Inspenet, July 15, 2023.
The countries of the European Union have today adopted a new regulation that sets specific objectives to improve the production, use, treatment and recycling of batteries, in order to address environmental and social risks in the European Union.
This revised regulation will take into account technological advances and future challenges and will cover its entire life cycle, from its design to the end of its useful life. In addition, it will apply to all types of batteries sold in the EU.
The regulation of the European Union
One of the goals established in the regulation is that producers must collect up to 73% of portable battery waste by the end of 2030. This demonstrates the EU’s commitment to improve battery management and promote more sustainable practices in battery production and use.
“At the end of their useful life, batteries contain a large amount of valuable resources, and it is important that we can reuse these critical raw materials instead of relying on other countries for supplies,” said the third vice president and minister for energy. Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, who chaired the informal meeting of Environment Ministers in Valladolid, within the framework of the Spanish presidency of the Council.
The regulation sets targets for producers to collect portable battery waste, with a target of 63% by the end of 2027 and 73% by the end of 2030. In addition, a specific collection target for batteries used in light means of transport is introduced, with a target of 51% by the end of 2028 and 61% by the end of 2031. These measures demonstrate the commitment to promote its collection and recycling, with the aim of making the most of resources and reducing dependence on other countries.
In addition, the regulation sets a target for lithium recovery from used batteries, with a target of 50% by the end of 2027 and 80% by the end of 2031. However, these objectives could be adjusted through delegated acts depending on market conditions, technological advances and the availability of lithium.
The regulation also introduces mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for industrial batteries, initially setting levels of 16% for cobalt, 85% for lead, 6% for lithium and 6% for nickel. It also sets a recycling efficiency target of 80% for nickel-cadmium batteries by the end of 2025 and 50% by 2025.
These provisions seek to promote the recovery and recycling of valuable materials such as lithium, and set minimum recycled content standards for certain metals. Likewise, clear goals are set for recycling efficiency, with the aim of improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact .
Battery traceability
Three and a half years after the legislation went into effect, portable batteries in household appliances are required to be designed so that they can be easily removed and replaced by consumers.
To provide clearer information to consumers, the batteries will be labeled with QR codes containing details about their capacity, performance, durability, chemical composition and the “separate collection” symbol.
In addition, LMT batteries, industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh and electric vehicle (EV) batteries will be required to have a “digital battery passport”. This passport will include information on the battery model, as well as specific details of each individual battery and its corresponding use.
These measures are intended to improve transparency and information provided to consumers about batteries, including their ease of replacement, technical characteristics and suitable recycling options.
In addition, all economic actors that put batteries on the European Union market (except small and medium-sized companies) will have to establish and implement a “due diligence policy”, in accordance with international standards, to address social and environmental risks. associated with the supply, processing and marketing of raw materials.
The vote carried out this Monday in the Council marks the conclusion of the adoption process, which means that the regulation will be signed by the Council and the European Parliament and subsequently published in the Official Journal of the European Union. As of its publication, the regulation will enter into force after 20 days.
These measures ensure that economic operators take responsibility for addressing the social and environmental impacts related to the raw materials used in batteries. In addition, they establish a clear process for the adoption and application of legislation, ensuring that the regulations come into force within a reasonable period of time.
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