Bruce Murray
Bio
Bruce Murray brings over 40 years of experience in the metals industry to his role as Vice President of Commercial at Ecobat, where he has worked for 18 years. With extensive expertise in navigating regulatory pressures, fostering innovation through R&D, and addressing workforce development, Murray excels in driving commercial success and strategic growth.
The lead industry faces many challenges, particularly in Europe. These include regulatory pressures such as the Battery Regulation, REACH, and the End of Life Vehicle Directive; competition from lithium-ion batteries and other chemistries; a lack of investment in R&D compared to competing technologies; and workforce development and retention issues, among others. Despite strict scrutiny, the lead industry has often exceeded regulatory requirements. With the rising use of lithium-ion batteries, the Battery Regulation now specifically covers this chemistry, addressing not only automotive batteries but also industrials and light means of transportation (LMT). This regulation could be a double-edged sword for lithium: while compliance may be challenging, regulatory support endorses lithium-ion battery use. However, instead of playing the victim, the lead industry should coexist with other chemistries and remain competitive. There are aspects of the Battery Regulation that could support European lead recyclers and lead-acid battery makers if the enforcement of minimum recycled content, recycling efficiency targets, and waste management is accompanied by traceability and auditing schemes for both domestic production and imported lead and battery products, ensuring a level playing field for adherence. At the ELBC workshop, Bruce Murray, Ecobat’s Commercial Vice-President, will explore these topics and bring the market perspective of a key recycler operating in Europe and North America.
