The European Union’s (EU) new regulations are set to fundamentally reshape the battery sector, targeting sustainability and transparency across the entire lifecycle—from production to recycling—under the EU Battery Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
The Battery 2025 Sectoral Sustainability Report, published by consultancy Eko Etki, highlights that securing critical raw materials, addressing recycling infrastructure gaps, and improving waste management are priority areas for the sector’s transformation.
The report underlines that battery production is highly energy-intensive, particularly during cell and cathode manufacturing, and creates a significant carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.
Eko Etki, which provides training, consultancy, and reporting services on corporate sustainability and green finance, said the regulations will accelerate change in these areas.
EU Battery Regulation and the CIRPASS Digital Product Passport (DPP) introduce major changes in areas such as carbon footprint, use of critical raw materials, recycling, and supply chain transparency.
- Türkiye may strengthen its position as a supplier
Sustainable Finance Specialist Yunus Emre Ertos told Anadolu that the EU Battery Regulation establishes a comprehensive framework covering the design, production, use, reuse, and recycling phases of batteries.
Highlighting the importance of the Critical Raw Materials Act, Ertos said: "Strict rules are being introduced for the extraction, processing, and recovery of strategically important inputs such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, promoting sustainable use of raw materials in the sector."
Ertos emphasized that manufacturers must consider environmental factors during the compliance process, underlining the necessity of lifecycle analysis, carbon footprint, and water footprint calculations.
He also stressed the importance of transforming production processes with energy-efficient and clean technologies to reduce environmental impacts.
"EU aims to increase domestic production, process a significant portion within the EU, and source a notable share from recycling to boost self-sufficiency," he said.
"This presents both risks and opportunities for strategic suppliers like Türkiye. While increased EU production may pressure Türkiye's export share, Turkish companies that effectively implement sustainability, transparent supply chains, and high-quality standards can strengthen their position as reliable suppliers to the EU," he said regarding the EU's steps to reduce dependency on critical raw materials.
- Harmonized legislation with EU critical for exports and investor confidence
Sustainability Specialist Cansu Melis Aksu underlined that recycling and second-life applications of end-of-life batteries are of critical importance for Türkiye.
"Battery recycling is regulated by legislation in Türkiye. Recycling and second-life applications, especially with the growth of electric vehicles, are crucial for environmental sustainability, economic benefits, and resource efficiency," she said.
"Türkiye should focus on strengthening collection infrastructure, establishing battery recovery chains through public-private partnerships, and supporting R&D in second-life technologies. At the same time, developing legislation aligned with the EU is critical for export facilitation and foreign investor confidence," she added pointing out Türkiye's priorities in the battery sector.
- Clean production may improve energy and water efficiency
Emphasizing the importance of clean production technologies that reduce energy and water consumption, Aksu said: "Methods such as waste heat recovery, process optimization and automation, water recovery and treatment systems, renewable energy integration, and digital monitoring technologies create sectoral opportunities by integrating economic and ecological benefits in the medium and long term."
She added that effective implementation of national legislation and incentive mechanisms, easier access to technology for SMEs, and adaptation of successful international practices support the spread of clean production technologies and the establishment of a sustainable production culture.
"This holistic approach enhances energy and water efficiency, strengthens economic performance, and contributes to Türkiye's industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability," Aksu added.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr