São Paulo, Brazil, 26th August 2024 - LONGi attaches great importance to sustainability in its production facilities and operations, aspiring to a zero-carbon community. This involves building an advanced environmental control system, investing in protection programs, reducing energy and water consumption, increasing the use of renewable electricity, and enhancing waste recycling efforts. Every production facility adheres to strict green development principles, promoting clean and safe production practices throughout the manufacturing process.
Dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of products extends beyond production. End-of-Life considerations are integrated into the design phase, including prioritizing recyclable and degradable materials, advocating for waste-free and recyclable packaging designs, and minimizing the use of chemicals. In practice, scrapped products are recycled in an environmentally compliant manner, with more than 90% of module products being comprehensively recycled and reused, reflecting the company's commitment to a circular economy.
In a pioneering move, fluorine-free backsheets have been adopted on a large scale, marking a first in the sector. This innovation, coupled with continuous research into advanced environmental materials, underscores the company's dedication to reducing the environmental impact of its products.
Product Recycling
The commitment to recycling extends globally. In 2021, the company joined the "PV Recycle Industry Development Center," sponsored by the China ECOPV Alliance, to collaborate on recycling technologies and policy proposals. This collaboration continued in March 2023 with participation in the "PV Module Recycling Working Group," led by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association. These efforts have driven advancements in PV module recycling technologies and industrial development.
Building on these global achievements, LONGi is now expanding its commitment to Brazil. The recent certification from the Brazilian photovoltaic recycler SunR and the international recycling association PV CYCLE marks the first of its kind in Latin America. While LONGi already holds the global PV CYCLE certification in countries such as China, the United States, and several others in Europe, this is the first issued in Latin America, reinforcing the company's dedication to sustainable end-of-life management of solar products in the region.
With this certification, LONGi will support the growth of the recycling industry and the management of photovoltaic waste in Brazil, along with its clients, distributors, and end-users. The partnership with SunR will provide all the PV value chain access to a network for the collection, transport, and treatment of PV installations and components, ensuring a sustainable approach to the circularity of solar system products so more than 90% of PV products continue to be comprehensively recycled and reused.
The ongoing efforts highlight an unwavering pursuit of green development and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for the solar industry worldwide.
About PV CYCLE
PV CYCLE, based in Belgium, has been operational since 2007. It is the first non-profit organization specializing in the management of waste from photovoltaic panels and other products related to photovoltaic energy systems, including electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and packaging. PV CYCLE offers tailored waste management services and legal compliance on a global scale, intervening at all stages of a photovoltaic panel’s life cycle. The organization provides solutions for producer responsibility and waste management.
About SunR
SunR, active in Brazil since 2020, is dedicated to photovoltaic recycling and promoting the reverse logistics of damaged solar modules. Its services include drone-based thermal inspections with AI, waste management during the construction or operation of solar power plants, and the repurposing of photovoltaic modules for clients' social projects. By reintegrating recycled materials into the production chain, SunR helps conserve natural resources and minimize environmental impact. Operating with a "Zero Landfill" philosophy, the company recycles over 80% of photovoltaic modules and issues certificates for environmentally correct disposal.
About LONGi
Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.
Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com