The European Union (EU) has adopted a new regulation on batteries and waste batteries, which aims to improve sustainability and competitiveness in the battery industry. The regulation, approved by the EU Council on July 10th, will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries, from production to reuse and recycling, ensuring that they are safe, sustainable, and competitive.
The regulation was initially proposed by the European Commission in 2020 and was approved by the European Parliament in collaboration with the Commission and the EU Council. The low recycling rate of batteries at the end of their life and the need to find alternatives to raw materials sourced from aggressive countries, such as Russia, were among the reasons for the adoption of this regulation.
Batteries play a crucial role in decarbonization and the transition to zero-emission transportation in the EU. At the end of their life, batteries contain valuable resources that need to be efficiently reused to reduce reliance on imports. The new rules aim to support the competitiveness of the European industry and ensure that new batteries are sustainable and contribute to the ecological transformation.
The European regulation sets requirements for the end of life of batteries, including collection targets and material reuse obligations. For example, by the end of 2027, 50% of lithium from waste batteries should be reused, and by four years later, the target increases to 80%.
One significant aspect of the regulation is that by 2027, users should be able to remove and replace portable batteries themselves, including those in devices such as portable gaming consoles. This gives manufacturers enough time to adapt their products to meet the new requirement, including companies like Apple.
However, there are exceptions in the regulation that allow manufacturers to continue producing devices with non-removable batteries under certain conditions. For instance, if the battery maintains at least 83% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles or 80% after 1,000 cycles, it can still be permanently installed. Apple currently states that the batteries in their iPhones are designed to retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles.
The regulation provides manufacturers with enough time to improve the quality of iPhone batteries before it comes into effect, potentially avoiding the need for removable back panels. However, Apple already allows users to replace batteries (and other components) at home using a special toolkit. Other manufacturers, such as Nokia, also offer similar options for selected models.
There are also exceptions for waterproof devices, as they may not have easily replaceable batteries. However, this exception does not significantly affect smartphones, as they are typically water-resistant rather than waterproof. It primarily applies to devices like smartwatches.
The new regulation on batteries and waste batteries is a significant step towards a more sustainable and competitive battery industry in the EU. By regulating the entire life cycle of batteries, from production to recycling, the EU aims to reduce waste, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to the ecological transformation of the region.New EU Regulation Aims to Improve Sustainability of Batteries and Waste Batteries
The European Council has adopted a new regulation aimed at improving the sustainability of batteries and waste batteries. The regulation will govern the entire life cycle of batteries, from production to reuse and recycling, ensuring that they are safe, sustainable, and competitive, according to an official statement by the EU Council on July 10th.
The regulation, which was approved by the European Parliament, aims to address the low recycling rates of batteries at the end of their life cycle and the need for alternative sources of critical raw materials. The recent conflict in Ukraine, caused by the Russian invasion, has highlighted the importance of finding substitutes for raw materials sourced from aggressive nations, according to German MEP Henrike Hahn.
Batteries play a crucial role in decarbonizing and transitioning to zero-emission transportation in the EU. At the end of their life cycle, batteries contain valuable resources that need to be efficiently reused to reduce reliance on imports. The new rules will support the competitiveness of the European industry and ensure that new batteries are sustainable and contribute to the ecological transformation, said Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera.
The European regulation includes requirements regarding the end of life of batteries, including collection targets and material reuse obligations. For example, by the end of 2027, 50% of lithium from waste batteries should be reused, increasing to 80% four years later.
One notable provision of the regulation is that by 2027, users should be able to remove and replace portable batteries themselves, including those in portable gaming consoles. This gives manufacturers enough time to adapt their products to meet the new requirement, including companies like Apple.
However, there are exceptions in the regulation that allow manufacturers to continue producing devices with non-removable batteries under certain conditions. For instance, if a battery maintains at least 83% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles, or 80% after 1,000 cycles, it can still be permanently installed. Apple currently states that the battery in its iPhones is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles.
The regulation provides manufacturers with enough time to improve the quality of iPhone batteries before it comes into effect, potentially avoiding the need for removable back panels. However, Apple already allows users to replace batteries (and other components) at home using a special toolkit. Other manufacturers, such as Nokia, also offer similar options for selected models.
The regulation also includes exceptions for waterproof devices, as they may not have easily replaceable batteries. However, this exception does not significantly impact smartphones, as they are typically water-resistant rather than waterproof. It primarily applies to devices like smartwatches.
The new EU regulation on batteries and waste batteries aims to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and ensure the efficient use of critical resources. It represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the European Union.
What exceptions are included in the regulation that allow manufacturers to produce devices with non-removable batteries
Our years later. These targets will promote the efficient reuse of resources and reduce waste in the battery industry.
One important aspect of the regulation is that by 2027, users should be able to remove and replace portable batteries themselves, including those in devices like portable gaming consoles. This gives manufacturers enough time to adapt their products to meet this requirement. However, there are exceptions that allow manufacturers to continue producing devices with non-removable batteries under certain conditions. For example, if the battery maintains at least 83% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles or 80% after 1,000 cycles, it can still be permanently installed.
The regulation also takes into account waterproof devices, which may not have easily replaceable batteries. However, this exception does not significantly affect smartphones, as they are typically water-resistant rather than waterproof. It primarily applies to devices like smartwatches.
Overall, the new regulation on batteries and waste batteries is a significant step towards a more sustainable and competitive battery industry in the EU. By regulating the entire life cycle of batteries, the EU aims to reduce waste, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to the ecological transformation of the region. With the adoption of this regulation, the EU is taking proactive measures to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of its battery industry.
This new EU regulation on batteries and waste batteries highlights the importance of prioritizing safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in the battery industry. By enforcing stringent standards, the EU aims to ensure the responsible management of batteries, protecting the environment and promoting the development of innovative battery technologies. This regulation is a significant step towards a greener and more efficient future.
This new EU regulation on batteries and waste batteries is a positive step towards ensuring safety, sustainability, and competitiveness. By setting clear guidelines and standards for battery production, disposal, and recycling, it promotes responsible practices that protect the environment and consumer well-being. This regulation will not only benefit the EU market but also encourage innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of European battery manufacturers.