitment demonstrated the value of creating opportunities for growth and success. It also shaped my own commitment to ensuring that the companies I work with uphold these values, striving to offer opportunities for advancement regardless of one’s geographic or socio-economic background.
Could you share with us your journey and the pivotal moments that led you to focus on the circular economy within your business?
My career initially centered around fossil fuels, which are inherently part of a linear economic model. Realizing the need for a more sustainable approach to meet future societal needs, I joined Ecobat. Here, we embrace a circular economy model, which aligns with my goal of meeting societal needs while promoting sustainability. This transition was a key moment in my journey, allowing me to contribute to a model that ensures resources are used efficiently and responsibly.
What experiences in your background have shaped your understanding and commitment to sustainable business practices?
I have been tremendously fortunate to be able to travel the world; not only in my personal life, but my professional life. The insight that travel brings reaffirms my belief that basic human rights are fundamental and all people deserve the opportunities of health, well-being and prosperity that sustainable practices provide. These experiences drive my dedication to sustainable business practices, as I strive to ensure that our operations provide meaningful opportunities and align with partners who share this commitment to sustainability.
Can you tell us about a significant challenge you’ve faced in your career that has influenced your approach to business and sustainability?
Warren Bennis said, “In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital.” Managing change effectively is a significant challenge that every organization faces. I learned early in my career that people are at the heart of innovation, continuous improvement, and organizational success; but people can also be one of the principal barriers in these areas. Collaboration with both your early adopters and naysayers, early and often, has become my mantra to drive success in change initiatives.
How has your company evolved to integrate circular economy principles, and what role have you played in this transformation?
Ecobat has long been a leader in circular economy practices, particularly in the recycling of lead, which boasts a 99% recyclability rate. My role has involved emphasizing and communicating the importance of our closed-loop system to customers, employees, and suppliers. This involves making our sustainable practices transparent and demonstrating the value they bring to all stakeholders.
What does ‘closing the loop’ in the circular economy mean to you, and why is it important for businesses today?
Closing the loop involves transforming waste into valuable resources and rethinking waste as potential raw materials and creating a second life. This shift in perspective is vital for businesses to remain sustainable and competitive. It fosters innovation and efficiency, ensuring that resources are continually reused and waste is minimized.
Does designing products to be circular increase the cost of the product? What are the challenges of balancing cost with creating a circular product that has demand?”
Balancing cost and sustainability presents a challenge, as designing circular products often involves additional expenses. However, innovation and regulatory incentives can help offset these costs. The key is to identify efficiencies and create new value chains that make circularity a financially viable and attractive business model.
Can you identify the 2–3 critical mistakes companies often make when transitioning to a circular economy model?
Lack of Visionary Leadership: Companies may falter by not involving forward-thinking leaders who can drive the transition.
Underestimating the Commitment: Successful transition requires leadership, dedication of resources, and effort at every organizational level.
Insufficient Expertise: Engaging with thought leaders and experts is crucial to navigate the complexities of the transition effectively.
How does your company address the entire lifecycle of a product, from design to end-of-life, to ensure circularity?
Ecobat sets the standard for circularity, with lead being 99% recyclable. We focus on optimizing every stage of our process, ensuring that products can be recycled and repurposed. Our ongoing efforts to improve efficiency benefit all stakeholders and reinforce our commitment to a circular economy.
What innovative strategies has your company implemented to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency?
Even though lead-acid batteries are one of the most recycled consumer products globally with a 99% recyclable rate, at Ecobat, we prioritize continuous improvement in waste reduction and resource efficiency across the business. Our strategies include optimizing collection and recycling processes and developing industry-specific approaches to enhance overall efficiency. These innovations are integral to minimizing waste and maximizing resource use.
What role do partnerships and collaborations play in your efforts to close the loop and create a more sustainable business model?
Partnerships and collaborations are essential to our circular economy efforts. With over 63,000 collection points across Europe, we rely on these partnerships to effectively collect, recycle, and distribute batteries. These alliances are critical in maintaining and enhancing our circular economy model.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create a Successful Circular Economy Based Business”?
- Partnerships: We have established strong partnerships that facilitate efficient battery collection and recycling, ensuring effective operation of our circular economy model.
- People: Our team’s expertise in technology and R&D drives innovation and operational efficiency.
- Good Product: We focus on products designed for second-life use, ensuring they fit seamlessly into a circular model.
- Demand: Regulatory frameworks and societal trends towards sustainability drive demand for circular products.
- Knowledge and Background: A deep understanding of sustainability principles is fundamental to creating a successful circular economy business.
What is one actionable step companies can take today to move closer to a circular economy model?
Companies should start by critically evaluating their value and waste streams, focusing on where products and waste end their lifecycle. By identifying opportunities for reuse and second-life applications, companies can make meaningful strides towards circularity.
Could you share a story of a business or leader who has inspired you in the realm of the circular economy?
Ellen MacArthur has been a significant inspiration. Through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, she has championed the transition to a circular economy with remarkable vision and impact. Her work demonstrates how impactful just one individual’s commitment can drive substantial change and investment in sustainability.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
Ecobat is the world leader in battery recycling and lead production, with operations throughout Europe and the United States. Visit https://ecobat.com.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Russell McLeod is an experienced business leader, social entrepreneur, and mentor. A champion of profit with purpose, the circular economy and of collaboration for positive progress.
Russell is the founder of Mightyhum a Toronto-based impact enterprise dedicated to supporting growing organizations. And, while it’s not a requirement, the Mightyhum team has a passion for collaborating with purpose-driven businesses. Mightyhum specializes in providing consulting services and turning hairy audacious concepts into achievable ventures & projects. The Mightyhum team work with C-suite executives and leaders, developing new product offerings, effective go-to-market strategies, building for profitability, and streamlining operations. Before Mightyhum, Russell was involved in the world of social enterprise as the Executive Director of ME to WE, one of Canada’s best known and most awarded social enterprises. While at ME to WE, the team demonstrated that being profitable and impactful was indeed possible. During his tenure, ME to WE delivered $20M in cash and in-kind to WE Charity, helping transform the lives of over 1 million people through access to clean water; the lives of 200,000 children with access to education; and 30,000 women-led businesses launched globally.
Russell’ personal mission is to inspire others that there is ‘a better way to do business,’ ‘that through business we can solve some of the world’s problems at the same time.’ You can follow Russell’s work at https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-mcleod1/ or www.mightyhum.com.
