GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Battery Industry Statistics

Battery industry aims for sustainability through recycling, ethical sourcing, and innovation.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Approximately 50% of lithium used in batteries was mined using environmentally damaging processes as of 2022

Statistic 2

The use of recycled cobalt in new batteries can cut CO2 emissions by around 35%

Statistic 3

Over 90% of lithium-ion batteries are still disposed of in landfills, which poses environmental risks

Statistic 4

The carbon footprint of manufacturing a typical lithium-ion battery can range from 150 to 200 kg of CO2 equivalent per kWh

Statistic 5

The production of one ton of batteries consumes approximately 70,000 gallons of water, raising concerns about water sustainability in mining regions

Statistic 6

The development of bio-based electrolytes is progressing, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacturing

Statistic 7

The use of nickel in batteries is increasing due to its lower environmental impact compared to cobalt, with a projected increase in nickel cathodes from 18% to 36% by 2030

Statistic 8

The lifecycle emissions of electric vehicle batteries are approximately 70% lower than those of internal combustion engines over the vehicle's lifespan

Statistic 9

Developing second-life batteries for energy storage can reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal by up to 80%

Statistic 10

Over 60% of battery manufacturers have committed to using 100% renewable energy in their operations by 2030

Statistic 11

Low-impact mining techniques, such as in-situ leaching, are being explored to reduce environmental damage, with pilot projects showing promising results

Statistic 12

The adoption of greener electrolytes can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of battery manufacturing by up to 40%

Statistic 13

The total carbon emissions related to the production of electric vehicle batteries declined by approximately 20% from 2019 to 2022 due to improved manufacturing efficiencies

Statistic 14

The deployment of green hydrogen as a clean energy source for battery manufacturing can cut associated emissions by up to 60%

Statistic 15

The global battery market is projected to reach $174 billion by 2025, driven largely by sustainability initiatives

Statistic 16

The demand for sustainable battery materials is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% until 2030

Statistic 17

The global demand for lithium is expected to increase eightfold by 2050, intensifying the need for sustainable extraction practices

Statistic 18

Battery recycling industry revenue is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2030, driven by sustainability demands

Statistic 19

The push toward electric vehicles is expected to increase lithium demand by 500% by 2050, emphasizing the importance of sustainable sourcing

Statistic 20

Initiatives for ethical sourcing of cobalt have increased the certification rate in battery supply chains by over 40% since 2019

Statistic 21

Around 70% of cobalt used in batteries is sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where supply chain transparency is improving but still has challenges

Statistic 22

The environmental impact of cobalt mining is significantly reduced when companies adopt ethical sourcing and certification programs, with reductions in violations by over 50%

Statistic 23

Recycling lithium batteries can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to raw material extraction

Statistic 24

The cellphone industry is one of the largest consumers of recycled lithium, contributing to sustainability efforts

Statistic 25

Companies like Tesla and CATL are investing heavily in battery recycling to meet sustainability standards, with recycling capacity projected to increase fivefold by 2030

Statistic 26

Recycling rates for lithium batteries are currently below 5%, indicating significant potential for growth in sustainability practices

Statistic 27

The European Union aims to have 70% of lithium-ion batteries recycled by 2030 to promote sustainability

Statistic 28

Implementing battery design for recyclability can increase reuse rates by up to 30%, according to recent studies

Statistic 29

The average lifecycle of a lithium-ion battery is around 8-10 years, after which second-life applications are increasingly being used for sustainability

Statistic 30

Recycling cobalt from batteries can save up to 50% energy compared to primary mining processes, promoting sustainability

Statistic 31

Increased use of recycled materials in batteries can lead to cost reductions of up to 25%, boosting sustainability and market competitiveness

Statistic 32

The implementation of closed-loop manufacturing processes for batteries could reduce waste by 80%, significantly improving sustainability

Statistic 33

Approximately 80% of battery manufacturing waste can be recovered and recycled if proper processes are implemented, reducing environmental impact

