Sustainable Development Strategy of Lithium Polymer Battery

Lithium Battery as a new energy, with high energy, small body, lightweight, the use of positive and negative electrodes to discharge back and forth, 

to achieve sustainable use. The upstream industrial chain are lithium mineral resources.The midstream industrial chain are lithium battery materials, 

battery cell production, battery cell production equipment, lithium battery detection system providers and lithium battery assembly enterprises. The 

downstream industrial chain are mainly lithium battery supporting applications including 3C production (consumer battery), new energy vehicles 

(power battery), energy storage and other industries (energy storage battery), all of which can achieve high quality, high efficiency, high environmental 

protection trend.

Current Trends and Challenges

The global demand for lithium polymer batteries has surged, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. In 2023, battery demand for lithium 

increased by over 30%, reaching 140,000 tons, which accounted for 85% of the total lithium demand. Similarly, cobalt and nickel demand saw 

significant increases, driven primarily by battery production needs (IEA).

However, the extraction and processing of these critical materials present significant environmental and ethical challenges. Cobalt, in particular, 

is associated with hazardous mining conditions and environmental degradation. Consequently, there's a growing need to develop alternative 

battery chemistry that reduce reliance on these materials (MIT News).

Innovations in Battery Technology

Recent advancements in battery technology offer promising solutions to these challenges. Researchers are actively exploring cobalt-free 

batteries and organic materials as alternatives. For instance, a new type of battery using organic small molecules instead of cobalt has been 

developed. These organic batteries can potentially provide comparable energy density and longevity while avoiding the ethical and environmental 

issues associated with cobalt mining(ScienceDaily) (Tech Xplore).

Sustainable Production Practices

To further enhance the sustainability of lithium polymer batteries, it is crucial to focus on sustainable production practices. This includes improving 

the efficiency of raw material extraction and refining processes, investing in recycling technologies, and developing closed-loop systems that can 

recover and reuse battery materials. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that significant investments in mining and refining have ensured

that global supply can currently meet demand. However, continued efforts are necessary to prevent future supply chain bottlenecks and ensure the 

long-term sustainability of battery production(IEA).

Industry and Policy Developments

Governments and industry stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable battery development. Policies promoting 

research into alternative battery materials and recycling technologies are crucial. Additionally, international partnerships and collaborations are 

essential to develop and implement these technologies on a global scale.

For example, China has emerged as a leader in battery production. However, to balance its market dominance and reduce overcapacity, China 

is also the largest exporter of battery components. This international distribution helps stabilize global supply chains and supports the broader 

adoption of sustainable battery technologies(IEA).

Conclusion

Lithium polymer batteries are key for future applications in the scope of the expected growth in the implementation of electric vehicles and the 

generalization of portable electronic devices. The increase in the demand of materials for these applications leads to significant environmental 

issues that must be addressed. The elimination of liquid electrolytes from the battery structure and the implementation of more sustainable 

materials and processes allow for more adequate recycling strategies and improving the battery life cycle in the context of a circular economy.