WHAT IS EPR?
Another ugly acronym that hides a virtuous and indispensable approach. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a key mechanism that dates back to 1992 in France. At the time, local authorities were struggling to manage household packaging. Faced with the exponential increase in waste, the idea of a circular economy emerged. The linear “extract-manufacture-consume-dispose” model was not yet over, and we were only just beginning to move towards the efficient management of resources, from their creation to their end-of-life.
To put this idea into practice, eco-organizations have gradually emerged for each sector: textiles, buildings, packaging and so on. They enable producers to respond effectively to this responsibility by pooling their efforts: this is the role of eco-contribution.
Nevertheless, the use of ever-increasing technological innovations regularly complicates the operability of each sector. This has led to the development of the eco-design principle, which integrates the product's end-of-life (and its entire cycle) right from the design stage.
Turning batteries into resources
And we've come full circle, since it's at this point in history that we're talking about our batteries. Their growing complexity - various chemistries (NiCd, Li-ion...) and their varied uses (electric mobility, energy storage, telephony, etc.) - have led to the creation of numerous categories to meet the specific needs of each sector. For its part, the European Union has introduced specific and extremely ambitious regulations. These aim to transform our used batteries into precious resources for tomorrow's batteries, thanks in part to very high recycling targets.
TEMO x Batribox : une filière pour les batteries industrielles
In TEMO's case, we initially sought to collect our batteries ourselves and send them to a professional battery processor: VoltR, a start-up in our image, which has made battery remanufacturing its bus model.
This is where collaboration with Batribox, a key eco-organization in the sector, comes into play. At present, industrial batteries, such as those in the TEMO-450 and TEMO-1000, classified as “industrial”, are not yet covered by a national approval for collective management. Batribox has applied for this approval, and TEMO is actively supporting the process.
Towards a sustainable industry for the future
At TEMO, we're convinced that battery recycling is crucial to sustainable mobility. While European regulations are ambitious, they require rapid action and effective structuring of the industry, otherwise we risk missing out on history. Following in the footsteps of the voluntary “e-mobility” sector, Batribox has asked us to participate voluntarily in the “industrial” sector, in anticipation of this approval. By participating in this dynamic, TEMO is enabling Batribox to structure its approach and involve other manufacturers.
TEMO is proud to initiate the movement and set up an official collection point in our Vannes premises. New collection zones will appear in the near future in the Mediterranean, depending on the deposits identified. Nothing is simple, but everything is possible, and we're still thinking about it.