SANYO powers up green initiative

Consumer electronics vendor SANYO today announced a new environmentally-friendly rechargeable battery product dubbed "eneloop". SANYO claims that, in addition to being recyclable, eneloop allows for nearly five times as many shots as a regular alkaline battery when placed in a digital camera.

The batteries are constructed using Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride), which offers numerous advantages over typical NiCad batteries. By far the most important advantage is that Ni-MH doesn't consist of any toxic heavy metals that have a detrimental effect on the environment.

Another advantage of eneloop batteries is that they retain their power under extreme weather conditions, within a temperature range of -10 and 50 degrees Celsius. They'll also maintain approximately 85 percent of their charge after one year of storage.

Sanyo guarantees the product for 1000 uses/recharges, and once the battery expires, Bill Crichton, Sanyo Oceania's Managing Director, told CNET.com.au that users will be able to take the product to one of many "battery collection points" located in retail stores around the country for recycling. Crichton added that collected batteries would then be melted down and re-used, rather than tossed into landfill.

Eneloop batteries will be sold through Dick Smith, Tandy, Battery World and Leading Edge retailers in AA and AAA sizes. A two-pack in either size will set you back AU$12.99, while a four pack costs AU$24.99. The charger must be purchased separately for AU$39.99.