EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe was founded in the same year as the European Union to represent the common interests of European manufacturers of portable batteries and chargers. Over the years, we have grown into a leading industry voice on EU battery legislation, standardisation, environmental policy, and consumer safety. Based in Brussels, we work closely with EU institutions and play an active role in shaping the regulatory landscape.

Origins (1950s–1970s)

EPBA traces its organisational roots to 1957, according to international association records, making its institutional lineage one of the oldest in the European battery sector.

In the post-war period, the growing use of flashlights, radios, toys, cameras, and other portable appliances increased demand for consumer batteries across Europe. Battery manufacturers therefore had a growing need for a common industry voice and closer cooperation on technical, commercial, and regulatory matters.

During this period, industry coordination focused mainly on:

• Technical standards and harmonisation between European markets

• Product quality and safety

• Trade and market coordination

• Market statistics and industry information

• Cooperation with emerging European and international institutions

The EUROPILE period and growing environmental focus (1980s–1990s)

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the organisation operated as EUROPILE, the Association of European Primary Dry Battery Manufacturers, from Bern, Switzerland. EUROPILE was the direct organisational predecessor of the EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe and represented the shared interests of European consumer-battery manufacturers.

A major turning point came as concerns about the environmental impact of batteries and their disposal increased. In 1985, the association’s members launched a voluntary programme to remove mercury from alkaline and zinc batteries. The programme was successfully completed in 1994, several years before the relevant European legislation came into force.

In 1993, the name of the association was changed to European Portable Battery Association (EPBA), while the office moved to Brussels in 1997. This helped strengthen its ability to contribute to European battery and environmental policy. The work increasingly covered:

• Establishing battery collection systems

• Supporting recycling infrastructure

• Developing producer responsibility schemes across Europe

EU battery legislation era (2000s)

Over the decades, EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe evolved into a central stakeholder in European battery policy. It became recognised by the European Commission and involved in UN expert groups on the transport of dangerous goods and chemical classification. 

The adoption of the EU Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC) transformed the industry. The association became heavily involved in:

• Compliance guidance

• Collection targets for used batteries

• Recycling standards

• Consumer labelling and safety information

The association expanded its remit to also include waste management and recycling (WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU), hazardous substances regulation (RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU), as well as chemical safety (REACH Regulation 1907/2006).

Modern role: “Consumer Batteries Europe”

Today, EPBA represents major manufacturers of portable and consumer batteries in Europe and operates from Brussels. It works closely with EU institutions on circular economy and other sustainability topics, safety standards, digital product labelling and deregulation initiatives.

In 2025, the association adopted the public‑facing name “EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe” to better reflect its emphasis on consumer‑used portable batteries (while retaining its focus on the entire range of portable batteries). This name helps to communicate more clearly with EU policymakers, stakeholders, and broader, non‑technical public audiences. This was part of a deliberate strategy to modernise the association’s public identity while keeping its legal structure unchanged, also including a new mission statement:

We are dedicated to advancing the sustainable, safe, and efficient use of portable batteries across Europe. Our mission is to advocate for innovation and environmental stewardship in the battery industry, promote best practices in manufacturing and recycling, and ensure compliance with stringent safety and environmental standards. We work closely with stakeholders, including the EU institutions, policymakers, and consumers, to safeguard and enhance our positive contribution to the EU economy, the environment, and the communities in which we operate.

This long history gives EPBA – Consumer Batteries Europe a unique role in bridging industry, regulators, and consumers. The association remains the leading organisation of quality manufacturers of portable batteries and power solutions in Europe.