Battery

Large-format lithium-ion (LiB) batteries are an essential component of a carbon-free energy transition in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S. alone, stationary battery energy storage (BES) is expected to increase from 523 megawatts annually to 7.3 gigawatts in 2025, and there are expected to be 46 million electric vehicles (EVs) on U.S. roads by 2035.

As BES capacity in the U.S. increases, so will the amount of LiBs consumed. The volume of LiBs that have reached the end of their utility for EV applications is estimated at two million units per year by 2040.

To respond to this challenge, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is developing best practices for battery recycling and labeling guidelines to be completed by September 30, 2026. The best practices are to be implemented by the state, tribal, and local governments, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia that are technically and economically feasible to carry out by battery collection and recycling programs. Meanwhile, the Guidelines aim to improve battery collection and reduce battery waste.

Currently, North Carolina and California are the only states in the U.S. with policies that directly address reuse and End of Life (EoL) management options for LiBs used in mobile and stationary BES systems.

Given the above, closing the loop for LiB at the end of life requires close collaboration. There are many opportunities for cooperation between the Netherlands and the U.S., particularly with regard to knowledge transfer in the collection of battery collection policies. There is also the opportunity to provide technologies for battery reuse, recycling, and repurposing.

Plastics

Currently, there is no legislation on single-use plastic at the federal level. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act was originally introduced in 2020. However, as of March 2021, the bill was still before the Senate for consideration. EPA is currently developing action plans and strategies for electronics, plastics, food loss, waste, and organics.

Regardless, some states have taken significant steps to reduce plastic waste. Eight states have banned single-use plastic bags: California, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Hawaii, Oregon, New York and Vermont.

In addition to the ban, some states have also implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR). In California, the Plastic Pollution Reduction & Recycling Act (SB 54) transferred the cost of recycling infrastructure, recycling facilities, and collection and sorting equipment from taxpayers to packaging manufacturers. Maine, Oregon, and Colorado have also enacted EPR laws for plastic packaging.

Besides the policy on the government level, there is a notable initiative called U.S. Plastic Pact, which aims to redesign plastics to ensure plastic items are easier to recycle, re-use or to compost. The pact brings together local governments from Arizona to Texas to California, NGOs, the U.S. Composting Council, and companies. In light of that, Dutch companies have the opportunity to offer solutions, especially in terms of recycling, upcycling plastic waste and offering bio-based packaging solutions.

Built Environment

There are several challenges to making circular construction and buildings a reality in the U.S. They range from costs to the existing regulations and codes that hinder the reuse of building materials to risk aversion among stakeholders in the sector.

Notwithstanding, several organisations have initiated the transition to circular buildings by providing measurable achievement and independent ratings for building design & construction and health & well-being. Some well-known examples are LEED, WELL and Green Globes.

The system has encouraged stakeholders to achieve good ratings. In Seattle, all city-owned properties are required to meet the LEED Gold Standard. In California and New York State, the number of buildings with LEED are increasing. Some cities are also making ongoing efforts to accelerate circular building. For example, the City of Los Angeles has been actively seeking to engage cities worldwide in developing smart building strategies.

Sports facilities are also expected to focus more on circularity. What began as an effort to cut costs is now increasingly influenced by the revenue opportunities created by the environmental and social responsibility expectations of corporate partners and fans.

There are many opportunities for Dutch companies. For example, in the field of circular design, bio-based materials and solutions to re-use construction or demolition waste. There is also a strong need for technologies that contribute energy efficiency and water conservation and re-use.