Ecolabelling. Criteria development for rechargeable batteries in ICT products

Abstract: This research puts together two massive areas: voluntary certification programmes, specifically Type I ecolabelling (ISO 14024), aimed to incentivise and assist in providing customers with sustainable in all meanings products; and rechargeable batteries – inalienable element of portable electronic products. Moreover, the importance of batteries lifts up to an absolutely new level – with a rapid development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, often used to accumulate energy from renewable energy sources. Mass application of rechargeable batteries in consumer electronic products, first of all, increases the number of batteries on the market, and, thus, the battery waste stream. Secondly, this encourages producers to search for new chemical compounds for the creation of batteries with the increased energy density and faster recharge time. Upcoming revision of the Battery Directive; application of new chemical compounds in cathodes production; potential risks associated with supply of such resources as cobalt and lithium; increased waste battery stream; the End-of-Life management; reaching higher rates for collection, sorting, and recycling of waste batteries; arising social conflicts around certain materials; product redesign and the necessity to be in compliance with the waste management hierarchy. All the listed aspects and challenges create a predisposition for Type I ecolabelling – to face these challenges and, thereby, to reconsider existing requirements to rechargeable batteries, initiating positive changes. This research aims to define new potential aspects and to improve existing criteria for rechargeable batteries in portable ICT products – to meet arising environmental and social challenges, related to all life cycle stages of rechargeable batteries. To achieve this, the author conducted a research, observing background on battery technologies and the battery market; current requirements of Type I ecolabelling programmes to both – ICT products equipped with rechargeable batteries, and rechargeable batteries themselves. Numerous stakeholders, from electronics producers, waste battery collectors, and recyclers – to battery specialists and certification programmes, contributed with their view on rechargeable batteries. The outcome of the research is the list of potential aspects of rechargeable batteries to be considered by Type I ecolabelling programmes for further implementation in the standards for mobile phones; tablets, laptops and notebook computers.