The history of Duracell goes back to 1930. Duracell is the result of collaboration between scientist Samuel Ruben and businessman Philip Rogers Mallory, who met during the 1920s. The company PR Mallory manufactured mercury batteries for military use. During the late 1970s, when they got concerned about the effects of toxic mercury, it was replaced by the alkaline technology.

When Kodak in the 1950s wanted to introduce cameras with a built-in flash, there was a need for a smaller battery, therefore the smaller size AAA was developed. Duracell manufactures alkaline batteries in many common sizes, such as AAA, AA, C, D and 9V.

Duracell also manufactures special batteries, including rechargeable NiMH batteries and batteries for cameras, watches, hearing aids, etc.