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Batteriretur Sverige AB and Batterikretsen AB have signed a Letter of Intent to establish a joint platform aimed at simplifying Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for batteries.

The collaboration brings together expertise and operational management for all battery categories within a common structure, creating a natural single point of contact for producers to fulfil their producer responsibility obligations. The objective is to make compliance easier and more cost-effective for producers across their entire battery portfolio, while further developing and improving battery collection and recycling systems in Sweden.

“This is an important step towards creating a simple solution for producers and a long-term sustainable producer responsibility system for batteries in Sweden. By coordinating our efforts, we can reduce administration, strengthen our services, and direct resources where they create the greatest environmental benefit,” says Olle Haglund, Chairman of the Board of Batteriretur.

A Single Point of Contact and Greater Cost Efficiency

For producers, the collaboration represents a significant simplification. Instead of dealing with multiple organisations, logins, and reporting processes, the joint platform will gradually provide a single point of contact, one login, and consolidated reporting covering the full scope of battery producer responsibility, regardless of battery category.

As a first step, reporting and administration will continue as before, while joint services in administration, reporting, collection, recycling, advisory services, and information activities are developed progressively. By combining operations, resources can be used more efficiently, benefiting both producers and society as a whole.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we can offer producers a simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective solution while strengthening Sweden’s battery collection and recycling system,” says Matts Spångberg, Chairman of the Board of Batterikretsen.

One of the first joint initiatives will be a review of the pricing structure. The ambition is that the more efficient system will create the conditions for simplified administration and reduced fees for affiliated producers. New fee levels will be presented before the end of June.

Background

Since the entry into force of the new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, requirements for both producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) have increased. To meet these new requirements and maximise value for producers, Batteriretur and Batterikretsen have decided to combine their strengths.

Batterikretsen, a wholly owned subsidiary of El-Kretsen, is an approved Producer Responsibility Organisation for all five battery categories: portable batteries, starter batteries, batteries for light means of transport (LMT batteries), industrial batteries, and electric vehicle batteries.

Batteriretur is an approved Producer Responsibility Organisation for starter batteries and industrial batteries. Through the joint platform, the collaboration will cover the entire spectrum of battery categories under one roof.