How to best deal with environmentally friendly batteries

Are batteries a key technology for climate neutrality?

Batteries are key technologies in the pursuit of innovation and climate neutrality. New JRC studies suggest rules on classification, collection, and recycling to help us reuse the materials they contain. New JRC studies will enable harmonised circularity assessment methods that reflect changes in the batteries market. © Sashkin - stock.adobe.com

How can a battery be sourced locally and less destructive?

More abundant materials like sodium and sand are being looked at which can be sourced locally and less destructively. Other technologies such as metal-air batteries, solid-state batteries and the use of silicon are all vying to try and increase capacity, and also safety, while reducing production costs.

Why is reusing and recycling batteries important?

The EU depends on non-EU countries for the raw materials in batteries, so reusing and recycling them helps the EU keep a competitive advantage on the market and helps prevent possible shortages in the supply chain. An ideal battery management and recycling system begins as soon as a battery is no longer usable.

Are rechargeable batteries the future?

Other technologies such as metal-air batteries, solid-state batteries and the use of silicon are all vying to try and increase capacity, and also safety, while reducing production costs. For household batteries, the future is rechargeable batteries rather than single use disposables. Even the EU thinks so.

Are batteries perishable?

This does mean that people are forced to use rechargeables, but all batteries are perishable, and it can make the whole product die with the battery. Perhaps there will be a renaissance of wind-up and mechanical things where batteries or any sort of electric power is not needed.

What makes a battery eligible?

To be eligible batteries must: Have a low content of mercury, cadmium, and lead, lower than is required by the EU Battery Directive. Not contain PVC. Meet the Nordic Swan Ecolabel CSR policy to ensure responsible use and sourcing of limited raw materials and conflict-free minerals and have a code of conduct for workers’ rights at suppliers.