 Mercury is very dangerous neurotoxin, which is why thermometers with it inside were discontinued. What many consumers didn’t realize was that for a long time mercury was being used in batteries. After consumers became aware of this, manufacturers responded. Sony, Fuji, and several others have now announced that there will be a line of eco-friendly mercury-free batteries.
Alkaline batteries, especially the tiny button ones, use mercury to help prevent battery leakage after a hydrogen buildup inside the battery. Sony created an innovative solution to this without mercury. Sony made a gas absorbing material and placed it inside the battery chamber to prevent leaks. This was invented in 2004 and now is being introduced into the market in September of 2009. Sony estimates that about 300 million silver oxide and alkaline button batteries are sold every, accounting for about 470kg worth of mercury. The elimination of all that mercury by Sony is a major eco-friendly solution.
The EnviroMAX batteries took it a step even further. Fuji decided to eliminate the use of mercury and cadmium as well in their batteries, but they went one step further. Instead of using steel, the new batteries are packaged with recycled paper and fully recyclable PET plastic. They can be disposed of through normal waste systems or in landfills as they are bio-degradable. Another eco-friendly feature in the production of the batteries is that no ozone-depleting compounds are emitted into the atmosphere during manufacturing.
Fuji is claiming equal or better performance and durability to other brands, at an affordable price. The batteries will be available in April of 2010. Fuji claims that they have some of the world’s strictest standards of environmental responsibility. . There is also going to be a variety of battery types and sizes available for the EnviroMAX batteries, from button to AAA to D, and even digital electronic batteries.
Other companies, such as Rayovac, Duracell and Eveready have also made efforts to make safer batteries. The batteries are powered by zinc chloride, which can be used to power flashlights, children’s toys, and other devices. These cost about half as much as regular batteries, but durability is still an issue.
All over the world, from China to Canada, more manufacturers are making their products more environmentally responsible. Companies do respond to customer demand, so buying products like these will encourage all companies to keep up their good efforts.
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