Contents
UNIROSS Study on the
Environmental Impact of Batteries
Carried out in 2007, the UNIROSS study constitutes the first worldwide
study comparing disposable batteries1 with Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
Performed by Bio Intelligence Service for UNIROSS, this study was based
on a comparative life cycle analysis between disposable batteries and
rechargeable batteries. It showed that, for a given quantity of energy
produced (1 kWh), rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact
on the environment than disposable batteries.
Results of the study: Environmental impact of disposable
batteries compared with rechargeable batteries:
Results show rechargeables win hands down....................p. 1
I. Results of the study: rechargeable batteries are
a big winner in environmental protectiont .................................................... p. 1
II. Methodology.................................................................................................. p. 3
III.Partners ........................................................................................................ p. 5
The market: The rechargeable battery market: Expansion in
use and growth
A profitable context .......................................................................................... p. 6
Rechargeable battery: Rechargeable batteries, responsible
consumption ................................................................ p. 8
I. Disposable battery, rechargeable battery, what changes? .............................. p. 8
II. UNIROSS recommendations for optimum use
of rechargeable batteries .................................................................................. p. 9
Printed on recycled paper
UNIROSS: UNIROSS, technological innovation
at the service of environmental responsibility.............. p. 10
I. UNIROSS in a word ........................................................................................ p. 10
II. UNIROSS, an eco-citizen company committed
to protecting the environment ...................................................................... p. 11
III. UNIROSS and its management .................................................................. p. 12
1. The use of the term “disposable” batteries
throughout this document refers to “disposable
alkaline” batteries.
Results of the study
1
Environmental impact of disposable batteries
compared with rechargeable batteries:
Results show rechargeables win
hands down
UNIROSS, European leader in rechargeable batteries, has carried out the first worldwide
study on the comparative environmental impact of rechargeable and disposable
batteries. This study, performed by Bio Intelligence Service for UNIROSS, gave highly
convincing results.
FOCUS
I Results of the study: rechargeable batteries are
a big winner in environmental protection
The results of
the study
show that, for
equivalent energy
production (1 kWh),
rechargeable
batteries can, on
average, generate up
to 32 times less
impact on the
environment than
disposable batteries
1. Rechargeable batteries: up to 32 times less impact on the
environment than disposable batteries
The UNIROSS study focuses on 11 indicators of potential impacts on the environment. The
challenge of these indicators is to express the environmental impact of the product
throughout its life cycle.
The main origins of environmental impact are:
• for rechargeable batteries: the production and use phases (charge cycles);
• for disposable batteries: mainly the production phase (between 70 and 100%).
In a context in which consumers are increasingly attentive to modes of consumption which
combine performances and responsibility, rechargeable batteries have come to be seen as a
veritable alternative to disposable batteries.
Battery impact on 5 key indicators
Printed on recycled paper
Bio Intelligence Service adopted the 5 main environmental impact indicators with the
widest scope out of the total of 11 studied. The 5 indicators are: consumption of natural
resources, global warming, ozone pollution, air acidification and water pollution.
All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross
Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service
Results of the study
2
For 1 kWh of energy produced, rechargeable batteries have:
23 times less potential impact on non-renewable natural resources
This indicator translates the decreasing availability of natural resources. Rechargeable
batteries consume up to 23 times less non-renewable natural resources (fossil and mineral)
than disposable batteries. To provide the same amount of energy, more disposable batteries
are needed than rechargeable batteries. This implies a greater consumption of natural
resources.
28 times less potential impact on global warming
Climate change means an increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface caused by
an increase in the greenhouse gas effect.
Rechargeable batteries have up to 28 times less impact on climate warming than disposable
batteries. This ratio can mainly be explained by the impact caused when manufacturing
disposable batteries and distributing them (transportation in trucks and the related greenhouse
gas emissions).
30 times less potential impact on air pollution (ozone pollution)
Photochemical oxidation is responsible for peaks of ozone and emissions of compounds toxic to
man. Rechargeable batteries have up to 30 times less impact on ozone pollution than disposable
batteries.
9 times less potential impact on air acidification
The air acidification indicator consists in the accumulation of acidifying substances in the
atmosphere particules. Deposited in ecosystems by rain, they have a strong impact on soil and
ecosystems. Rechargeable batteries have up to 9 times less impact on air acidification than
disposable batteries.
12 times less potential impact on water pollution
The sedimentary ecotoxicity indicator evaluates potential toxic risks due to the emission of
chemicals into aquatic ecosystems. Rechargeable batteries have up to 12 times less potential
toxic risks for fresh water and sea water sediments.
