SP 2024 Innovation Summit Event Recap – Day 2

Held in Columbus, Ohio on July 24-25, the 2024 SP Innovation Summit brought together over 350 representatives from across the automotive value chain to discuss challenges and opportunities in addressing industry sustainability priorities. Check out our prior post for information on the first day’s events.

On July 25, the Summit’s morning plenary session explored new initiatives and stakeholder expectations aimed at a wide range of nature-related risks and dependencies within the value chain, and new opportunities to drive positive impacts through nature-based solutions and water stewardship practices. The morning session was led by SP 2024 Summit Co-Chairs Vickie Lewis (VMX International) and Bob Crawford (P2 Packaging).

Margaret O’Gorman (Wildlife Habitat Council) began the session with an overview of emerging nature trends and strategic opportunities for industry. Margaret then moderated an OEM panel discussion on Nature Based Solutions for Automotive Operations & Upstream Nature Risks / Opportunities featuring Becky Martin (Toyota), Joel Agner (Honda), and Sarah Tea (General Motors).

Next, Matt Howard (The Water Council) and Kevin Butt (Toyota) discussed emerging trends in water stewardship and how these issues if properly addressed can strengthen the automotive value chain and lead to more resilient businesses. Each of the panels touched on emerging nature and water priorities that are being addressed through SP’s nature based solutions and water stewardship work groups.

The Summit’s closing plenary session focused on emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities posed by the industry’s electrification journey and was moderated by David O’Ryan (Ecoclean). The session began with a keynote address from Alan Amici (Center for Automotive Research) exploring the industry’s shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and its wide ranging implications for a variety of industries.

The next panel explored key themes and case examples from the new book “The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge” written by Ken Boyer (The Ohio State University). The panel moderated by Ken Boyer explored how companies can prepare to navigate industry changes and featured Alyssa Barbuto (Honda), Kristal DiCarlo (AGC Automotive), and Stephanie Anderson (Monolith).

The next two panels then dived deeper into emerging trends and sustainability opportunities related to EV batteries. Danielle Spalding (Cirba Solutions) moderated an OEM panel discussion around industry EV battery circularity goals, trends and programs, featuring Dan Esch (Ford), Laura Wagner (General Motors), and Phil Cozad (Honda). SP’s Director Kellen Mahoney then moderated a supplier panel on the need for and achievement of building an integrated closed-loop, North American Battery Metals supply chain featuring Ryan Melsert (American Battery Technology Company) and Michael Burdick (BASF). A range of the topics discussed are being addressed further within SP’s responsible battery work group.

Throughout the event, Summit attendees had the opportunity to participate in a series of smaller group interactive breakout sessions and workshops. The second day’s breakout session speakers and moderators included representatives of organizations such as: GLYNT AI, Manufacture 2030, PADNOS, RENEW Energy Partners, Proxima Group, and US EPA. The event was closed by SP’s Chairman Kevin Butt (Toyota) who encouraged attendees to take the learnings and connections from the event back to their companies to drive positive impact.

A special thank you to each of our sponsors for their support of this year’s event, including: Toyota Motor North America, Action Wood 360, Cirba Solutions, Envita Solutions, FigBytes powered by AMCS Group, GLYNT AI, Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, Manufacture 2030, Makersite, ORBIS, Proxima Group, STRIVE by STX, Trio, Fire Rover, Foresight Management + Cornerstone, and iPoint.

All event photos by Paul Vernon.

SP’s next membership meeting is scheduled to be held on October 23-24 at Honda in Marysville, Ohio. As always, SP members and collaborators are encouraged to reach out to learn more about how to get involved in SP work group activities and initiatives and to share your ideas to keep moving us toward our shared vision of an automotive industry with positive environmental impact.

Additional information on the Summit, including event photos, presentations and next steps, is available to current SP member companies. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about SP and opportunities to participate as a member.