Affordable and sustainable lithium-ion batteries are key to the development of electric vehicles markets and to the green energy transition. Circular economy solutions for end-of-life batteries can help address primary inputs disruptions, while reducing environmental costs associated with the mining of these inputs or with battery production. Circular value chains would also help address waste and disposal problems as Li-ion batteries reach end of life. These chains are in their infancy, as complex battery designs, material chemistries and insufficient waste stocks hamper their viability, but the projected growth should support profitability. International trade in Li-ion batteries waste will remain essential in markets where domestic waste streams are insufficient to achieve the scale necessary for economically viable recycling, or where inadequate infrastructure imposes reliance on recycling capacities abroad. Promoting circular value chains for Li-ion batteries would require greater clarity on the status of these batteries as waste, consistency of transport and storage safety regulations, trade facilitation and harmonisation of standards for battery design, and regulatory targets for waste collection and recycling rates, coupled with stewardship and take-back schemes.
Trade policies to promote the circular economy: A case study of lithium-ion batteries
Working paper
OECD Trade and Environment Working Papers
![](/https/www.oecd.org/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--92455626-8791-4895-b821-e8645642e1f2/51.png?quality=80&preferwebp=true)
Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Abstract
In the same series
-
29 September 2022
-
Working paper22 December 2020
Related publications
-
Policy paper11 December 2023
-
6 December 2023
-
22 September 2023