FOCUS
2. Significantly reduced waste
One of the additional benefits of rechargeable batteries lies in the reduction of waste.
If we replaced
all of the
disposable batteries
in Europe…
Replacing disposable
batteries with rechargeable
batteries would avoid
producing 99,000 metric
tonnes of waste in Europe
and 330,000 metric tonnes
worldwide.
Less waste :
The study drew up a list of raw materials used for each type of battery (disposable and
rechargeable), taking into account all of the materials used.
Results :
Less paper packaging for the rechargeable solution: to obtain 1 kWh of energy, one pack of
rechargeable batteries is enough whereas it takes 93 packs with disposable batteries.
• Fewer batteries to be recycled: a sustainable solution for managing dead batteries and organising
the recycling system.
All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross
Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service
Results of the study
3
Equivalences
In terms of…
Consumption of nonrenewable natural resources
Climate change
Photochemical oxidation
Air acidification
Sedimentary ecotoxicity
The impact of a rechargeable
battery is equal to :
Reference
units
1
kg of petroleum extracted
16
73
2 122
227
k
Equivalence
in disposable batteries:
k
km driven by car
k
km driven by car
k
km driven by car
k mg of mercury emitted into the water
v
19
v
v
v
v
457
2 320
19 812
2 731
If all of the disposable batteries in Europe were replaced with rechargeable batteries, it would avoid:
In terms of…
Consumption of non-renewable
natural resources
Climate change
Photochemical oxidation
Air acidification
Sedimentary ecotoxicity
Avoiding an impact
corresponding to X Europeans / year
Avoiding an impact
corresponding to
106 000
If we replace all disposable batteries
in Europe with rechargeable ones,
we would avoid the impact that
106,000 Europeans have on the consumption
of non-renewable natural resources.
62 110
136 820
109 000
90 410
210 900 tonnes of petroleum extracted
If we replace all disposable batteries in Europe
with rechargeable ones, we would avoid
an impact on the consumption of non-renewable
natural resources that is comparable
to extracting 210,900 tons of petroleum.
5 billion km driven by car
25 620 billion km driven by car
201 700 billion km driven by car
29 tonnes of mercury emitted into the water
II Methodology
1. Life cycle analysis
The UNIROSS study was based on the comparative Life Cycle Analysis method (LCA) for a
rechargeable battery and its equivalence in disposable batteries.
This in–depth analysis is used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its
life cycle:
• Production of disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries (and the charger), including the
extraction of raw materials, production of the basic components and assembly of the product.
• Sale in shops, to the end-user customer (transport, etc.). For disposable batteries, the study also
takes into account the repetition of this step in the analysis of the life cycle.
• Use phase: this represents energy consumption when recharging rechargeable batteries.
• End of life: this covers waste collection and treatment (recycling, incineration or burial).
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The life cycle of a disposable battery is much shorter than that of a rechargeable battery; thus, to
obtain the same quantity of energy, i.e. 1 kWh (unit adopted for the study), the consumer must
repeat his purchase several times. The manufacturer must produce more batteries which would
generate more pollution and use more natural resources. Lastly, the life cycle also entails the
emission of greenhouse gases from the transport and distribution of the products.
On the basis of this life cycle analysis, a rechargeable battery eco-profile was created. The
eco-profile is the product’s “environmental identity card”.
All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross
Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service
Results of the study
4
Battery Life Cycle Diagram
Diagram with legend for the LCA according to the eco-profile.
2. Representative environmental impact indicators
To be able to express the environmental impact of the battery throughout its life cycle, 11
indicators were selected. Thanks to their effectiveness and overall readability, 5 indicators were
adopted to constitute the eco-profile.
The 5 indicators:
• Consumption of non-renewable natural resources;
• Climate change;
• Photochemical oxidation;
• Air acidification;
• Sedimentary ecotoxicity.
A basic scenario
The basic scenario chosen and validated by UNIROSS and the critical review by the Fraunhofer
Institute was the following:
• A typical European user,
• Nominal battery capacity: 2500mAh,
• Rechargeable batteries provide 90% of their nominal capacity with each use,
• Life expectancy for a rechargeable battery: 0.9 kWh of energy supplied throughout all
charge/discharge cycles,
• Rechargeable batteries are charged with the UNIROSS Sprint 1h charger,
• The battery charger is unplugged after each use,
• Frequent use and little self-discharge (daily use in an MP3 player),
• 25% of the batteries are recycled, 75% are collected in household waste.
The functional unit chosen for this study was 1 kWh of energy supplied.
