The European Union (EU) made USB Type-C charging ports compulsory for every smartphone, tablet, and laptop. As of now, it seems like the EU has agreed on new rules and regulations that will make the batteries more sustainable and reusable. This regulation will pose a different set of challenges to the battery manufacturers as well as the consumer tech firms. Since the new laws apply to the complete battery life cycle. Where the complete life cycle of a battery consists of material extraction, industrial production, and disposal.
The new regulation by the EU is applied to all types of batteries that are sold in the EU. It ranges from the batteries included in electronic devices, automotive batteries, two-wheelers, and Electric vehicle batteries, to industrial batteries. From 2024 the battery manufacturers in the EU will be required to report the complete carbon footprint of the product. This data will be utilized to set a carbon dioxide limit for batteries that will arrive by July 2027 or even before that. They will be required to use a dedicated percentage of recycled materials. For instance 16% cobalt, 85% lead, 6% lithium, and 6% nickel.
The new regulation states that consumer tech brands should design replaceable batteries. It states that they should be easily removable via the battery cover or by removing the screws. If this rule is adopted by the tech firms we can expect the revival of replaceable batteries. Thus, making electronic devices more sustainable. Where the life expectancy of batteries will also be enhanced. However, it will cut down the profit margins of companies during the repair and maintenance of devices.
The new regulation demands the development of sustainable batteries worldwide. Thus, setting a standard for others. In addition to the carbon footprint of batteries, the companies will be required to identify and address human rights and labor issues given their supply chains.
The new law by the EU has only been applied to main raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. In addition to this, the EU has set some ambitious collection targets. It targets to collect 45% of recyclable materials of electronic devices by 2023. However, it will achieve the target of 73% by 2030. Moreover, it aims to collect 100% recycled materials for EVs.
The new rules and regulations by the EU are pending their approval by the Parliament and the Council. It is going to be a tough and challenging situation for electronic firms like Google, Samsung, Apple, and others. Since the devices will require redesigning. Even Samsung SDI and Panasonic would be required to revise their recent strategies.
All firms dealing with batteries would need to address the new rules and regulations. They will be required to review their supply chains and operations. Furthermore, the firms will require collaborative solutions with the recyclers.
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