The UK throws away a staggering 600 million batteries annually, and many of us don't even know how to dispose and recycle batteries properly, resulting in environmental and health dangers. While batteries still power many aspects of our everyday lives, from power tools to children's toys to office supplies, the use of single-use alkaline batteries may feel like an inevitable contradiction to our efforts to lead more sustainable and eco-friendly lives.
The good news is there is a simple answer to this dilemma: making the switch from disposable alkaline batteries to rechargeable batteries. There have been rapid developments in the technology behind rechargeable batteries, meaning not only are they better for the environment, they function better and last longer than ever before. GP Batteries is at the forefront of this rechargeable revolution. As the top 3 NiHM rechargeable battery manufacturer in the world, we believe rechargeable batteries are the future, and we are on a mission to lead the way as the world looks to a more sustainable alternative portable power source.
If you are hesitant about making the switch to rechargeable batteries, here are 5 key reasons you should join GP's rechargeable revolution today.
Rechargeable batteries reduce waste
Single-use batteries are exactly that: single use. Once the power has been depleted from them, they are no longer useful and therefore are disposed of and recycled. With rechargeable batteries, however, they can be reused over and over again. For instance, GP's Recyko rechargeable AAA batteries can be recharged up to 500 times. That means one rechargeable AAA battery is the equivalent of 500 single-use alkaline ones! Not only is this a huge reduction in the number of batteries being thrown out, it also means a reduction in energy required to recycle used batteries and harmful waste seeping into the environment.
Rechargeable batteries are economical (in the long run)
From the onset, rechargeable batteries look like the most expensive choice. A 4 pack of GP Recyko rechargeable AA batteries including the charger costs £14.99, whereas you can get 18 GP Extra single-use AA batteries for £9.99. So at the time of purchase, it may seem like rechargeable batteries are expensive in comparison, and that alkaline batteries are better value. But since GP Recyko batteries can be recharged up to 500 times each, the 4 pack of rechargeable AA batteries is the same as 2,000 single-use equivalents. If you were to buy 2,000 GP Extra single-use AA batteries, it would cost a whopping £1,110. Suddenly, £14.99 for 4 rechargeable batteries plus charger doesn't seem expensive after all!
Rechargeable batteries save time
Many people only buy new batteries when the last ones run out of power. That means your remote controls have stopped working, or your children's toys have stopped singing songs on repeat. To get everything up and running again, you either have to wait for your online order to arrive, or you have to pop to your nearest supermarket or corner store to buy some new batteries. All of this takes time and effort.
With rechargeable batteries, they are there, ready when you need them. GP battery chargers automatically cut off power when fully charged, so you can keep them plugged in permanently without worrying about safety, energy consumption or overheating.
GP's Recyko range offers different charging speeds: regular Recyko takes 3-6 hours for a full charge, meaning they will be fully charged overnight when you wake up. If you need an urgent recharge, Recyko Charge 10 charges four 1700mAh AA batteries in a staggering 10 minutes, making it the world's fastest battery charger. Whatever your need, whatever your speed, GP has the rechargeable batteries and chargers that are perfect for you.
GP rechargeable batteries come in all common sizes
When it comes to battery sizes, AA and AAA batteries are the most common, so many brands offer rechargeable batteries in these popular sizes. But at GP, we don't stop there. Our Recyko rechargeable range includes other less popular but still common sizes, such as C batteries, D batteries and 9V batteries, meaning there is a rechargeable solution for most everyday household appliances.
At the moment, there is no rechargeable solution for specialty lithium batteries such as coin batteries. Lithium technology means these batteries already have a long lifespan, thus need to be replaced less frequently. Nonetheless, never say never--watch this space!
GP Batteries is fully committed to sustainability
Not only are GP rechargeable batteries the sustainable choice when it comes to power supply, we take our environmental mission seriously with a series of ESG goals:
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Packaging: GP Batteries is progressively eliminating plastic in our packaging, opting for plastic-free FSC-certified paper packaging instead. In addition, we use soy-based inks on select alkaline product packaging as a natural printing option. As a result, GP packaging has won countless awards, including the Gold Award for Best Use of Sustainable Packaging in 2023.
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Recycling: most of GP rechargeable batteries are made of more than 10% recycled materials, meaning a reduction in energy usage, consumption of fresh raw materials and pollution. Furthermore, when our rechargeable batteries eventually reach the end of their lifespan, 94%+ of the entire battery pack can be recycled.
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Zero Waste to Landfill: 6 GP facilities in APAC have achieved Zero Waste to Landfill Gold Validation, which recognises that GP Batteries handles waste in environmentally responsible and innovative ways. In addition, we were presented with Wastewi$e Certificate--Good Level by the Hong Kong Environmental Campaign Committee, culminating in the recognition of GP Batteries as a Hong Kong Green Organisation for our achievement in reducing waste, energy, air emission, noise impact and carbon footprint.
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Responsible Production: GP Batteries has been awarded Bronze Medal in the latest EcoVadis sustainability assessment, which evaluates our labour practices and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement, demonstrating GP Batteries' high standards in ensuring sustainable and ethical practices.
More reasons to switch to rechargeable
We believe there are plenty of compelling reasons to switch to GP rechargeable batteries, but if you're on the fence, or worried about rechargeable technology, read on to get answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is a rechargeable battery?
A rechargeable battery is a household battery that can be recharged and used over and over again. At GP Batteries, you can purchase rechargeable batteries along with the correct or universal charger, ensuring that you are optimising the performance of both your batteries and your charger.
How long do rechargeable batteries last?
The lifespan of rechargeable batteries depends on the size of the battery as well as the usage. With GP Recyko rechargeable batteries, most batteries last 6 years or at least 500 recharges, whichever comes first. This means your purchase today can potentially last you and your family up to 6 years, so the battery might actually outlast your remote control or your child's toys!
How long does it take to charge rechargeable batteries?
This depends on type of battery and which GP range it falls under. GP Recyko batteries usually take up 6 hours for a full recharge, meaning your batteries will be fully powered if you leave them to charge overnight. However, the GP Recyko Pro recharges batteries in under 2 hours, while GP Recyko Speed Charger recharges batteries in just over an hour. If you are in a real hurry, GP Recyko Charge 10 is the world's fastest charger, and your rechargeable AA batteries will be ready to go in 10 minutes. So whatever recharging speed you need, GP has the rechargeable solution for you.
What types of batteries are rechargeable?
Do not attempt to recharge single-use alkaline batteries; only recharge rechargeable batteries such as those within the GP Recyko range. GP Recyko comes in all the common alkaline batteries sizes: AA batteries, AAA batteries, C batteries, D batteries and 9V batteries. Therefore, there is a GP rechargeable solution for most common household electronic devices except for those that take specialty lithium batteries such as coin batteries. But at GP Batteries, we continue to innovate, so watch this space!
What is the downside of rechargeable batteries?
There are plenty more upsides to rechargeable batteries than downsides. However, it is worth pointing out that rechargeable batteries are not infinite. They have a lifespan of 6 years or a certain number of recharges, meaning they last an extraordinarily long time, but the battery's effectiveness will eventually be reduced as time goes on. Nonetheless, one rechargeable battery can be reused hundreds of times, saving you buying hundreds of disposable batteries. That's a pretty big upside for your wallet and the environment!
Make the switch to GP Recyko rechargeable batteries today!
If you are asking yourself, "Which are the best rechargeable batteries?", look no further than GP Recyko. Available in all common alkaline sizes and in different power levels and charging speeds, there is a GP Recyko battery that is perfect for you and your lifestyle.
