With a view to responsibly sourced raw materials and recycling
From 2024, there will be more European rules for batteries in products sold in Europe. The European Commission and the European Council now agree on this. There should be more transparency for consumers with regard to the performance and origin of the battery. In the meantime, manufacturers must meet more requirements for the circularity of the battery and ensure responsible extraction of the raw materials used.
Following intentions laid down in the European Green Deal of 2020, the European Commission and the European Council agree: there should be more sustainability requirements for batteries on the European market. The demand for batteries is rising sharply and will increase exponentially in the coming years, mainly due to the electrification of cars and other means of transport. Because this also increases demand for the raw materials for batteries, which are often CO2-intensive to extract, sustainability regulations will be introduced. They not only set requirements for the origin of raw materials, but also for the circularity of batteries.
The new rules will be introduced from 2024 and will become a bit stricter until at least 2031. It is not yet known when exactly which requirements will come into effect. It is clear, however, that manufacturers of battery-powered products must at some point be able to guarantee that the raw materials for their batteries have been sourced in a sufficiently responsible manner – with regard to both the environment and human rights.
Extended producer responsibility
In addition, there will be rules for how well a battery can be recycled. Thereby extended producer responsibility the magic word. An extended responsibility for producers, in other words. For example, from 2031 they must ensure that at least 61 percent of the batteries they produce are also recycled. In addition, there will also be requirements for the amount of raw materials used for the battery that can be reused. For example, by 2031, at least 80 percent of the lithium in a battery must be reusable.
In addition to circularity and sustainable raw material extraction, there will also be more transparency about the performance of batteries. This makes it easier for consumers to find out what the specifications are of the battery in a product they have purchased. Among other things, the CO2 footprint, the percentage of raw materials in the battery that has been recycled, the lifespan and capacity of the battery must be clear. There will also be more guidelines for the (fire) safety of batteries.
The new regulations, which will therefore be implemented from 2024, replace the European ones Batteries Directive from 2006. In view of the fast-growing demand for batteries, it is due for replacement quickly, although the EU does indicate that the new rules have not yet crystallized. There is no doubt that the first novelties in the context of battery policy will be available from 2024, but it is also stated that the regulations will be further shaped from then up to and including 2028.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl