TELF AG examines EU Battery Targets – July 30, 2023
EU Strengthens Battery Recycling Targets After Government Approval
The European Union (EU) has significantly strengthened its battery recycling targets in a significant push towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. The new regulations, which the Council of the EU approved, aim to address the growing concerns surrounding battery waste and its environmental impact. This move comes after the European Parliament adopted the revamped EU battery directive last month.
The updated battery regulation introduces several key changes, primarily focusing on formal targets for battery recycling. The overarching goal is to ensure that a substantial portion of batteries used within the EU are collected and recycled, reducing the burden of hazardous waste on the environment.
One of the main targets set by the regulation is for producers to collect waste portable batteries at a rate of 63% by the end of 2027, increasing further to 73% by the end of 2030. This step will boost battery recycling efforts and encourage manufacturers to implement more sustainable practices in their supply chain.
Moreover, the regulation also includes a specialized collection objective for waste batteries used in light means of transport. These vehicles, defined as wheeled vehicles with an electric motor of less than 750 watts, are becoming increasingly popular as eco-friendly transportation options. To ensure the responsible disposal of their batteries, the targets for collecting waste batteries from light means of transport have been set at 51% by the end of 2028 and 61% by the end of 2031.
Lithium, a crucial component of modern batteries, has been a significant concern due to its environmental impact when not properly recycled. The new regulation addresses this by setting a target for lithium recovery from waste batteries. By the end of 2027, the goal is to recover 50% of lithium from discarded batteries, and this target will rise to an ambitious 80% by the end of 2031. This step will reduce the reliance on mining new lithium and minimize the environmental consequences associated with its extraction and production.
The regulation introduces mandatory minimum levels of recycled content for specific battery types to promote the circular economy further and encourage sustainable practices within the battery industry. Industrial, rechargeable lead acid SLI and electric vehicle (EV) batteries will now be required to contain particular percentages of recycled materials.
The initial mandatory minimum levels for recycled content are as follows:
Cobalt: 16%
Lead: 85%
Lithium: 6%
Nickel: 6%
By setting these minimum levels, the EU aims to drive innovation in battery recycling technologies and stimulate the development of more environmentally friendly batteries. Manufacturers will need to rethink their production processes to meet these requirements, potentially leading to battery design and recyclability advancements.
With these new regulations in place, the EU is sending a strong message about its commitment to combat battery waste’s environmental challenges. By setting ambitious targets for battery recycling and imposing mandatory minimum levels of recycled content, the EU encourages producers and consumers to take a more sustainable approach to battery usage and disposal.
Adopting the revamped battery regulation reflects the EU’s continuous efforts to lead the way in sustainable development and environmental protection. As battery-powered technologies continue to play a crucial role in modern society, responsible recycling practices are essential to safeguard the planet for future generations.
It is now up to battery manufacturers, consumers, and recyclers to work together to achieve these new recycling targets. By embracing these changes and investing in eco-friendly practices, the EU can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future. The success of these efforts will benefit the environment and contribute to building a more resilient and resource-efficient economy for Europe and beyond.