Two scenarios were used:
• A 2500mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery and its charger,
• A 2500mAh alkaline battery.
All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross
Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service
Results of the study
5
III Partners
Presentation of Bio Intelligence Service
Founded in 1989, Bio Intelligence Service is one of the best known specialists in Europe for
studies and consulting in the field of product environment and health information.
A pioneer in the field of life cycle analysis, Bio Intelligence Service now offers public and private
decision-makers, a wide range of services in the field of quantifying the environmental impact of
products and eco-design. Their mission is highly varied, ranging from environmental evaluation,
to the design and realisation of environmental labelling of products.
This study was carried out by Bio Intelligence Service on behalf of UNIROSS
Critical review by the Fraunhofer Institute (IZM)
Printed on recycled paper
The Fraunhofer Institute is recognised internationally in the development of future technologies
applied to the electronics sector. The Fraunhofer Institute has strong technical expertise in this
sector, including eco-design procedures. The Institute carries out many research and
development projects with industries, notably in the following fields:
• Integrated system technologies,
• Materials and Reliability,
• Design and sustainable development.
All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross
Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service
The market
6
The rechargeable battery market:
Expansion in use and growth
Today, almost every household use batteries. For example, 83% of the European
regularly use batteries: this represents a total of 12 batteries per person per year that
are bought and can then be thrown away1.
Faced with this explosion in needs and expectations amongst responsible consumers,
rechargeable batteries offer an alternative for the future vs. disposable batteries.
With a growth in volume of 20% between 2005 and 2006, the European market for
rechargeable batteries is exploding. Innovation and responsibility now defines this
particularly dynamic market, with a search for high-performance products which are
more environmentally friendly.
A profitable context
FOCUS
1. Multiplying uses
We have more
and more
battery-operated
devices today:
18 devices per household
in Europe in 2002
23 devices per household
in Europe in 2006
Animated toys, electronic games, multiple remote controls, MP3 players or household
equipment: the use of batteries is increasing in the everyday life of European
households. While disposable batteries still account for the large majority,
rechargeable energy solutions (chargers and rechargeable batteries) constitute a fast
growing segment.
UNIROSS rechargeable batteries meet the needs of the European people in terms of
energy consumption: extended use, practicality (always available at home) and
financial savings (the purchase of rechargeable batteries and a charger pays for itself
after 5 uses). Lastly, rechargeable batteries provide real performance, notably thanks
to the latest technological evolutions: since a rechargeable battery enables people
take 5 times more photographs with a digital camera, for example, than a disposable
battery.
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FOCUS
2. Environmental sensitivity
80 %
of consumers
say they are ready to use
rechargeables*
* Focus group research 2006
1. Manufacturer’s data
2. In France, UK, Germany and Italy
At a time when the environmental sensitivity of the European no longer needs
proving and the public authorities are stressing the need for a change in our
behaviour, the choice of rechargeable batteries constitutes a simple, responsible
alternative for everyday consumption. The results of the UNIROSS study show that the
environmental impact of rechargeable batteries is up to 32 times less than that of
disposable batteries, throughout their life cycle.
The market
7
3. An exploding market
In 2006, 40 billion disposable batteries were sold worldwide.
In 2006, the rechargeable battery market in Europe accounted for 92 million units2. It
is currently undergoing remarkable growth.
FOCUS
Consequently, rechargeable batteries are taking their place in major consumer retail
outlets and specialised outlets.
Key figures on the growth of rechargeable batteries
between 2005 and 20061
• EUROPE
The rechargeable market vs. disposable batteries:
+ 20 % in volume
+ 10 % in value
1. Manufacturer’s data
Rechargeable batteries
8
Rechargeable batteries,
responsible consumption
The results of the UNIROSS study show the very clear environmental advantages of
rechargeable batteries compared with disposable batteries, for the same performance.
How do rechargeable batteries work? How can their use be optimised and how can we
reduce their impact on the environment? UNIROSS proposes a quick user’s manual.
I Disposable battery, rechargeable battery,
what changes?
There are two types of batteries:
• Single-use batteries, called disposable batteries, which contain a quantity of energy
that is not renewable and which have a single life cycle, since they are thrown away
after each use.
• Rechargeable batteries can be recharged using a charger. They have a multiple life
cycle and are recharged after each use.
What happens inside a rechargeable battery?
Positive electrode
A rechargeable battery is made up of various sheets of components superposed and rolled
up like the tobacco leaves in a cigar. At each extremity of the rechargeable battery, two
electrodes are connected through an ionically conductive solution called an electrolyte.
