Electrification and sustainability: Highlights from Battery Show Europe 2023

Electrification and sustainability: Highlights from Battery Show Europe 2023

The recent Battery Show Europe 2023 in Stuttgart marked a landmark moment for the automotive industry. As Europe's largest conference dedicated to advanced battery power and electric vehicle (EV) technology, it was a meeting place for over 10,000 attendees, including the industry's finest scientists, engineers, and thought leaders. With 37+ hours of meticulously planned educational content, it presented an unparalleled opportunity for us at Avery Dennison to expand our knowledge, engage in discussions about the industry's pressing challenges, and return with insights on the latest trends shaping the future of the sector.

Two significant trends stood out during the conference—electrification and sustainability—which come with a series of challenges and opportunities for the industry at large. Our thoughts on these topics are summarized below.


Electrification: Accelerating automotive innovation

In recent years, we have observed a definitive shift towards electrification, a trend that is now revolutionizing the automotive industry. The demand for EVs is not only increasing, but it is doing so at an extraordinary pace. Industry players face new challenges with the introduction of novel vehicle components and applications to support this electrification surge. For instance, these new elements necessitate unique label requirements that can withstand EVs distinct environments and meet stringent safety standards. As such, our solutions at Avery Dennison play a pivotal role in ensuring these components are appropriately marked and tracked for both operational efficiency and safety.

In a detailed report by McKinsey, data suggests that in the US and Europe, demand for EVs have grown impressively—between 2020 and 2022, sales rose by over 90% in these regions, while China saw an even more significant increase at over 300%. 

Meanwhile, a separate study from Virta estimated that sales could reach as high as 14 million by the end of 2023. Should this forecast hold true, it would mean that EVs would account for 18% of total car sales. This would serve as a strong testament to the transformative shift in consumer preferences towards electric mobility and a more sustainable automotive future.

 

Electrification and sustainability: Highlights from Battery Show Europe 2023

Sustainability: Creating a greener future

Sustainability, the second influential trend in the automotive industry, is increasingly coming into focus. Legislative initiatives and an escalating number of environmentally conscious consumers are driving this change, demanding greater accountability from the market regarding the life cycle of their products. Indeed, Accenture found that almost 64% of respondents in a study are "sustainability-minded drivers''—rating themselves as very or extremely environmentally concerned.

One notable legislative development is the introduction of the Digital Battery Passport (DBP). This digital ID system tracks a product's lifecycle, from its initial production through to its eventual recycling or reuse. By promoting transparency, both manufacturers and consumers can make more informed decisions regarding their products and usage patterns, ultimately promoting sustainability.

 

Electrification and sustainability: Highlights from Battery Show Europe 2023

Avery Dennison's role in the EV revolution

Despite the challenges posed by these two significant trends, the opportunities for growth and innovation are immense. With our expansive range of solutions, Avery Dennison offers a variety of specially designed products to meet the unique needs of the industry, including the following:

  • Cell wrapping film: Our cell wrapping film is tailor-made for the lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. These batteries consist of multiple cells, which are assembled into modules and subsequently compiled into packs. Each of these cells requires robust electrical insulation and sturdy mechanical protection around its entire length, and our cell wrapping film provides this necessary protection. It can be applied precisely and cleanly, ensuring secure insulation and puncture resistance, and its excellent adhesion to aluminum and  aging resistance are crucial features that enhance its efficiency and longevity in the demanding environment within an EV.

  • Pouch cell edge protection film: This film features low stiffness and is designed with a highly cohesive adhesive, and aims to insulate and protect the edges of the pouch cell, which are prone to abrasion during long-term operation. Our film ensures the battery's durability and extended operational life by preventing mechanical damage to these areas.

  • Rubber hybridized acrylic adhesives: Our rubber hybridized acrylic adhesives combine the superior properties of acrylic and rubber-based adhesives. The resulting hybrid solutions offer high resistance to elevated temperatures, UV light, and chemicals, typical challenges within the automotive environment. Simultaneously, they provide excellent bonding capabilities with low surface energy substrates, such as plastic parts or lacquered metals. This ensures reliable and durable adhesion even under the most strenuous conditions.

  • Silicone-based adhesives: Our portfolio also includes silicone-based adhesives specially designed for certain tape or label applications. Unlike most pressure-sensitive solutions, which use rubbers or acrylates as base polymers, these adhesives are crafted from silicone. This unique composition allows these materials to adhere to siliconized surfaces, a feature particularly useful in applications such as airbag fabrics in vehicles. Additionally, we provide removable silicone-based adhesives, demonstrating superior detachability even after severe storage conditions, including high temperatures and humidity levels.

Based on what we learned from the recent Battery Show Europe 2023, it is evident that the accelerated pace of electrification and the increased focus on sustainability are the key driving forces shaping the industry's future. Equipped with a suite of innovative pressure-sensitive solutions, we are ready to meet these evolving demands head-on. 

As we venture further into this rapidly transforming landscape, we reaffirm our commitment to staying on the pulse of industry trends, continuously refining our offerings. For any information on how labeling materials can support the key trends in vehicle electrification, look at our automotive material product guide, or contact one of our representatives.

 

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