Exploring the Social Dimension of Battery Supply Chains: Insights regarding the Stakeholder Group Workers

Main Presenter:    Kira Fischer 

Co-Authors:   Svenja Weber-Harmann     Nikolas Dilger      Sabrina Zellmer      Christoph Herrmann                              

The global shift towards low-carbon energy systems has led to a rapid increase in the demand for lithium-ion batteries, establishing them as a key technology for electric mobility, grid storage, and sectoral electrification. As the battery sector grows, regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives, such as the European Battery Regula-tion, the EU Green Deal, and corporate sustainability reporting requirements, place increasing emphasis on comprehensive sustainability assessments throughout the value chain. In contrast to environmental life cycle assessments (LCAs) or techno-economic evaluations, social assessments are still applied only to a limited ex-tent, despite their critical relevance for uncovering labor-related risks and social inequities in global battery supply chains. However, as these supply chains expand, concerns about labor rights, working conditions, and the distribution of social risks are gaining increasing attention from policymakers, industry, and civil society.
In this context, this study applies a social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) to evaluate the social impacts of battery production from cradle to gate. The assessment covers key stages of the value chain, including raw material extraction, refining, active material production, and cell manufacturing. The S-LCA is conducted with the openLCA software in combination with the commercial PSILCA database. Aligned with UNEP/SETAC guide-lines, the study combines risk-based country- and sector-level data and applies a heatmap approach to evaluate risks across indicators, sectors, and subcategories relevant with regard to the stakeholder group workers. Fur-thermore, this study includes a systematic suitability analysis of the used software and database, e.g., in terms of usability, adaptability and data integration.
The findings reveal substantial variation in social risk profiles across indicators and materials, even within the same subcategory, highlighting the importance of interpreting indicators individually rather than aggregating results at subcategory level. The heatmap identifies high-risk sectors in the country of production, particularly those associated with cathode active material production, as significant contributors to social hotspots. Key concerns relate to weak labor rights protections and potentially exploitative working conditions.
These results highlight the need for more robust social protection measures, responsible sourcing practices, and stronger due diligence mechanisms specifically addressing labor rights and working conditions in high-risk segments of battery supply chains. This study supports the development of socially responsible global battery value chains by making social risks visible and actionable for industry and policy decision-makers.

©2026 Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation e.V. | Contact Us | Legal Info

CONTACT US

If you would like to get in touch with us, please feel free to send us a message. Thank you very much in advance.

Sending

Log in with your credentials

or    

Forgot your details?

Create Account