EU Regulation Advances Battery Sustainability Across the Board
The Council of the European Union has enacted a new regulation aimed at strengthening the sustainability standards for batteries. The measure emphasizes a more circular life cycle for batteries, introducing comprehensive recycling targets and a mandate that storage devices be removable and replaceable by the end of 2027. This shift reflects a broader effort to minimize waste and maximize the reuse of critical materials close to home, reducing dependence on external sources for supply.
Teresa Ribera, Spain’s Ecological Transition Minister, noted that at the end of a battery’s useful life, valuable resources remain that can be recovered and reintegrated into the supply chain. Spain held the rotating presidency of the Council when these proposals were agreed upon. The minister highlighted a key aim: to reuse critical raw materials rather than rely on third countries, strengthening European security of supply while supporting industry competitiveness.
The minister also underscored that the new rules will bolster the European battery sector’s competitiveness and ensure that future batteries contribute to the ecological transition by meeting higher sustainability standards. The agreement was reached through close cooperation between the Parliament and the Council, and it applies to all battery categories, including portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, and starter batteries. It also covers batteries used in vehicles and machinery, as well as those powering light transport modes such as electric bicycles and mopeds.
The regulation aims to advance the circularity of battery products by setting end-of-life requirements, collecting obligations, and material recovery targets. It also expands the responsibilities of manufacturers to cover these elements throughout the product life cycle.
Specific targets are established for manufacturers. By 2027, they must collect 63% of portable battery waste and raise this collection rate to 73% by the end of 2030, a clear step toward higher recovery and reuse rates. The proposal also sets ambitious goals for the recovery of lithium from waste cells and batteries, targeting 50% by 2027 and 80% by 2031, with scope for adjustments based on evolving markets, technology, and material availability.
Minimum recycled-content requirements are introduced for industrial batteries, defined on a per-mineral basis. The framework specifies 16% recycled cobalt, 85% recycled lead, and 6% recycled lithium and nickel, among other materials, creating a baseline that encourages the use of recycled inputs wherever feasible.
Removable and Replaceable: A Core Principle
By the end of 2027, batteries embedded in portable electronic devices must be removable and replaceable by the end user. For light transport vehicles, battery replacement will need to be carried out by a professional, with transitional space for manufacturers to adapt their designs as needed. This shift is designed to simplify end-of-life handling and support more straightforward recycling processes across the continent.
The regulation also requires clear labeling for devices, providing information on components and recycled content starting in 2026. From 2027 onward, this information will be accessible via a QR code to improve traceability and consumer awareness.
The policy does not simply mandate technical changes; it also reinforces transparency and accountability across the battery value chain. Marking and reporting obligations will help authorities track progress on collection, recycling, and material recovery, while encouraging manufacturers to innovate in design and material selection to meet evolving standards.
In pursuit of these goals, the European Union is anchoring a robust framework that balances environmental protection with industrial resilience. The approach seeks to reduce waste, promote circularity, and ensure that new battery technologies advance Europe’s sustainable growth. Jurisdictional alignment with national programs will be essential to realize the full benefits of these measures. (European Commission, 2024)