The EU will force manufacturers to make greener, more easily replaceable and recyclable batteries, according to an agreement reached this Friday between MEPs and member states, which is committed to the “circular economy” to boost battery production in Europe.
The adopted text covers the entire battery cycle, from design to the end of its useful life, and will apply to all types of batteries sold in the EU – smartphones, computers, household appliances, scooters, cars, industrial batteries… .–, states a press release from the European Parliament.
Starting in 2024, manufacturers will be required to provide information on the total expected carbon footprint of each battery, from removal to recycling. And as of 2027, only electric car batteries that do not exceed a maximum threshold can be marketed. In 2026, sustainability and performance criteria will also be imposed.
Batteries will soon be easier to remove and replace
Three and a half years from now, smartphones or electronic devices will also need to be designed to allow for easy battery removal and replacement.
Above all, companies that include batteries in their products will have to meet binding collection targets: 45% of phone or computer batteries must be collected by 2023, and at least 73% by 2030.
For batteries of electric bicycles, scooters and scooters, the minimum rate of return will be 61% by 2031.
All batteries collected must be recycled, with high levels of recovery of critical components: by 2027, the processes used must allow the recycling of at least 90% of the cobalt and nickel in the batteries, as well as 50% of the lithium ( then 80% in 2031).
Source: BFM TV
