SOUTH AFRICA/English
Single-use batteries provide energy where powering rechargeable batteries are less feasible and practical. For example, this includes daily safety needs in powering smoke detectors in our homes and providing emergency power for torches and radios used in disaster relief. Additionally, single-use batteries are important for remote situations such as powering cameras for professional photographers and devices for campers and mountain climbers. To meet the increasing desire for more sustainable power, Duracell is committed to designing, manufacturing and distributing batteries that minimise the impact on the environment. This includes advancing technology on both our alkaline and rechargeable products. So whether our consumer chooses single-use or rechargeable batteries, they can be reassured of our environmental track rewire and commitment in both categories.
Duracell recently conducted a Life Cycle Assessment in partnership with M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to understand the opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of our single-use and rechargeable products.
• For our single-use products: the major impact is in the production phase where Duracell will focus the majority of its efforts. This includes improving raw material processing, manufacturing efficiency, transportation efficiency, and packaging reduction. We will leverage alkaline environmental advantages compared to zinc batteries in developing markets with retail partners.
• For our rechargeable products: the usage stage dominates impact, so our focus will be on driving the most energy efficient products available, such as Duracell StayCharged improving the energy efficiency of our chargers, including ‘shut-off’ functions during trickle charge state.
MANUFACTURING
Our alkaline battery manufacturing facilities are amongst the most energy efficient, with the highest recycling rates and lowest CO2 emissions in the world. Our energy efficient processes result in 15-20% reduction in energy use versus prior processes and typical manufacturing sites.
PRODUCT
We have delivered 4-5 times more energy and resource efficiency by leading the industry in converting zinc carbon to longer lasting alkaline technology, which reduces solid waste. Our batteries last nearly 50% longer compared to fifteen years ago. We have led industry efforts to remove hazardous substances from alkaline batteries and, since the early 1990s, our alkaline batteries have been free of mercury, cadmium and lead.
IN-USE
Duracell's products are designed with the consumer and their usage in mind. Our technology development has been focused on providing consumers with the right amount of power at the right time, without over-engineering or designing-in unnecessary power loss.
PACKAGING
We have maximised the use of biodegradable and renewable packaging materials, more than 85% of our alkaline batteries are packaged now in 100% recycled cardboard and more than 96% of the outer cartons are 100% recycled cardboard.
DISPOSAL & RECYCLING
Along with members of the European Portable Battery Association (EPBA), we support our retailer partners with the collection and recycling of batteries. In accordance with the European Battery Directive we are implementing efficient battery collection and recycling programmes to minimise the environmental and economic impact. We do this by selecting the best service providers in Europe, who are able to deliver sustainable services to our retail partners and consumers.
