The European Parliament has given the green light to new rules governing the design, production, and waste management of batteries across the EU. Aiming to create a more sustainable, durable, and high-performing battery market, the legislation includes mandatory carbon footprint declarations for electric vehicle, light transport, and rechargeable industrial batteries. Portable batteries in appliances will be designed for easy removal and replacement by consumers, while a digital battery passport will be introduced for certain battery types.
- The European Parliament has approved new regulations aimed at creating a sustainable and high-performing battery market.
- A digital battery passport will be introduced to enhance traceability.
- The regulations also focus on waste management contributing to a more resource-efficient battery industry.
Key measures for a sustainable battery industry
The new regulations, approved by the European Parliament, are part of a broader initiative to promote a circular economy and reduce the environmental and social impact of batteries. With the ever-growing demand for batteries in various sectors, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, it is crucial to implement measures that ensure the sustainability and durability of these power sources. The legislation also aims to enhance European energy security, which is a vital component of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
One of the key measures introduced by the new law is the mandatory carbon footprint declaration and labelling for electric vehicle batteries, light means of transport batteries, and rechargeable industrial batteries. This will provide consumers with transparent information about the environmental impact of these batteries, helping them make informed decisions when purchasing battery-powered products. Furthermore, the regulation requires portable batteries in appliances to be designed in a way that makes them easily removable and replaceable by consumers. This will not only extend the lifespan of electronic devices but also contribute to a reduction in electronic waste.
Digital battery passport and waste management
Another innovative aspect of the new legislation is the introduction of a digital battery passport for certain types of batteries. This digital tool will enable manufacturers, end-users, and waste management operators to access essential information about a battery’s composition, usage history, and recycling requirements throughout its lifecycle. The digital passport will help improve the traceability of batteries, ensuring that they are properly handled and recycled at the end of their life.
In addition to the digital passport, the regulation sets stricter waste collection targets and minimum levels of materials recovered from waste batteries. This is particularly important considering the growing amount of battery waste generated across the EU. The new waste management rules will help ensure that valuable materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, are recovered and reused, thus contributing to a more resource-efficient battery industry and reducing the reliance on imported raw materials.
Building a competitive industrial sector and strengthening recycling
The rapporteur for the new law, Achille Variati, emphasised the importance of these measures in building a stronger EU recycling industry and a competitive industrial sector. By implementing these regulations, the EU aims to create a more robust and sustainable battery market, which will drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the achievement of the EU’s climate and energy goals.
Before the new regulations come into force, they must be endorsed by the Council and published in the EU Official Journal. Once enacted, the battery industry across the EU will need to adapt and comply with the new rules, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for batteries and their usage. This will ultimately contribute to the EU’s efforts to combat climate change and promote a sustainable, circular economy.
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