Ikea removes (popular) non-rechargeable batteries from store shelves: “Environmental impact is too great”

Ikea will therefore discontinue all alkaline batteries from the range by October 2021. The retailer says there are several recent studies that would show that the environmental impact of those types of batteries is greater than that of rechargeable batteries. Greenhouse gas emissions would be less after charging such a battery ten times, compared to alkaline batteries to obtain the same amount of energy.

300 million batteries

“Consumers who regularly need batteries can benefit from switching to rechargeable batteries,” says Ikea. “The savings can be significant over time, both for the environment and for their pockets.” IKEA sold approximately 300 million alkaline batteries worldwide last year. The retail chain hopes to encourage its customers to switch to rechargeable batteries. Calculations by Ikea itself would reduce waste worldwide by up to 5,000 tons on an annual basis.

That the batteries are popular was also shown in a broadcast by De Inspecteur (Radio 2) in May 2018. Then the batteries from Ikea and Kruidvat matched the batteries from Duracell in a comparative test. The responses at the time showed that many consumers consciously chose Ikea batteries.

The smaller disposable button batteries (for watches or hearing aids, for example) will remain in the range for the time being. According to Ikea, these are less harmful and difficult to replace for the time being.

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