VARTA Consumer Batteries will soon begin delivering its lithium button cells in new child-resistant packaging. Europe’s leading battery manufacturer is simultaneously implementing the new “Child Safety” industry standard of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). Each battery is individually packaged in a blister pack containing one, two, four or five button cells. This means that when one battery is removed, there is no longer any risk of other batteries falling out of an already opened package. Furthermore, the package cannot be opened without scissors, thus ensuring maximum safety. Last but not least, the warning notice “Keep out of the reach of children” is printed on the front and back of the package and on the battery itself.
The market for lithium button cells is growing. It increased by 19 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year – and the trend is continuing on an upward trajectory*. Alongside remote controls, car keys or garage door openers, smart home and smart health devices in particular rely on button cells to supply their energy needs, thus placing high demands on the batteries’ performance. VARTA’s CR2032 button cell is now even more powerful and delivers up to 70% more energy than the industry standard**. However, the increasingly need of small batteries heightens the risk for kids from swallowing them. After they have been unpacked, the shiny button cells often arouse children’s curiosity. The easily swallowed cells can seriously injure the esophagus or stomach, or else they can obstruct the child’s breathing and potentially cause suffocation. In addition to introducing the new child-safe packaging, VARTA Consumer Batteries also advises parents to always keep batteries out of the reach of children. If a battery is swallowed unexpectedly, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
* Source: EPBA STATISTICS – Lithium Button Cells 2020
** Up to 70% more energy compared to the MAD electronic runtime test according to IEC 60086-2 Ed. 13.0.
Performance may vary depending on use.
Additional information about the VARTA Consumer Batteries company and its products can be found here:
www.varta-consumer.com / Facebook.
Contact for journalists:
Christian Kucznierz
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 79 61 921-2727
christian.kucznierz@varta-ag.com
About VARTA AG
VARTA AG produces and markets a comprehensive battery portfolio, ranging from microbatteries, household batteries, energy storage systems to customer-specific battery solutions for a wide range of applications, and, as a technology leader, sets industry standards in key areas. As the parent company of the Group, it operates in the business segments “Microbatteries & Solutions” and “Household Batteries”.
The “Microbatteries & Solutions” segment focuses on the OEM business for microbatteries as well as on the lithium-ion battery pack business. Through intensive research and development, VARTA sets global standards in the microbattery sector and is a recognized innovation leader in the important growth markets of lithium-ion technology and primary hearing aid batteries. The “Household Batteries” segment comprises the battery business for end customers, including household batteries, rechargeable batteries, chargers, portable power (power banks) and lights as well as energy storage devices. The VARTA AG Group currently employs almost 4,000 people. With five production and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia, and distribution centers in Asia, Europe and the USA, VARTA AG’s operating subsidiaries are currently active in over 75 countries worldwide.