#USA #Cummins #NTIC #Cyclic Materials #Saline, Michigan

Celebrating Environmental Excellence in the Automotive Industry

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), a consortium that brings together global vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, recently held its fourth quarter membership meeting at the Toyota Supplier Center in Saline, Michigan. The meeting featured the announcement of the 2025 Environmental Leadership Award recipients, honoring outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability within the automotive value chain.

SP Awards are a robust program that celebrates innovative and impactful sustainability efforts across multiple categories. This year, the awards recognized achievements in four key areas: Community Impact, Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices, Demonstrating Environmental Innovation, and the Shining Star category which acknowledges individual leaders in sustainability.

Award Winners and Their Contributions

Community Impact Award

Recipient: Cummins
The Community Impact Award was awarded to Cummins for its notable initiative called Cummins Water Works. This program focuses on enhancing water security for communities worldwide by implementing sustainable water projects. Since its launch in 2021, Cummins Water Works has successfully provided access to clean water benefits exceeding 8.7 billion gallons, thereby reaching over 6.3 million individuals across 21 different countries. Cummins’ commitment to addressing critical water scarcity issues makes it a worthwhile recipient of this recognition.

Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices Award

Recipient: NTIC / Zerust
The award for Creativity in Implementing Sustainable Practices was presented to NTIC, also known as Zerust, for its innovative ZeCycle Recycling Program. This closed-loop initiative transforms used automotive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) plastic packaging into new post-consumer recycled films. Developed in collaboration with RecycleMax, this program demonstrates the power of partnerships within SP to drive tangible outcomes in the circular economy, showcasing how sustainability can be creatively integrated into business practices.

Demonstrating Environmental Innovation Award

Recipient: Cyclic Materials
Cyclic Materials received the award for Demonstrating Environmental Innovation thanks to its groundbreaking efforts in recovering rare earth elements and critical materials from end-of-life products, including retired electric vehicle motors. Utilizing technologies such as MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠, they developed a two-phase recycling process that disassembles these materials into reusable raw elements. This innovation strongly supports a more sustainable supply chain and reinforces the importance of recycling in the automotive sector.

Shining Star Award

Recipient: Anna Mascarenas (Magna)
The Shining Star Award, which celebrates individual contributions to sustainability, went to Anna Mascarenas of Magna. Her leadership in driving impactful environmental programs that focus on biodiversity, water stewardship, and renewable energy initiatives stands out in the industry. As an avid outdoorsperson, Anna's passion for inspiring environmental action and fostering collaboration demonstrates the values of SP in advancing sustainability.

Acknowledgment of Excellence

Kellen Mahoney, Executive Director of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, spoke highly of this year’s award recipients, stating, "Each of this year's award recipients exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is core to our work in SP. Their efforts demonstrate new opportunities to advance sustainability across the automotive value chain, from local community engagement to end-of-life material recovery. We’re proud to celebrate members whose work is contributing to meaningful progress in the industry’s sustainability ambitions."

As the automotive industry continues to face pressures regarding sustainability, the recognition of these award winners plays a crucial role in motivating other organizations to adopt and implement similar practices. These awards not only highlight the achievements of leading companies but also show the potential for collective action in making significant strides toward environmental responsibility.

For more information on the SP Awards and its initiatives, visit Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

Conclusion

The 2025 Environmental Leadership Award winners reflect the growing commitment of the automotive industry to embrace environmental sustainability. With innovative solutions and strong community impacts, they pave the way for a more sustainable future in one of the world's most critical industries.