The European Parliament has agreed on new rules aimed at making batteries as environmentally friendly as possible. Legislators want to cover the entire life cycle of batteries, from material mining and industrial production to disposal. If the initiative is supported at the highest level, the new rules will affect all types of batteries sold in the EU, including batteries for smartphones and power banks, as well as industrial batteries, wet batteries used in cars, and batteries for electric vehicles.
On the one hand, this initiative has good intentions, but it can create a number of problems for manufacturers, especially in the consumer electronics and automotive industries. Under the new rules, all companies selling batteries in the EU market will have to address the social and environmental risks associated with sourcing, selling and recycling products. In addition, they will have to stick to using a certain amount of recyclable materials: 16% cobalt, 85% lead, 6% lithium and 6% nickel. The EU has also set ambitious e-waste collection targets to ensure a steady flow of recycled materials. If we talk about electronics, then their volume by 2023 should be 45%, and by 2030 – 73%. In the case of electric vehicles – all 100%.
Adopting the new rules will be especially challenging for global car and battery manufacturers as they prepare for the new requirements by carefully reviewing their supply chains and operations, and forging strategic partnerships with battery recycling companies. Meanwhile, portable batteries in electronic devices should be designed in such a way that consumers can easily replace them. This is already a headache for manufacturers of smartphones and laptops, especially Apple and Samsung, because the vast majority of modern technology comes with non-removable batteries. Companies argue that this design allows for thinner and more durable products.
The new battery regulations, along with the “right to repair” law, will cause manufacturers not only to lose profits from servicing and repairing their devices, but also to rethink the overall product design. The battery regulation is awaiting final approval by the European Parliament and Council. If adopted, it will set a high environmental standard for the global battery market for years to come.
Source: Trash Box
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
