European Union: In the future, consumers should be able to replace batteries in devices themselves

“From raw material extraction to manufacturing: the EU wants to make batteries more environmentally friendly. Recycled material should also be used more frequently.

Batteries in devices such as mobile phones or laptops must in future be installed in the EU in such a way that consumers can replace them themselves. This is provided for by new guidelines from the European Union, which, according to a communication, should be applied from 2027 at the latest.

The decision is based on a proposal by the EU Commission from December 2020. The aim of the regulation is therefore to make batteries more environmentally friendly, for example through a longer service life and compliance with ecological standards in the extraction of raw materials.

Steffi Lemke speaks of "milestone"

"The fact that environmental aspects now have to be included is a real milestone," said Germany's Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens). "With the Battery Ordinance, the European Union is focusing on the entire life cycle for the first time, and the sustainability of the production and waste phases will be considered together in the future."

According to the regulation, there will be a mandatory declaration and labeling of the carbon footprint of batteries from around 2024. In addition, strict targets are set for the collection of battery waste. From 2031, a minimum amount of recycled lead, cobalt, lithium and nickel must be used in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles and industrial batteries. This is intended to promote the use of valuable materials from recycled batteries and reduce the environmental impact.

In addition, central product information along the life cycle of batteries is to be digitally bundled and made available. The new regulation negotiated between Parliament and member states is intended to replace a directive from 2006. It will apply to all batteries. The regulation will now be signed by the Council of the European Union and the EU Parliament and will then be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will come into force."