UNIROSS Study on the Environmental Impact of ... - Battery Logic

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Contents 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> <strong>Study</strong> on the 

Environmental Impact of Batteries 

1. The use of the term “disposable” batteries 

throughout this document refers to “disposable 

alkaline” batteries. 

Carried out in 2007, the <strong>UNIROSS</strong> study constitutes the first worldwide 

study comparing disposable batteries 1 with Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. 

Performed by Bio Intelligence Service for <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, 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. <strong>UNIROSS</strong> recommendations for optimum use 

of rechargeable batteries .................................................................................. p. 9 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong>: <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, technological innovation 

at the service of environmental responsibility.............. p. 10 

I. <strong>UNIROSS</strong> in a word ........................................................................................ p. 10 

II. <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, an eco-citizen company committed 

to protecting the environment ...................................................................... p. 11 

III. <strong>UNIROSS</strong> and its management .................................................................. p. 12


FOCUS 

Results of the study 1 

Environmental impact of disposable batteries 

compared with rechargeable batteries: 

Results show rechargeables win 

hands down 

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 

All rights reserved – 2007 – Uniross 

Source: Uniross study carried out by Bio Intelligence Service 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong>, 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, gave highly 

convincing results. 

I Results of the study: rechargeable batteries are 

a big winner in environmental protection 

1. Rechargeable batteries: up to 32 times less impact on the 

environment than disposable batteries 

The <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 

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.

FOCUS 


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. 



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. 

2. Significantly reduced waste 

One of the additional benefits of rechargeable batteries lies in the reduction of waste. 

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.





Equivalences 

In terms of… 

The impact of a rechargeable 

battery is equal to : 

Reference 

units 

Equivalence 

in disposable batteries: 

Consumption of nonrenewable 

natural resources 

1 k kg of petroleum extracted v 19 

Climate change 16 k km driven by car v 457 

Photochemical oxidation 73 k km driven by car v 2 320 

Air acidification 2 122 k km driven by car v 19 812 

Sedimentary ecotoxicity 227 k mg of mercury emitted into the water v 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 

II Methodology 

1. Life cycle analysis 

Avoiding an impact Avoiding an impact 

corresponding to X Europeans / year corresponding to 

106 000 210 900 tonnes of petroleum extracted 

If we replace all disposable batteries If we replace all disposable batteries in Europe 

in Europe with rechargeable ones, with rechargeable ones, we would avoid 

we would avoid the impact that an impact on the consumption of non-renewable 

106,000 Europeans have on the consumption natural resources that is comparable 

of non-renewable natural resources. to extracting 210,900 tons of petroleum. 

Climate change 62 110 5 billion km driven by car 

Photochemical oxidation 136 820 25 620 billion km driven by car 

Air acidification 109 000 201 700 billion km driven by car 

Sedimentary ecotoxicity 90 410 29 tonnes of mercury emitted into the water 

The <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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). 

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”.




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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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.





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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 

Critical review by the Fraunhofer Institute (IZM) 

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.


FOCUS 

FOCUS 

The market 6 

The rechargeable battery market: 

Expansion in use and growth 

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 

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 

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 away 1 . 

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 

1. Multiplying uses 

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. 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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. 

2. Environmental sensitivity 

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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 

1. Manufacturer’s data 

3. An exploding market 

FOCUS 

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. 

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 2006 1 

EUROPE 

The rechargeable market vs. disposable batteries: 

+ 20 % in volume 

+ 10 % in value


Rechargeable batteries 8 

Rechargeable batteries, 

responsible consumption 

Component 

sheets 

Electrolyte 

Ions 

Positive electrode 

The results of the <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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? <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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? 

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 

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? 

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. 

Negative electrode

FOCUS FOCUS 

Rechargeable batteries 9 

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. 

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! 

II How can we reduce environmental impact 

as much as possible? 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> recommendations for optimum 

use of rechargeable batteries 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 

As a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 

As a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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.


<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 10 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong>, technological innovation 

at the service of environmental 

responsibility 

The <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> asserts itself as a company that is committed 

both environmentally and socially. 

Discover a green success story with a promising future 

I <strong>UNIROSS</strong> in a word 

1. A French and international success story 

Founded in Bristol in 1968, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> was purchased in 1992 by Saft, an Alcatel 

subsidiary. In 2001, Christophe Gurtner, President of <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, and 10 Managers 

bought the company from Saft and moved its head offices to France. Since 2002, 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> has been developing worldwide: the company now has 14 subsidiaries 

across all the continents 

Market international development 

2002: Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Hong-Kong 

2003: Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Batteries Corp, in Boston 

Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Shanghai 

Creation of Zhongshan <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Industry Co Ltd, in Xiaolan 

Purchase of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Batteries (PTY) Ltd, in Pretoria 

2005: Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> in Australia 

2006: Acquisition of NABC, North American Battery 

Acquisition of Multiplier Industries Corp. (United States) 

2007: Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> India 

Creation of <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Iberic

FOCUS 


All about 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 

www.uniross.com 

2. The dynamics of the leader 

Since 1968, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> was listed on Euronext Paris’ Stock Exchange. 

With an estimated turnover of 100 million euros for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> employs 750 people around the world. <strong>UNIROSS</strong> products are distributed in 

80 countries worldwide. 

3. A product offering for consumers, industrials and 

professionals 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> offers solutions for consumers: the rechargeable batteries and 

chargers that can be found in 3 retail circuits (Supermarkets, DIY Superstores 

and Specialised Superstores). 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> also designs energy solutions (batteries and chargers) for industrial 

portable applications (robotics, electronic payment terminals, lighting, e-bikes, 

etc). 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> offers replacement energy solutions (batteries and chargers) for 

portable equipment for professional use (scanners, all types of transceivers). 

The <strong>UNIROSS</strong> group is No. 1 in North America. 

II <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, an eco-citizen company 

committed to protecting 

the environment 

Above and beyond its products, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> is committed to sustainable development 

and is helping to make progress in reflections on these challenges. 

1. RECHARGE, European Association in Brussels 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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.



2. WWF-<strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> rechargeable batteries 

and chargers with the WWF logo. Furthermore, <strong>UNIROSS</strong> has committed to providing 

financial support to the WWF to encourage the implementation of actions for 

protecting the environment. 

3. The <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Circle for Sustainable Development in Action: 

federating mobilisation 

Created at the initiative of Christophe Gurtner, CEO of <strong>UNIROSS</strong>, the <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Circle welcomes speakers, recognised 

for their skills on the topic of sustainable development, for in-depth discussions and 

forming innovative, effective partnerships. 

III <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 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. 

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: 

<strong>UNIROSS</strong> and a division based in the United States.

FOCUS 

FOCUS 


For more on 

rechargeable 

batteries 

www.rechargeonslaplanete.com 

Contact <strong>UNIROSS</strong> 

Carole Courtin 

+33 (0)1 60 95 49 88 

carole.courtin@uniross.com 

In 2000, he was put in charge of selling <strong>UNIROSS</strong>. 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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Group and the majority shareholder.. 

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. 

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 <strong>UNIROSS</strong> Group.

UNIROSS Study on the Environmental Impact of ... - Battery Logic

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