It’s pretty hard to imagine a world without batteries anymore. We use them to power our phones, cars, laptops and much more. To make these batteries, we need lots of critical raw materials that are scarce and costly. The basic circular economy principle of recovering materials and maintaining their quality and value holds true for batteries more than any other category of products. One of the ways in which we can realise sustainable progress is by creating Digital Product Passports for batteries. By recording relevant information, communicating about the impacts that come with batteries and finding solutions to give use them for longer and recycling and refurbishing at the end of their use, we can take better care of our scarce material supply.
The Environmental Impact of Batteries
Without diving too deep into the negatives, batteries are resource-intensive and polluting. Some figures that demonstrate how they impact the environment:
Critical raw materials: not only are they scarce, mining and extracting critical raw materials is a process that leads to significant carbon emissions as well as energy use and water pollution.
Disposal: we want to avoid battery disposal, but it happens. Doing so causes harm to the environment, especially given the amount of toxic metals used to make batteries like lead, cadmium and mercury.
Recycling: not many batteries find their way into recycling processes. Even if they are, the process of recycling is hazardous and energy-intensive if not conducted properly.
In other words: more than enough reason to find sustainable solutions.
Calculating the impacts and making fair comparisons
Being able to calculate the impacts of products, to then communicate about these impacts in DPPs, is a challenge. Performing a single Life Cycle Analysis can cost thousands of euros and take months, if not years. If we have the ambition to record all batteries that are being sold on the European Market in DPPs, that might not be the way to go. C_passport® makes it possible to calculate the impact of batteries based on the material composition, product composition and end of use solution. That process takes minutes, and even allows for a range of scopes to calculate with. This makes comparing batteries a lot easier as well. You can even alter the material composition of DPPs to calculate the change in impact directly. A great way to start contributing to our common goals: identifying the impact of products and improving with insights.
EU Targets for a Circular Economy
In response to the challenges that occur regarding batteries and far beyond, the European Union has set ambitious targets to transition towards a circular economy and reduce waste. The most relevant ones to know about regarding batteries:
Battery directive: with 2030 as horizon, the EU has mapped out a number of standards that batteries have to comply with, among which collection targets, marking and labelling, and a restriction on the use of lead.
Digital Product Passport: by 2027, all new batteries that are sold on the European Market are required to be connected to a Digital Product Passport.
Ecodesign Requirements: New ecodesign requirements laid out in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will ensure that batteries are produced with less environmental impact and are easier to recycle. This also includes design for durability, reusability and upgradability.
Enhancing End-of-Use Solutions
One of the most compelling advantages of DPPs for batteries is their role in improving end-of-use solutions. Batteries often get discarded because users don’t know what to do to make sure they’re recycled. DPPs address this by offering detailed insights into the composition, recyclability and ability to refurbish batteries. Here’s how:
Facilitating Recycling: DPPs provide specific information about the materials and components that make up a product. This enables recyclers to identify the best methods for processing the materials, reducing waste and increasing the efficiency of recycling processes. Refurbishers can use this information to determine what components might have to be replaced in order to re-enter the battery in the market.
Promoting Responsible End of Use treatments: With clear guidelines on how to dispose of batteries, consumers are more likely to follow sustainable practices. DPPs can be connected to QR codes or RFID tags that link to detailed instructions, making it easier for users to engage in responsible disposal or recycling.
Supporting Second-Hand Markets: Detailed product information enhances the value of second-hand items by providing potential buyers with insights into the product’s history and condition. This transparency can boost consumer confidence and encourage the purchase of pre-owned batteries, further extending the usecycle and promoting next use of products.
Visualising Material Composition and Associated Impacts
DPPs visualise the material composition of batteries and their environmental impacts. This transparency is crucial for both consumers and businesses aiming to make more informed decisions.
Transparency in Material Sourcing: DPPs can show the origins of raw materials, detailing their sourcing locations, methods, and certifications. This information is vital for consumers who prioritise ethical and sustainable products, as it allows them to choose items that align with their values.
Assessing Environmental Impact: By documenting the environmental footprint of products, DPPs for batteries offer an easy way to learn about impacts. This includes data on water usage, carbon emissions, and energy use. Such transparency helps consumers understand the environmental cost of their purchases and encourages brands to adopt better practices.
Enabling Sustainable Choices: With access to detailed material information, consumers can make better choices. For instance, they can opt for batteries that last longer or that might include recycled components. Brands can also leverage this data to highlight their sustainability efforts and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Empowering Innovations in Design: Designers and manufacturers can use insights from DPPs to innovate and create more sustainable products. By understanding which materials and processes have the least environmental impact, they can develop batteries that are both high-quality and sustainable.
C_passport® for batteries
Getting started with DPPs can seem like a big ask. Where do you find the data? And how do you implement large amounts of DPPs? That’s where we can help out. The first steps are easily made using C_passport® by Cirmar. All you need to know is what materials are used to create products, and their end of use solutions. Give our free trial a go, or get in touch to find out how to make sure you have a flying start.
