A recent study conducted by Finnish companies Recser Oy and Lassila & Tikanoja has found that recycling batteries and using the metals recovered from them can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 98% compared to mining new metals. This study is a timely reminder of the importance of adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, especially with the expected rapid growth in battery demand.
The Environmental Benefits of Using Recycled Metals in Battery Production
The study, which analysed the emissions of various metals used in batteries, revealed that recycled metals emit significantly less greenhouse gases than metals obtained through primary production. The study developed coefficients that describe the environmental benefits of recycling seven metals from batteries and accumulators. The coefficients were based on scientific literature considering the entire metal production chain, from mining to recycling.
According to the study, recycled manganese, for example, emits 98% less greenhouse gases than virgin manganese obtained through primary production. Similarly, recycled nickel and cobalt emit 98% and 59% less greenhouse gases, respectively, than their primary production counterparts.
The EU Battery Regulation and its Role in Promoting Sustainable Battery Recycling Practices
The findings of the study come in the wake of the new EU Battery Regulation, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of batteries and promote sustainable battery production and recycling practices. The regulation, which will come into effect in 2023, requires the use of recycled materials in batteries and sets targets for collecting and recycling batteries. The regulation is expected to promote the development of more efficient and sustainable battery recycling technologies.
The EU Battery Regulation has been noted by Celltech Group companies, and work towards fulfilling its requirements is ongoing.
Celltech’s Commitment to Sustainable Battery Production and Recycling
As a supplier of industrial batteries, we are committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the production and disposal of batteries. “We welcome the findings of this study and the new EU Battery Regulation, which will help us achieve our sustainability goals and promote the development of a circular economy for batteries,” says Anders Blomqvist, Managing Director, Celltech Oy.
“By promoting battery recycling and the use of recycled materials in production, we can reduce our environmental impact and conserve natural resources. Our suppliers and our own engineers are continuously exploring new technologies and solutions to make our batteries more efficient and sustainable.
We believe that the future of the battery industry lies in sustainable and responsible practices, and we are committed to playing our part in achieving this vision.”
