IKEA units to take away non-rechargeable alkaline batteries by 2021
IKEA aims to inspire consumers who have to use batteries frequently to switch to rechargeable batteries
The following furniture brand, IKEA All non-rechargeable alkaline batteries will be removed from the global furnishing range by October 2021 to inspire people and enable them to live healthier and more sustainable lives at home.
With this decision, IKEA, three-time winner of the World Branding Awards, aims to inspire consumers who have to use batteries frequently in order to switch to rechargeable batteries. Regular use over time can save consumers both money and reduce waste at home.
Several recent comparative studies on the life cycle assessment show that the environmental impact of alkaline batteries compared to rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries is higher when they are used in conventional household appliances that have high energy consumption and are therefore regularly charged – such as toys , Flashlights, portable speakers or cameras.
After just 10 charges of a rechargeable NiMH battery like the LADDA series sold in IKEA stores, the greenhouse gas emissions are lower than when using alkaline batteries to obtain the same amount of energy. When approximately 50 charges are reached, the overall environmental impact of NiMH batteries is equal to or less than the impact of using alkaline batteries.
“Consumers who have to use batteries frequently can benefit from replacing alkaline batteries with rechargeable batteries. Overtime can be saved significantly – both for the environment and for your wallet. IKEA sold around 300 million alkaline batteries worldwide last year. We therefore see great potential to inspire our customers to adopt new behaviors and make full use of rechargeable batteries, ”says Emelie Knoester, Business Area Manager at IKEA Range & Supply.
In fiscal year 19, IKEA sold around 300 million alkaline batteries worldwide. Calculations assume that if – hypothetically – all IKEA customers switched from ALKALISK alkaline batteries to rechargeable LADDA batteries, they would use them for devices with high drainage and would only charge 50 times the global waste reduction to 5,000 tons per year. Since a LADDA battery can be charged up to 500 times, there is the potential to reduce additional waste.
“We are on a journey to inspire people and enable them to live healthier and more sustainable lives within the confines of the planet. By phasing out alkaline batteries and focusing on our range of rechargeable batteries, we are taking a step on this path: we are offering our customers an affordable and convenient solution to extend the life of products and materials and reduce waste, ”says Caroline Reid, Sustainability Development Manager at IKEA Range & Supply.
The commitment applies worldwide and includes the ALKALISK range of alkaline batteries. At this point in time, the lithium ion coin cell battery called PLATTBOJ is kept in the area because some applications currently sold by IKEA require a coin cell battery to function.
