Audio gear maker EPOS is simplifying battery replacement across its lineup, starting with the IMPACT 500 on-ear Bluetooth headset. New products will let users swap batteries using just a paperclip or similar tool, cutting out complicated procedures. Søren Holm Printz, VP Corporate Strategy, says the company has sold thousands of spare batteries annually since introducing replaceable models in 2010.

The move aligns with the EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542), set to take effect February 18, 2027. EPOS is updating replacement guides into multiple languages and committing to five years of spare battery availability after any product is discontinued. Battery replaceability has been baked into design from the earliest development stages through after-market support.

EPOS holds ISO 14001 certification and frames the initiative as part of a broader sustainability push. By keeping original equipment batteries available for five years post-discontinuation, the company aims to reduce e-waste and strengthen customer trust. The EU regulation deadline is pushing the entire industry toward more circular product lifecycles.