One of the key strengths of the alkaline battery chemistry is its ability to power day-to-day gadgets such as alarm clocks, electric shavers, remote controls and radios among others. Alkaline batteries have become one of the essential commodities of life, resulting in a growing demand/need for these batteries. The demand for alkaline batteries is steady at present, but this is likely to change with increasing usage of these batteries in transitional (from carbon zinc) regions of the world.
Alkaline batteries are primary disposable batteries, which need to be replaced after it is completely discharged. On average, an alkaline battery is expected to power a device for a period of two to four months (except in a few low-drain applications), after which it needs to be replaced by a new battery. This creates demand for these batteries. Wide-spread availability, coupled with a wide choice offered by the manufacturers according to the applications (different series of alkaline batteries are launched in medium-drain, high-drain and low-drain applications), create demand for the alkaline batteries.
Alkaline batteries are available in various sizes according to the applications (such as AAA, AA, C, D, 9 V and others). All of these configurations are likely to be used on gadgets immediately after purchase, which make them suitable for use even during emergency situations. Additionally, long shelf life offered by these batteries (ranging from three to four years) makes them suitable for storage. This feature of the alkaline battery chemistry is expected to offer a competitive advantage compared to the rechargeable batteries of other chemistries.
Alkaline batteries are environment-friendly, which are anticipated to be disposed as trash and do not require active collection and recycling. Moreover, those made currently by almost all the major manufactures are mercury-free and hence, do not pose any environmental pollution or hazard on disposal. This creates a positive demand for these batteries, since other rechargeable consumer batteries needs to be properly collected and recycled. Additionally, the environment-friendly feature makes a consumer feel good while using these batteries as they do not pollute the environment. Moreover, they will likely favor the easy disposal, which is expected to influence them to use alkaline batteries.