Statistic 34

The battery industry is exploring advanced, eco-friendly packaging solutions that could reduce plastic waste by 40%

Statistic 35

The adoption of battery pre-treatment to enhance recyclability can improve material recovery rates by 25%, contributing to sustainability goals

Statistic 36

New solid-state battery technologies are projected to reduce the reliance on scarce and hazardous materials by 50% by 2030

Statistic 37

The use of organic and water-based electrolytes is expanding, aiming to replace traditional organic solvents in future batteries

Statistic 38

Technological innovations in anode and cathode materials are reducing reliance on cobalt and nickel, aiming for more sustainable alternatives in 2030

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Key Highlights

  • The global battery market is projected to reach $174 billion by 2025, driven largely by sustainability initiatives
  • Approximately 50% of lithium used in batteries was mined using environmentally damaging processes as of 2022
  • Recycling lithium batteries can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to raw material extraction
  • The use of recycled cobalt in new batteries can cut CO2 emissions by around 35%
  • Over 90% of lithium-ion batteries are still disposed of in landfills, which poses environmental risks
  • The demand for sustainable battery materials is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% until 2030
  • The carbon footprint of manufacturing a typical lithium-ion battery can range from 150 to 200 kg of CO2 equivalent per kWh
  • Initiatives for ethical sourcing of cobalt have increased the certification rate in battery supply chains by over 40% since 2019
  • The cellphone industry is one of the largest consumers of recycled lithium, contributing to sustainability efforts
  • New solid-state battery technologies are projected to reduce the reliance on scarce and hazardous materials by 50% by 2030
  • The production of one ton of batteries consumes approximately 70,000 gallons of water, raising concerns about water sustainability in mining regions
  • Companies like Tesla and CATL are investing heavily in battery recycling to meet sustainability standards, with recycling capacity projected to increase fivefold by 2030
  • The development of bio-based electrolytes is progressing, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacturing

As the battery industry gears up for a $174 billion market by 2025, a relentless push toward sustainability is transforming how we source, produce, and recycle batteries—promising greener energy storage solutions amid mounting environmental concerns.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint

  • Approximately 50% of lithium used in batteries was mined using environmentally damaging processes as of 2022
  • The use of recycled cobalt in new batteries can cut CO2 emissions by around 35%
  • Over 90% of lithium-ion batteries are still disposed of in landfills, which poses environmental risks
  • The carbon footprint of manufacturing a typical lithium-ion battery can range from 150 to 200 kg of CO2 equivalent per kWh
  • The production of one ton of batteries consumes approximately 70,000 gallons of water, raising concerns about water sustainability in mining regions
  • The development of bio-based electrolytes is progressing, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacturing
  • The use of nickel in batteries is increasing due to its lower environmental impact compared to cobalt, with a projected increase in nickel cathodes from 18% to 36% by 2030
  • The lifecycle emissions of electric vehicle batteries are approximately 70% lower than those of internal combustion engines over the vehicle's lifespan
  • Developing second-life batteries for energy storage can reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal by up to 80%
  • Over 60% of battery manufacturers have committed to using 100% renewable energy in their operations by 2030
  • Low-impact mining techniques, such as in-situ leaching, are being explored to reduce environmental damage, with pilot projects showing promising results
  • The adoption of greener electrolytes can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of battery manufacturing by up to 40%
  • The total carbon emissions related to the production of electric vehicle batteries declined by approximately 20% from 2019 to 2022 due to improved manufacturing efficiencies
  • The deployment of green hydrogen as a clean energy source for battery manufacturing can cut associated emissions by up to 60%

Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint Interpretation

While strides like increased renewable energy use and greener electrolytes promise to greenify the battery industry, the stark reality remains that half of the lithium mined remains environmentally damaging and over 90% of used batteries still languish in landfills, underscoring the urgent need for smarter recycling, sustainable mining, and innovative manufacturing to truly power a greener future.

