Dr. Markus Hackstein
VARTA has positioned itself as leading global battery supplier in the "lithium-ion solutions & microbatteries" and "household batteries" business segments. Dr. Markus Hackstein touches on VARTA's approach to delivering future-oriented energy solutions — from micro and household batteries to industrial storage systems — for a wide range of applications.

Elektor: Tell us about VARTA and what makes your solutions special.

Dr. Markus Hackstein: VARTA produces a broad variety of products in various electrochemical systems from rechargeable lithium-ion coin cells to nickel metal hydride button cells, primary silver oxide cells, primary lithium button cells and cylindrical lithium batteries to hydrogen gas generating cells as well as the primary VARTA alkaline INDUSTRIAL PRO batteries. We have been developing and producing batteries for 135 years. We have a deep knowledge of battery technology and a deep value chain. VARTA batteries are German-built quality products and are leading in some of the most important sectors of the industry.

Elektor: What role does sustainability play in your company?

Dr. Markus Hackstein: Sustainability has always been on top of our agenda. With our batteries, we are making an important contribution to a successful shift toward renewable energy. It is a task we are devoting ourselves to, and we are taking it very seriously. We have successfully implemented measures to reduce the consumption of ressources and to make VARTA less dependent on fossile fuels. We will continue on this path.

Elektor: CoinPower is your flagship product when it comes to small, powerful rechargeable energy solutions. What is unique about CoinPower? Describe the improvements in the next generation, the A5 version.

Dr. Markus Hackstein: CoinPower combines our expertise in producing small batteries and our cutting-edge lithium-ion technology. We have produced cells with the highest level in energy density in a small footprint. The next generation will feature an even higher energy density. This will help our customers to develop even better devices that deliver for an even longer period of time.

Elektor: CoinPower isn’t the only product within your Microbatteries Segment. Can you tell us a bit more about the portfolio?

Dr. Markus Hackstein: VARTA is the leading international manufacturer of microbatteries for a wide range of applications in the microbatteries segment. We produce a broad range of batteries for applications, from different fields for example Covid-19 electronic antibody tests, smart patches and smart pills for the medical sector, smart metering, security and monitoring systems, smart sensor technology and tools for a connected experience in today´s modern world.

Elektor: In VARTA’s “Sustainability Report 2021,” you explain that “VARTA has taken measures to ensure that we source responsibly and reduce problematic raw materials wherever possible.” Can you briefly tell us about one or two of those measures?

Dr. Markus Hackstein: Historically, we have already been able to remove and reduce substances such as lead and mercury in our products. At this point our focus lies in minimizing negative impacts of raw materials related to sustainability risks and are using up to 80 percent less cobalt than other cell technology produced frequently by our competitors. VARTAs strategy is aligned with international frameworks and exceeds national regulation.

Elektor: What can visitors expect when they come to see you at Electronica? Will your team have any demos on display?

Dr. Markus Hackstein: Of course there will be demo samples. And our team will be happy to answer any question they will have on what makes VARTA special. We have prepared an interesting program with live speeches to innovative topics like printed batteries etc. More details can be seen on www.varta-ag.com/electronica