The collaboration between GP Batteries and Bower – AI revolutionizing battery recycling

Together with Bower, GP Batteries has made significant strides in simplifying and improving battery recycling. Using AI technology, we’ve developed a solution that helps consumers identify, sort, and recycle batteries more easily and rewardingly.

How does the AI model work?

Bower's AI model is designed to identify objects without barcodes and classify them by material type to provide specific recycling instructions. For GP Batteries, we’ve taken this further by training the model with GP Batteries products. This allows it not only to recognize batteries but also to identify GP Batteries as a brand and distinguish specific products, enabling tailored recycling instructions.

Developed in collaboration with specialists from Google DeepMind, the model is customized for Bower’s needs. It can simultaneously recognize material type, object type, and brand in real time. A key factor behind its success is the quality of the data required for high accuracy. This data is collected and processed using advanced methods, including generic AI models specialized for Bower’s context. These ensure efficient and precise identification of GP Batteries' products.

We continuously refine both the specialized and generic AI models based on user data. This ongoing improvement ensures the instructions remain as accurate and useful as possible.

Why is innovation needed in recycling?

While consumers often recycle battery packaging correctly, recycling the batteries themselves is even more important. As hazardous waste, they require special handling, but they also contain valuable metals that can be repurposed for products like bicycles, cutlery, cookware and jewelry.

With this AI solution, we guide consumers to recycle properly. By combining this with rewards, we create incentives that boost battery recycling—an effort that directly contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Brand identification plays a key role in rewarding correct recycling. Only brands that actively support and sponsor increased sorting rates can offer rewards through the Bower app. This ensures that incentives drive the right behaviors, linked to brands committed to reducing their environmental impact.

What’s next?

The collaboration between GP Batteries and Bower began in the Nordic countries and has since expanded to the UK, Italy, and France. Over time, the technology has been refined to better identify materials, with most app users reporting that they received the correct recycling instructions.

The solution launched in December 2024, just in time for the holiday season, when battery consumption peaks due to Christmas gifts, lights, and other battery-powered products. With this new technology, we’ve created a solution that benefits the environment while making recycling easier and more motivating for consumers.

Together, we continue to lead the way toward a more sustainable future—where every battery is recycled correctly and given a second life.