Performance Review 2022: REBAT Continues to Grow

• Significant increase in collection and return volume 
• Gross collection rate at 55.33% 
• Calls for the introduction of interim targets for a collection rate of 63% in 2027 

Aschheim/Munich, May 5, 2023 | REBAT, RLG’s leading European take-back system for portable batteries, improved its collection results again. REBAT collected 17,858 tonnes in 2022, representing an increase of 2,394 tonnes or 15.5% compared to the previous year. The legally required collection rate of 50% since 2021 was significantly exceeded with a gross collection rate of 55.33%. Due to the voluntary transfer of recycled quantities to a market companion, the collection rate was reduced to 53.01%, still far exceeding the 50% target.

Concerns about sudden increase in the collection rate 

Concerning the collection rate of 63% applicable from 2027, Andreas Kröniger, Executive Vice President, sees himself in a good position: “The development of recent years speaks for us. However, we are very concerned about a sudden increase in the rate by 13% in 2027. Therefore, we call on the legislature to introduce binding interim targets for all take-back systems.” 

Leading European take-back system for device batteries 

The approximately 6,000 manufacturers of the REBAT system put 32,275 tonnes of portable batteries onto the market last year, an increase of 1,710 tonnes or 5.6% compared to 2021. In addition, the REBAT collection network is at a consistently high level and now comprises over 62,000 active collection points. Overall, REBAT is expected to maintain its leading position as Europe’s largest take-back system for portable batteries. 

“Our success depends heavily on the cooperation with our system partners. Without them, the results presented would not be possible,” thanks Kröniger to manufacturers, collection partners, and service providers. This also applies to handling the crisis situation related to the outage of a major sorting and recycling facility. The expected bottlenecks were overcome faster than expected thanks to consistent and timely crisis management. 

REBAT+ has been a success from the start 

With a collection rate of 162.9%, REBAT+ has far exceeded the target of 100%. The new premium take-back system of RLG offers connected manufacturers the advantage of shortened collection periods and access to special safety containers. REBAT+ also provides an opportunity to meet the individual needs of both manufacturers and collection points. 

Please note: The REBAT performance review with detailed figures will be published in the coming weeks.