Market Dynamics and Industry Growth

  • The global battery market is projected to reach $174 billion by 2025, driven largely by sustainability initiatives
  • The demand for sustainable battery materials is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% until 2030
  • The global demand for lithium is expected to increase eightfold by 2050, intensifying the need for sustainable extraction practices
  • Battery recycling industry revenue is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2030, driven by sustainability demands
  • The push toward electric vehicles is expected to increase lithium demand by 500% by 2050, emphasizing the importance of sustainable sourcing

Market Dynamics and Industry Growth Interpretation

As the battery industry on its quest for a greener future surges toward a $174 billion valuation and an eightfold lithium surge by 2050, it becomes clear that sustainable sourcing and recycling are no longer optional but essential to keep the electric revolution charged and environmentally responsible.

Regulatory Policies and Ethical Sourcing

  • Initiatives for ethical sourcing of cobalt have increased the certification rate in battery supply chains by over 40% since 2019
  • Around 70% of cobalt used in batteries is sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where supply chain transparency is improving but still has challenges
  • The environmental impact of cobalt mining is significantly reduced when companies adopt ethical sourcing and certification programs, with reductions in violations by over 50%

Regulatory Policies and Ethical Sourcing Interpretation

As the battery industry chips away at its ethical shortcomings—boosting certification rates by over 40% and cutting violations by more than half—it's clear that sustainable sourcing from the Democratic Republic of Congo is increasingly powering both progress and conscience, even if the road remains rugged.

Sustainable Materials and Recycling

  • Recycling lithium batteries can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to raw material extraction
  • The cellphone industry is one of the largest consumers of recycled lithium, contributing to sustainability efforts
  • Companies like Tesla and CATL are investing heavily in battery recycling to meet sustainability standards, with recycling capacity projected to increase fivefold by 2030
  • Recycling rates for lithium batteries are currently below 5%, indicating significant potential for growth in sustainability practices
  • The European Union aims to have 70% of lithium-ion batteries recycled by 2030 to promote sustainability
  • Implementing battery design for recyclability can increase reuse rates by up to 30%, according to recent studies
  • The average lifecycle of a lithium-ion battery is around 8-10 years, after which second-life applications are increasingly being used for sustainability
  • Recycling cobalt from batteries can save up to 50% energy compared to primary mining processes, promoting sustainability
  • Increased use of recycled materials in batteries can lead to cost reductions of up to 25%, boosting sustainability and market competitiveness
  • The implementation of closed-loop manufacturing processes for batteries could reduce waste by 80%, significantly improving sustainability
  • Approximately 80% of battery manufacturing waste can be recovered and recycled if proper processes are implemented, reducing environmental impact
  • The battery industry is exploring advanced, eco-friendly packaging solutions that could reduce plastic waste by 40%
  • The adoption of battery pre-treatment to enhance recyclability can improve material recovery rates by 25%, contributing to sustainability goals

Sustainable Materials and Recycling Interpretation

Despite significant advancements and lofty sustainability targets—like the EU's 70% recycling goal and a fivefold capacity increase by 2030—the current recycling rate below 5% reveals that the true power of sustainable batteries lies not just in technological potential, but in accelerating the industry’s commitment to closing the loop and transforming waste into a resource.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

  • New solid-state battery technologies are projected to reduce the reliance on scarce and hazardous materials by 50% by 2030
  • The use of organic and water-based electrolytes is expanding, aiming to replace traditional organic solvents in future batteries
  • Technological innovations in anode and cathode materials are reducing reliance on cobalt and nickel, aiming for more sustainable alternatives in 2030

Technological Advancements and Innovations Interpretation

With solid-state batteries cutting reliance on scarce materials by half and innovative electrolytes and electrode materials steering the industry towards a more sustainable future, the battery sector is charging ahead into an eco-friendly era—proof that even energy storage is going green.