Shure initiative aids sustainability worldwide
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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 American 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 20m 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, theatre, meeting rooms, schools and others are rapidly adopting the rechargeable technology.
In addition to rechargeable battery technology, Shure’s other sustainable initiatives include 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. New products will be packaged using 75 percent recyclable and/or renewable materials in 2023.
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.
