Circularity in the European Battery Regulation : A 9R framework analysis

Sammanfattning

Transportation is one of the largest emitting sectors in the European Union and electrifying the transportation fleet is a monumental step towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As global demand for electric vehicles rises, so does the demand for lithium-ion batteries. More circularity in the battery sector could be an avenue both for increased sustainability and supply security, as battery materials such as lithium are scarce in nature and subject to environmental, social and geopolitical pressures. This thesis examines the circularity potential of the European Battery Regulation through the lens of the 9R framework. The study applied a mixed-method content analysis, combining a quantitative mapping of R-strategies in the European Battery Regulation with a qualitative assessment of their enabling functions. The results suggest that while the European Battery Regulation engages several R-strategies, it prioritizes recycling through set targets on recycling efficiency, material recovery and share of recycled contents in batteries. In contrast, higher-order strategies such as reduce, reuse or remanufacture are mainly enabled through information disclosure and general sustainability requirements, leaving their uptake dependent on market actors. This imbalance risks placing circularity into end-of-pipe solutions, with recycling supported for economic and political reasons, while more transformative circularity strategies remain underdeveloped. These findings reflect broader debates on the concept of circular economy, highlighting both its promise and limits. The European Battery Regulation strengthens Europe’s recycling industry and is framed as a response to supply security and competitiveness concerns, yet it falls short of addressing systemic drivers on resource demand. By bridging technical and policy perspectives, this study demonstrates how circularity frameworks can be operationalized in regulatory contexts and underscores the importance of aligning legislative language with genuine circular economy objectives.