Bebat is ready to meet new European collection targets
All European countries face complex challenges
Tienen, - On July 10, the European Council approved the new Battery Regulation. It comes as part of the European 'Green deal' and the European circular economy plan. It is the first comprehensive legislation on all types of battery products and their end-of-life treatment. For instance, the regulation sets ambitious collection targets for discarded portable batteries and batteries from light electric vehicles, such as e-bikes, with a view to more sustainable recycling or possible reuse, possibly even in another application.
Bebat today is the European leader in the collection of waste portable batteries and intends to remain so. In the coming years, it is pushing for new ways of working together with its participants and producers. In particular, the collection of increasingly rechargeable lithium (Li-ion) batteries poses a complex challenge for all European countries.
New ambitious European targets
Batteries play a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy, greener mobility, renewable energy and climate neutrality. But the battery sector and related sectors are in constant evolution and need to secure the necessary raw materials (mostly precious metals) to manufacture batteries. Therefore, the European Union envisages a new legal framework for the entire life cycle of all types of batteries to promote their circularity.
From now on, Europe defines five categories of batteries that may or may not be built into appliances or vehicles; portable batteries (rechargeable or not), industrial batteries, batteries for electric vehicles, batteries for light means of transport (e-bikes, e-steps, e-scooters, etc.) and starter batteries for vehicles (mostly the classic lead-acid batteries). All have their own product standards and end-of-life obligations.
The EU also imposes new responsibilities on the various actors - manufacturer, importer, distributor (including online) and end user - in the sectors. The European Union also sets higher and more specific collection targets in the field of spent battery collection. For portable batteries (<5 kg), Europe is raising the imposed collection rate from the current 45% to 63% by the end of 2027 and 73% by the end of 2030. For batteries for light transport vehicles such as those used in e-bikes, among others, a collection target of 51% by the end of 2028 and 61% by the end of 2031 will be introduced.
“Today, Bebat manages to collect 59% of portable batteries placed on the market, thanks to its extensive network of 24,000 Bebat collection points. This means we are doing significantly better than the 45% rate imposed so far by Europe and are European leaders. Bebat is therefore ready to meet the challenges posed by the new collection targets," says Martine Vanheers, Director Finance, Customer Service, Legal & Public Affairs at Bebat.
The challenges posed by Li-ion batteries
In a battery sector in constant evolution, Li-ion batteries have caused a major shift. Of all new batteries launched in the market, Li-ion batteries accounted for 25% by weight in 2014, while primary batteries accounted for 64%. By 2021, Li-ion batteries already accounted for 55% by weight, of which 10% was for e-bikes. This while the weight of primary batteries fell to 41%. In 2022, the weight of Li-ion batteries continued to rise to 68% of new batteries placed on the market.1
The collection of Li-ion batteries presents many challenges. They are usually built into devices (in laptops or smartphones, for example) and can only be removed from the device by a professional. In addition, Li-ion batteries are often exported to other countries for repair or refurbishment. This makes it a lot more complex for consumers to bring these batteries to a collection point.
Moreover, to calculate the collection target, Europe calculates with an average lifespan of 3 years, but according to Martine Vanheers from Bebat this is too short a period:
“Imposing ambitious collection targets is crucial to move towards a circular economy, but they must be achievable. Li-ion batteries in cameras last 8 years on average. For their application in power tools, this ranges from 2 years for professional, everyday users to 15 years for the DIYer. In turn, the average lifespan of a Li-ion battery in a laptop is 7 years. The lifespan of the latest Li-ion batteries is getting longer and longer, which is good news for the consumer. We are developing new ways to collect these batteries in the best way possible."
Bebat is ready for the next steps
Bebat is determined to remain the best student in the European class and is happy to step up its efforts to do so.
“We are ready at Bebat to adapt to the new reality and make further efforts to meet the new European targets. First and foremost, we will need to further strengthen our internal know-how around Li-ion batteries and ensure that we also focus collection on this type of battery. We will join forces with WEEE dismantlers and other market players to develop new opportunities. We also remain committed to raising consumer awareness, and will provide additional information on the collection of new types of batteries," sounds a determined note from Martine Vanheers.
1 These figures exclude lead-acid batteries and batteries for electric vehicles.