Nadia Kowalczyk, Energizer’s senior marketing director for batteries and portable lights, told AutoblogGreen that, “The recycled content can come from multiple makers of hybrid electric vehicle batteries which provides a steady stream of recycled battery materials.” To us, that seems to imply Toyota, the global leader in hybrid sales, since if you want a “steady stream” of old packs, aging Priuses would be the place to turn to.
The AA and AAA batteries use NiMH chemistry, which makes sense, since that’s what most non-plug hybrids use. Energizer says that it is moving towards a future where all Energizer batteries contain at least some recycled materials.
All that Energizer is saying about how, exactly, this happens, is that it refines a “high-performance active ingredient” through a “proprietary process.” So, yeah, nothing really specific, but what this hints at for the future is that your plug-in car won’t ever have a truly useless battery pack in it. Those chemicals – sorry, “active ingredients” – will be of use to someone.
Energizer Recharge® AA and AAA batteries, made with 4 percent recycled battery material, deliver long-lasting power while creating less impact on the environment
ST. LOUIS, March 1, 2016 – On the heels of launching Energizer® EcoAdvanced® batteries, the first-ever AA batteries made with 4 percent recycled battery material, Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR] introduced today another world’s first with its rechargeable AA and AAA batteries made with recycled batteries. Energizer Recharge® batteries are made with 4 percent recycled battery material, provide consumers with long-lasting power that can be recharged hundreds of times, and reduce the impact on the planet.
“Energizer Recharge is another step forward in our vision that all Energizer batteries contain some amount of recycled battery materials,” said Michelle Atkinson, Energizer Chief Consumer Officer. “Our scientists partnered with rechargeable suppliers to build on the knowledge and experience from Energizer EcoAdvanced and identified a process to use recycled content in our rechargeable batteries without sacrificing performance, an idea previously not thought possible by industry experts.”
Energizer scientists worked with exclusive partners to discover a way to recycle the used batteries from high-efficiency vehicles by refining the material through a proprietary process. The refined, high-performance active ingredient is then used to help power Energizer Recharge. In addition to being the world’s first rechargeable batteries made with 4 percent recycled battery material, Energizer Recharge also creates a world’s first use of recycled materials from hybrid vehicle batteries to make new AA and AAA batteries.
Energizer rechargeable batteries have always been a great option for consumers looking to conserve resources and prevent waste. Energizer Recharge has less environmental impact by reducing the amount of batteries consumers need to use to power their devices and by requiring less mining of virgin material in the manufacturing process.
“Consumers have expanded their definition of battery performance to more than just long lasting. They also want a responsible product,” added Atkinson. “Energizer Recharge is the latest example of how we innovate with the consumer in-mind, building on our breakthrough Energizer EcoAdvanced battery.”
Consumers are responding favorably to how Energizer is bringing products to market. Energizer EcoAdvanced was named Product of the Year’s first-ever Sustainability winner in the U.S. for 2016. Award recipients are chosen by more than 40,000 consumers in a survey conducted by research firm TNS. Energizer EcoAdvanced also received the same accolade in the United Kingdom, being named the Product of the Year in the Technology & Accessories category.
Energizer batteries made with 4 percent recycled batteries are another “first” in a long line of innovative breakthroughs from Energizer in the battery category. Energizer introduced the world’s first AA lithium battery, Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ batteries, the world’s first dry cell battery, and the world’s first watch battery. Energizer was also the first to remove mercury from alkaline and hearing aid batteries, and the first to create child-resistant packaging to mitigate coin cell ingestion by children, along with an awareness campaign.
Energizer Recharge is one of several technology enhancements Energizer is making in 2016 to strengthen its leadership in batteries across its portfolio. Improved Energizer MAX® batteries now last up to 30 percent longer than previous Energizer MAX® AA batteries in digital cameras – and still protect devices from damaging leaks for up to two years after the battery is fully used. The company also made improvements to Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™, which is now the world’s highest energy and world’s longest-lasting AA battery, holding energy up to 20 years in storage.
About Energizer
Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR], headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of primary batteries, portable flashlights and lanterns. Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing power solutions with a full portfolio of products including Energizer® brand battery products such as Energizer® EcoAdvanced®; Energizer MAX®; Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™; Energizer Recharge® batteries and charging systems; and portable flashlights and lanterns. Visit www.energizer.com for more information.
