After forcibly promoting the USB-C interface, new EU regulations may make the return of removable batteries for mobile phones

After making USB Type-C charging ports mandatory for all smartphones, tablets and laptops, the European Union (EU) has now agreed on new laws and regulations aimed at making batteries more sustainable and reusable. This new regulation will create a new set of challenges for consumer technology companies and battery manufacturers, as the new law addresses the entire battery life cycle, including material extraction, industrial production and disposal.

The new EU law will apply to all types of batteries sold in the EU, including those used in electronic devices, industrial batteries, automotive batteries, and batteries used in two-wheelers and electric vehicles (EVs). From early 2024, battery manufacturers in the EU will have to report the total carbon footprint of their products, from extraction to recycling.

The data will then be used to set maximum CO2 limits for batteries, which will come into effect as early as July 2027. They will be required to use a certain proportion of recycled materials, namely 16% cobalt, 85% lead, 6% lithium and 6% nickel.

It is understood that the new regulations also require consumer technology brands to design their devices to make their batteries easy to replace, either by making the battery cover removable or using screws that are easy to remove, which may mean that removable batteries will return to smartphones. , making electronic equipment more sustainable and extending its lifespan, but also reducing companies’ profit margins in repairing and maintaining equipment.

If passed, the new rules will ensure batteries sold in the EU are more sustainable globally, ultimately setting a standard for the rest of the world. The rules not only assess the carbon footprint, but companies involved in the battery manufacturing process in the EU are also required to identify, prevent and address human rights and labor issues in their supply chains.

The EU only implemented the new law on critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite. In addition, the EU has also set ambitious recycling targets, aiming to collect 45% of recyclable materials from electronic equipment by 2023 and 73% by 2030. Furthermore, in the case of electric vehicles, the goal is to collect 100% recyclable materials.

The new EU battery regulations, which are awaiting final approval by Parliament and the Council, are sure to pose serious challenges for consumer electronics companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, etc., as they need to rethink their device design, battery manufacturing such as Panasonic and Samsung SDI Suppliers will also be affected, and all companies that deal with batteries will need to start preparing for the new laws, reviewing their supply chains and operations, and reaching cooperation plans with recyclers.