EU initiative promotes battery recycling for sustainable circular economy

Opened back of an android showing the battery component

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) highlights the role of battery recycling in advancing a sustainable, circular economy within the EU. With lithium demand expected to surge 21-fold by 2050, the report underscores the urgent need for efficient material recovery processes to protect the environment and reduce reliance on imports. A newly proposed methodology for calculating battery collection rates considers extended product lifespans and emerging technologies like lithium-based transport batteries. Additionally, updates to the EU’s waste classification aim to align recycling practices with higher environmental standards. These efforts reflect a significant step towards improving resource efficiency while fostering environmental stewardship. Learn more on the European Commission JRC Report.

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