From chemical energy to electric energy
Component
sheets
Each time it is recharged, a rechargeable battery transforms electric energy into
chemical energy. When a device needs energy, the rechargeable battery converts
the chemical energy back into electric energy.
This is where there is a radical difference between disposable batteries and
rechargeable batteries:
whereas the former finish their life cycle and are thrown
F
away or head for recycling, the latter can be recharged hundreds of times with
chargers.
What is the capacity of a rechargeable battery?
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Electrolyte
The capacity of a rechargeable battery is the quantity of energy that it
can store, and release to power a device. It is expressed in mAh
(milliampere-hour).
The greater the capacity (mAh), the longer the battery will last before
needing to be recharged.
Today, research has made it possible to develop rechargeable batteries
with a capacity of 800mAh up to 2700mAh for an R6 format.
Ions
Negative electrode
FOCUS
Rechargeable batteries
And recycling
batteries?
Only 25% of batteries are actually
recycled, the other 75% being thrown
away into household waste without
sorting. Recycling systems are being
organised, but managing batteries at
the end of their lifetime continues to
be a major challenge for battery
manufacturers.
Reducing the number of batteries at
the end of their lifetime, by using
rechargeable batteries, will provide a
solution to this serious, complex
environmental challenge.
9
II How can we reduce environmental impact
as much as possible?
UNIROSS recommendations for optimum
use of rechargeable batteries
UNIROSS proposes a guide to best practices for the use of a rechargeable battery for
consumers, in order to make the most of the technological and environmental
performances of rechargeable batteries.
Maximising the useful lifetime of rechargeable batteries
A rechargeable battery can be used several hundred times, so long as certain very
simple rules of use are followed:
• Avoid using at high temperatures,
• Use the charger regularly,
• Avoid overcharging the rechargeable battery
Reducing energy consumption during the use phase
FOCUS
As a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, UNIROSS is involved in managing its
products at the end of their lifetime and stresses the crucial importance of recycling
them.
• Recycling saves raw materials and avoids releasing metals into the environment.
• Collecting disposable and rechargeable batteries makes it possible to recycle some
58,000 metric tonnes of metals and to avoid emissions equal to 44 tonnes of
emissions into water.
Recycling rechargeable batteries at the end of their life
Environmental
and financial
benefits
The purchase of rechargeable
batteries and a charger pays for itself
after the fifth recharge. This equates
to buying 5 packs of disposal
batteries, whereas the rechargeable
battery can be reused more than a
hundred times: environmentally
friendly as well as making substantial
savings!
As a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, UNIROSS is involved in managing its
products at the end of their lifetime and stresses the crucial importance of recycling
them.
• Recycling saves raw materials and avoids releasing metals into the environment.
• Collecting disposable and rechargeable batteries makes it possible to recycle some
58,000 metric tonnes of metals and to avoid emissions equal to 44 tonnes of
emissions into water.
UNIROSS
10
UNIROSS, technological innovation
at the service of environmental
responsibility
The UNIROSS Group, leader in rechargeable energy solutions, offers eco-responsible
products for consumers, industrials and professionals, combining performance and
high environmental quality while providing financial advantages to the end user.
Emblematic of the new environment economy, with the strength of 25% annual
growth over the past 5 years, UNIROSS asserts itself as a company that is committed
both environmentally and socially.
Discover a green success story with a promising future
I UNIROSS in a word
1. A French and international success story
Founded in Bristol in 1968, UNIROSS was purchased in 1992 by Saft, an Alcatel
subsidiary. In 2001, Christophe Gurtner, President of UNIROSS, and 10 Managers
bought the company from Saft and moved its head offices to France. Since 2002,
UNIROSS has been developing worldwide: the company now has 14 subsidiaries
across all the continents
Market international development
Printed on recycled paper
• 2002: Creation of UNIROSS Hong-Kong
• 2003: Creation of UNIROSS Batteries Corp, in Boston
Creation of UNIROSS Shanghai
Creation of Zhongshan UNIROSS Industry Co Ltd, in Xiaolan
Purchase of UNIROSS Batteries (PTY) Ltd, in Pretoria
• 2005: Creation of UNIROSS in Australia
• 2006: Acquisition of NABC, North American Battery
Acquisition of Multiplier Industries Corp. (United States)
• 2007: Creation of UNIROSS India
Creation of UNIROSS Iberic
UNIROSS
11
2. The dynamics of the leader
Since 1968, UNIROSS has been the specialist in rechargeable energy: design,
production and distribution of dedicated batteries, rechargeable batteries and
chargers for photographic equipment, camcorders, MP3 players, toys and many other
applications.
