Sustainability and Circular Economy

Water

Clean, drinkable water is a key element for human survival. Not only that, but water is used on a daily basis for numerous different tasks, from cooking food to cleaning clothes and even in industry.

During the manufacture of batteries, strict controls are implemented and all water that flows from battery plants undergoes rigorous decontamination processes. Special care is taken to ensure that water that emerges from this process is not only clean, but also drinkable. Water emerging from battery manufacturing processes is closely monitored to ensure that these high standards are met.

Strict controls, including legislation, apply to batteries while in circulation. As batteries operate in a closed loop, there is no impact on the water cycle from waste from industrial or automotive batteries, if handled properly. Similarly, recycling professionals and legislation ensure that any water that results from the recycling and dismantling process is decontaminated and reintroduced into the water cycle clean.

The European Framework Water Directive sets out key requirements for the non-pollution of water and in Annex X identifies a number of priority substances in the field of water policy that should be phased out due to their potential to pollute bodies of water. Many of these substances are used in the production of batteries or are key components of batteries.

For more information on the Water Framework Directive see the section on EU Policy or visit the European Commission’s page on water.

Transportation

A number of chemical substances and materials are used in batteries, which are necessary for the chemical reactions that generate an electrical current.

However, a number of these substances can be harmful if not handled or transported in the proper manner.

For this reason, EUROBAT has prepared a number of guides on the safe handling and transport of batteries to ensure minimal impact on both the environment and the health of the public.  The most recent is the ADR 2017. Please contact the EUROBAT secretariat for further information on these documents.

Please also note the new website on international transport regulations for batteries.