Over the past years, we have witnessed a tremendous increase in the demand for Alkaline/ Portable batteries. This demand could be attributed to various factors; increase in the consumption of devices/gadgets/toys, higher energy density, longer shelf life, low cost, and easy availability. According to a report ‘Alkaline battery market, 2021-2028’ the market size stood at USD 7.76 BN in 2021 and is expected to grow USD 10.86 BN by 2028. The market is split into AA, AAA, 9 volts, and others based on size. Because of its larger storage capacity and longer life, the AA sector is projected to develop significantly.
Why is it important to consider the consequences?
Even though batteries have numerous benefits and they have become an essential part of our lives, we still cannot ignore the impact they have on the environment. These batteries are made up of metals such as Cadmium, lead, zinc, manganese, nickel, silver, mercury and lithium, as well as acids. If not disposed of properly, all of these together are meant to cause detrimental effects on Water, Air, Soil and even Humans.
As a step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and encourage zero pollution, the European Commission proposes to modernize EU regulation on batteries. Batteries that are more sustainable throughout their life cycle are critical to meeting the aims of the European Green Deal. They are emphasizing the batteries that are more sustainably produced with less or no impact on the environment as well as humans. The Commission’s proposal also intends to improve the circular economy of battery value chains and encourage more effective resource usage to reduce the environmental impact of batteries.
As per the draft, portable batteries for general use may be placed on the market effective January 1, 2027, if the electrochemical efficiency and reliability requirements are reached. This requirement will apply to batteries in the following popular sizes: 4,5 Volts (3R12), D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, A23, and 9 Volts (PP3).
What is the future?
Green! That’s right all we need is a ‘Green’ solution to combat the dangerous effects of batteries and to meet the goal of the European Commission.
Did you know that Aloe vera, a natural moisturizer and herbal cure-all, can also produce electricity and charge batteries? A company in India has created a technique that effectively replaced hazardous metals such as lead and mercury in a dry cell. They utilized aloe vera extracts and other plants to create an eco-friendly and non-hazardous ‘green e-cell.’ The innovation has won accolades not only in India but across the globe.
Nimisha Varma of Lucknow and Naveen Suman of Bundi (Rajasthan) combined aloe extracts with a few natural components found in cosmetic goods and medications to create a battery electrolyte. These 100% eco-friendly and 0% hazardous batteries can power TV remotes, wall clocks and many more devices at a much cheaper and sustainable rate. The Aloe Ecell product is a cutting-edge renewable technology of acquous cell aloe vera based batteries of 1.5V. the battery is not only safe for use but can easily be recycled or refilled post disposal.
The bottom line is going for rechargeable or even disposable batteries have their pros and cons. All we need is a battery that has eco-friendly potential.
Also, read our article: Audio eBooks: The best way to amplify knowledge without boredom
Editor’s note : This article is written on 28 September 2021, therefore the information is as per the date. Image credits: Unsplash
