JRC study on harmonised rules for the calculation and verification of recycled content in batteries

Article 8 of the Batteries Regulation ((EU) 2023/1542) sets out an obligation for manufacturers of industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh to issue documentation on the percentage share of cobalt, lithium or nickel present in the active material that has been recovered from battery manufacturing waste or post-consumer waste, as well as the percentage share of lead in the battery that originates from waste. The methodology for calculating and verifying the recycled content share of cobalt, lithium, nickel and lead in batteries placed on the EU market is to be established in a Delegated Act. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has been tasked by the Directorate‑General for the Environment (DG ENV) and the Directorate‑General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) to produce techno-scientific recommendations that will underpin the forthcoming Delegated Act. Drawing on a systematic literature review, stakeholder workshops and bilateral industry meetings, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the battery value chain, focusing on the four targeted metals. It maps existing standards, certifications schemes and supply-chain practices and underscores the complexity of the battery value chain and the associated traceability challenges. The report examines the trade-offs of different chain of custody models – analysing possible effects on business continuity, resource efficiency, climate change mitigation, consumer’s confidence, ease of verification and administrative burden – and presents detailed calculation and verification blueprints for two traceability options.