At the level of European legislation, the production and use of batteries is regulated by the 2006 Battery Directive, which, according to the European Commission, needs modernization due to changing socio-economic conditions, technological developments, markets and battery practices.
The European Commission predicts that the demand for batteries by 2030 will grow 14 times. This is mainly related to electric transport, which makes this market increasingly strategic at the global level. This global exponential growth in demand for batteries will lead to an equivalent increase in demand for raw materials, hence the need to minimize their environmental impact.
Commission proposes to introduce mandatory requirements for all batteries (eg industrial, automotive, electric and portable) placed on the EU market. The aim of the new requirements will be to manufacture batteries with the lowest possible environmental impact, using materials obtained with full respect for human rights and social and environmental standards.
From July 1, 2024, only batteries for which a carbon declaration has been obtained can be sold on the EU market.
In order to close the cycle and keep the valuable materials used in batteries for as long as possible in the European economy, the Commission proposes to establish new requirements and targets for the content of recycled materials and the collection, treatment and recycling of batteries at the end of their life. part of life. This ensures that industrial, automotive or electric batteries are not lost to the economy after their useful life.
To dramatically improve the collection and recycling of portable batteries, the current 45% collection rate should rise to 65% in 2025 and 70% in 2030. All batteries - industrial, automotive or electric vehicles - must be collected completely. All collected batteries must be recycled and high levels of regeneration must be achieved, particularly for valuable materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel and lead.
