IKEA said it will remove non-rechargeable alkaline batteries from the global home furnishing range by October 2021.
With this decision, IKEA wishes to inspire consumers who need to frequently use batteries to make a switch to rechargeable batteries. Regular use over time enables consumers to both save money and reduce waste at home.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment studies show that the environmental impact of alkaline batteries is higher compared to rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) when used in common household devices that have a high energy consumption.
Already after 10 charges of a rechargeable NiMH battery, such as the LADDA range sold in IKEA stores, greenhouse gas emissions are lower as compared to using alkaline batteries to obtain the same amount of energy. When about 50 charges are reached, the environmental impact of NiMH batteries is equal or even less than the impact of using alkaline batteries.
“Consumers who need to frequently use batteries can benefit by replacing alkaline with rechargeable batteries,” said Emelie Knoester, business area manager at IKEA Range & Supply.
In FY19, IKEA sold about 300 million alkaline batteries globally. Calculations indicate that if all IKEA customers switched from ALKALISK alkaline batteries to LADDA rechargeable batteries, used them for high-drain devices and charged them just 50 times the global waste reduction would be as much as 5,000 tons on an annual basis. As one LADDA battery can be charged up to 500 times, the potential to reduce additional waste exists.
“By phasing out alkaline batteries and focusing on our range of rechargeable batteries, we are offering customers an affordable and convenient solution to prolong the life of products and materials, and reduce waste,” said Caroline Reid, Sustainability Development Manager at IKEA Range & Supply.
The commitment applies globally and includes the ALKALISK range of alkaline batteries. The company said lithium-ion button cell battery called PLATTBOJ will be kept in the range as some applications currently being sold by IKEA require a button cell battery to function.