EU approves new regulations for sustainable and circular batteries

European Parliament has approved the new rules for the design, production and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the EU. The aim is to make batteries more sustainable, durable, and better performing while addressing social and environmental risks. The regulation aligns with the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the New Industrial Strategy. The key measures outlined in the regulation include:

Carbon footprint declaration and label: Electric vehicle (EV) batteries, batteries for light means of transport (e.g., electric scooters and bikes), and rechargeable industrial batteries above 2kWh capacity will require a compulsory carbon footprint declaration and label.

Design for replaceability: Portable batteries in appliances should be designed in a way that allows consumers to easily remove and replace them.

Digital battery passport: A digital battery passport will be introduced for batteries used in light means of transport, industrial batteries above 2 kWh capacity, and EV batteries. This passport will contain information about the battery’s performance and environmental impact.

Due diligence policy: All economic operators, except for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will be required to implement a due diligence policy to address social and environmental risks associated with batteries.

Waste collection targets: The regulation sets specific waste collection targets for different types of batteries. For portable batteries, the targets are 45% by 2023, 63% by 2027, and 73% by 2030. For batteries in light means of transport, the targets are 51% by 2028 and 61% by 2031.

Minimum material recovery levels: The regulation sets minimum levels of materials that should be recovered from waste batteries. By 2027, at least 50% of lithium should be recovered, and by 2031, 80% of lithium, as well as 90% of cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel, should be recovered.

Minimum recycled content in new batteries: The regulation establishes minimum levels of recycled content from manufacturing and consumer waste that should be used in new batteries. For example, eight years after the regulation comes into force, new batteries should contain 16% recycled cobalt, 85% recycled lead, 6% recycled lithium, and 6% recycled nickel.

This new legislation aims to cover the entire life cycle of batteries and strengthen the EU recycling industry while promoting a competitive industrial sector. The Council will now need to endorse the text before its publication in the EU Official Journal and subsequent entry into force.

Cover image source: EU Parliament Website

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