The digital passport for batteries

29 novembre 2024

In a context where sustainability, transparency, and circularity are becoming priorities, the European Union has introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This measure will require companies to use digital tools to trace the entire life cycle of a product. Electric batteries will be the first to be subject to this regulation. Batteries Prod is already starting to comply with these requirements.
The DPP will provide detailed information about the production of batteries all the way to recycling. Its deployment will be gradual by 2026 for certain sectors, including batteries.

What is the digital product passport?

In concrete terms, it is a digital product sheet containing information on the origin, composition, repair options, and recycling possibilities for batteries. It will also provide the carbon footprint of battery production.
The digital passport will provide access to all battery data, such as:

Battery identification:

  • A unique serial number
  • The type of battery

Technical characteristics:

  • Capacity and voltage
  • Maximum charge and discharge current
  • Estimated lifespan

Manufacturing date and location:

  • Manufacturer and cell supplier
  • Quality standards and certifications obtained

Usage history:

  • History of charges and discharges
  • Operating temperature

Safety:

  • Safety and handling instructions

Recycling:

  • Dismantling and repair possibilities
  • Information on how the product and its components can be recycled

Environmental impact:

  • Carbon footprint of the battery manufacturing

Compliance with Regulations:

  • Compliance with RoHS regulations

The digital product passport serves several goals

  • Promote sustainable products
  • Support consumers in making more informed choices by making data transparent about battery composition and manufacturing processes
  • Facilitate the transition to a circular economy
  • Make it easier to verify battery compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

The main objective of the DPP is to improve the traceability of batteries. By providing this information, it will allow consumers to make more informed choices when purchasing and using batteries. It will also offer clear guidance on recycling and repair options, thus promoting more sustainable product management.

How the digital passport works

To access this information, the European regulation requires each battery to have one or more data carriers. These may be in the form of traditional barcodes, QR codes, or RFID chips. When scanned, these carriers will provide direct and secure access to all battery information.
The data for each battery will be accessible not only to supply chain stakeholders via traceability platforms but also to end consumers through QR codes. This measure aims to ensure that the data is available to everyone, including suppliers, repairers, and the end user of the battery.

Which products are covered by the DPP?

The digital passport applies to a wide range of physical products sold within the European Union. Priority categories include batteries, textiles, and electronic devices. These products are selected due to their significant environmental impact and recycling potential.

What are the benefits of the digital product passport for businesses?

The digital passport presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It will allow companies to assert their commitment to responsible and transparent practices.
At Batteries Prod, we have been implementing most of the requirements of this regulation for several years.
Each battery is equipped with a unique serial number, and we provide an estimate of its lifespan in terms of charge cycles. To support this information and certify the quality of the batteries, a test report is established for each one.
Providing safety and handling instructions also contributes to extending the battery’s lifespan. As for their end of life, we emphasize recycling and the tracking of waste treatment.
In the battery market, the DPP ensures precise traceability of their composition, manufacturing, and recycling. This initiative promises to transform the way batteries are manufactured and used while supporting the transition to a circular economy.