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a whole, and IDX is actively promoting the refurbishment and recycling of disused Li-ion batteries in the Japanese market. As further battery regulations are also due to come into force in Europe, we intend to actively promote and implement it within this region as well. In terms of our products, some models include a function that monitors battery degradation in real time, notifying the user of the degree of degradation and thereby preventing premature disposal. The manufacturing process is also becoming more efficient to reduce the environmental impact. Specifically, we’re working to reduce the use of rare metals and – in future – we plan to use next-gen technology to produce batteries with a lower environmental impact. JD: The global demand for lithium is rising, largely driven by the EV industry. As it’s a limited resource, we’re committed to ensuring that lithium doesn’t end up in landfill. There have been great strides in lithium recycling, and Hawk-Woods, in partnership with our group UPERGY, has collaborated with global specialists to reclaim and reintroduce lithium into the market, reducing the need for new mining. To encourage the return of old batteries, Hawk-Woods has also introduced a trade-in scheme, offering discounts on replacement batteries. Our goal is to remove excess old Li-ion batteries from the industry and ensure they’re properly recycled. LM: Working with truly recyclable cell types, such as lithium iron phosphate, is a huge step forward. Ensuring the battery generator can accept solar charging and has a long working lifetime also genuinely makes the product better for the environment. Unfortunately, many cheaper consumer batteries still use non-recyclable lithium, have short lifespans and require non-renewable charging – these often end up in landfill far sooner than expected. Sodium-ion is gaining attention as an alternative, since sodium is more plentiful and less toxic. However, Na-ion batteries have lower energy density and shorter life cycles – and are generally better suited to stationary applications. Solid- state batteries are more promising; they use solid electrolytes instead of liquid,
READY FOR THE FUTURE The NXTGENbps Goat battery generator (above) is a mobile, sturdy power solution for crews that need to travel, as is the new first-of-its-kind flight-safe NMC Swift battery
reducing the use of harmful solvents. Our new Swift battery, which will become available this summer, is flight-safe – one of the first of its kind. Battery recycling – reclaiming nickel, lithium, cobalt and graphite from old batteries – also continues to improve. Some EV batteries are now being reused in stationary energy systems, giving them a second life before disposal to reduce their environmental impact. Our NXTGENbps batteries are upwards of 95% recyclable – a key factor we look at when deciding which products to stock. DEF: WHAT EMERGING BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES DO YOU THINK WILL HAVE THE MOST PRACTICAL IMPACT ON FILM PRODUCTION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS? ARE THERE SPECIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS ON THE HORIZON THAT FILMMAKERS SHOULD BE EXCITED ABOUT? JD: Much of the development in this area is currently being driven by the EV industry, rather than directly by film production. Currently, lithium-ion remains the best option in terms of its power output and capacity, with newer cells still not able to match its performance. However, we’re seeing improvements in Li-ion technology, with smaller and more powerful cells being developed.
As the EV industry continues to innovate, we can expect these advancements to eventually be adopted by the film industry too. LM: At NXTGENbps, we’ve just launched the world’s first nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) solid-state battery – the Swift. This type is both extremely lightweight and extremely stable, which allows it to be flight-safe. It will have a big impact on productions that travel to remote and harsh locations to film. Our batteries are IP67-rated and fully weatherproof, so can be transported to and used even in the harshest environments. From years of working with film and TV crews, we know only the most robust kit survives, as equipment is constantly moving. That’s why casing and material choices are so important. I don’t believe sodium or hydrogen are currently suitable enough for TV and film use. Small and mid-sized mobile batteries with solar compatibility are much more cost-effective and flexible. Since more equipment now includes wireless control, smart battery tech is also becoming relevant. Our Swift battery, for example, has built-in communication capabilities and connects to an app that allows users to monitor charge status, battery health and power levels remotely. This supports power planning and on-set
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