Derivation of a Model to Evaluate the Environmental Sustainability Benefits of Traceability Systems in Battery Cell Production

The transition towards sustainably producing batteries has become increasingly vital due to manifold environmental challenges. In this context, traceability systems (TS) in battery cell production (BCP) emerge as a promising solution to enhance environmental sustainability. However, the significant environmental impacts associated with the production of battery cells and the benefits of TS, which have not yet been systematically analyzed, require a thorough evaluation with regard to the benefits of these systems. This paper derives a structured evaluation model tailored to address specific requirements identified through expert interviews and literature analysis. A systematic literature review reveals that current approaches are not able to provide quantified results of the environmental benefits of TS in battery production, lacking a either a focused approach on sustainability metrics, TS as a technology, or BCP as the application area. The proposed model consists of critical components, including production parameters, sustainability targets, and traceability-affected operations, allowing for a nuanced and comprehensive evaluation of potential environmental improvements. By addressing this significant gap in existing research, this work provides insights for both current research activities and industry practices, offering a framework to enhance the sustainability of battery production processes by leveraging the potential of TS.