Today, UNIROSS is one of the world leaders and a recognised specialist in
rechargeable equipment (No. 1 in Europe, No. 1 in India and No. 1 in South Africa).
In July 2006, UNIROSS was listed on Euronext Paris’ Stock Exchange.
With an estimated turnover of 100 million euros for the 2007-2008 fiscal year,
UNIROSS employs 750 people around the world. UNIROSS products are distributed in
80 countries worldwide.
FOCUS
3. A product offering for consumers, industrials and
professionals
All about
UNIROSS
www.uniross.com
• UNIROSS offers solutions for consumers: the rechargeable batteries and
chargers that can be found in 3 retail circuits (Supermarkets, DIY Superstores
and Specialised Superstores).
• UNIROSS also designs energy solutions (batteries and chargers) for industrial
portable applications (robotics, electronic payment terminals, lighting, e-bikes,
etc).
• UNIROSS offers replacement energy solutions (batteries and chargers) for
portable equipment for professional use (scanners, all types of transceivers).
The UNIROSS group is No. 1 in North America.
II UNIROSS, an eco-citizen company
committed to protecting
the environment
Above and beyond its products, UNIROSS is committed to sustainable development
and is helping to make progress in reflections on these challenges.
1. RECHARGE, European Association in Brussels
UNIROSS is committed to protecting the environment and is a co-founder of the
European association, RECHARGE, whose purpose is to promote the use of
rechargeable batteries and to increase the rate of battery collection and recycling
(disposable and rechargeable) when they reach the end of their lifetime.
UNIROSS
12
2. WWF-UNIROSS partnership: expertise at the service of
environmental responsibility
Because batteries are a real environmental challenge every day, the WWF, a
worldwide organisation for the protection of nature, and UNIROSS signed a 3-year
partnership agreement in May 2006.
This partnership covers Africa and 40 countries in Europe. Its objective is to introduce
public awareness on:
• the ecological advantages of Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries
and chargers.
• the need to recycle them.
The partnership has already instigated the launch of UNIROSS rechargeable batteries
and chargers with the WWF logo. Furthermore, UNIROSS has committed to providing
financial support to the WWF to encourage the implementation of actions for
protecting the environment.
3. The UNIROSS Circle for Sustainable Development in Action:
federating mobilisation
Created at the initiative of Christophe Gurtner, CEO of UNIROSS, the UNIROSS Circle is
both a place for meetings and exchanges and a think tank focusing on action. This
Circle’s aim is to increase awareness among decision-makers for the implementation
of concrete actions to promote sustainable development.
At quarterly breakfast meetings, the UNIROSS Circle welcomes speakers, recognised
for their skills on the topic of sustainable development, for in-depth discussions and
forming innovative, effective partnerships.
III UNIROSS and its management
1. Christophe Gurtner: Chief Executive Officer
A graduate of ISC, Christophe Gurtner began his career at Saft, in the field of batteries
and chargers. After being in charge of marketing lithium batteries at the German
subsidiary, he held the positions of Export Zone Manager for Northern and Southern
Europe, for Africa and the Middle East, then moved to the sales department for France
in the portable battery division, before being named General Manager of Saft in
Germany.
Printed on recycled paper
Then, in 1998, Saft entrusted him with the creation of a division covering all of the
groups assets in the field of rechargeable batteries for the consumer market:
UNIROSS and a division based in the United States.
FOCUS
UNIROSS
For more on
rechargeable
batteries
13
In 2000, he was put in charge of selling UNIROSS. With his 13 years of experience in
the battery field and a desire to undertake his own project, he managed to convince
the Saft management to accept an LBO. He asked 10 supervisors who had joined the
company in the previous 2 years to take part in the LBO. Christophe Gurtner is now
the CEO of the UNIROSS Group and the majority shareholder..
www.rechargeonslaplanete.com
2. Jérôme Valentin : Chief Operating Officer
Engineering graduate from the Ecole Centrale in Lyon, with a Master’s in Electronics
from the University of Salford (UK) and a Master’s in Management from ESC-Paris,
Jerome Valentin, 48, started his career at the Saft group.
He then joined the Tyco Group, where he successively held positions as Director of
Marketing & Sales for Europe and Regional Director in Singapore. He then headed the
Energy Division of the Tyco Electronics Group before joining the Schindler Group.
FOCUS
Back from Asia, where he held the position of Executive Vice President for the
Schindler Group, he returned to the business sector in which he had started his
career.
Jerome Valentin holds the position of Chief Operating Officer of the UNIROSS Group.
Contact UNIROSS
Carole Courtin
+33 (0)1 60 95 49 88
[email protected]