Navigating the Intricate Processes of Lithium-ion Battery Reclamation
In a bid to create a sustainable and circular future for battery management, numerous collaborations are reshaping the landscape of the Li-ion battery (LiB) recycling industry. These partnerships provide access to resources for recycling and reuse firms, raw materials for material processors and manufacturers, and long-term involvement in the value chain for mining corporations.
One such collaboration is between SungEel and CNGR, which has led to the establishment of recycling facilities in Europe. Similarly, GEM is expanding into mining in Indonesia while providing technology to other recyclers. These moves signify a significant step towards a more circular economy associated with batteries.
China and South Korea, leading manufacturers of battery materials and cells, create a strong demand for raw materials, offering opportunities for recyclers. Notably, Huayou has partnered with BMW for closed-loop recycling, while Volkswagen has partnered with Redwood for battery recycling.
The LiB recycling landscape is undergoing significant transformation, marked by collaborations and partnerships. For instance, Cronimet (via its subsidiary revomet from Germany), CNGR (a Chinese pCAM producer), and CRONIMET signed a joint venture agreement to build high-tech recycling plants for batteries in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. The aim is to recover nickel, cobalt, and lithium for reuse in the battery industry.
Duesenfeld and BMW are working on achieving a recycling rate of up to 96%, while Fortum, BASF, and Nornickel have established a closed-loop for battery recycling. Collectively, these recyclers have the capacity to recycle approximately 60% of the global market's end-of-life batteries.
Stakeholder interviews with leading international LiB recyclers, categorized into three groups—mining companies with relevant metal expertise, recyclers with a background in or collaboration with battery/EV manufacturing, and traditional recyclers of electronic waste and metals—revealed insights into corporate strategy and investment choices within the evolving LiB recycling sector.
Glencore is partnering with Li-Cycle to produce battery-grade end products, and Umicore is collaborating with Automotive Cells Company and BASF. These collaborations contribute to the evolving circular economy associated with batteries.
It's essential to note that true LiB recycling involves reclaiming materials from spent batteries, not their reuse for power storage or other purposes. A significant number of firms are entering the LiB recycling market, claiming to be recyclers. However, the global battery recycling market is predominantly located in Europe, the US, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and China.
As the LiB recycling sector continues to evolve, it's clear that collaborations and partnerships will play a crucial role in Asia, North America, and Europe, which together account for over 90% of the global LiB recycling market in 2021. These collaborations promise to shape a sustainable and circular future for battery management.
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