What is the Project?
RecycLiCo Battery Materials recovers up to 99% of cathode metals from battery waste and upcycles them into high purity, battery-ready materials. This critical metals company is focused on sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling and materials production. Using its closed-loop hydrometallurgical process, it efficiently recovers battery-grade materials such as lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from lithium-ion battery waste. The process was designed with one goal in mind – to produce recycled battery products that can be seamlessly integrated into the re-manufacturing of battery cathodes using minimal processing steps. It is all about turning waste into a valuable resource… and doing it smartly.
Main Benefit and Key Figures
The project offers multiple major benefits that set it apart with a fully integrated business model and a sustainable recycling process. Key figures and facts include:
- Recovers up to 99% of the most valuable cathode metals lost in typical lithium-ion battery waste.
- Transforms recovered materials into battery-ready cathode precursors that meet or exceed high manufacturing standards.
- Employs modular plants, like the bespoke RecycLiCo Clean Spot™ plant, enabling on-site lithium-ion battery recycling around the world.
- Leverages an independently verified Life Cycle Assessment which reports 62% less CO2 compared to other battery recycling processes.
- Reduces supply chain risk since the battery materials are vertically integrated and remain under the original facility’s control.
- Supports ever-stricter global regulations on recycling efficiencies and recycled content.
- Holds patents issued around the world, confirming its innovative approach.
Innovative Recycling Technology
The technology behind the RecycLiCo process is the missing link in a truly green and efficient battery supply chain. By focusing on a closed-loop system, the process eliminates multiple energy-intensive steps found in traditional lithium-ion battery recycling. It recovers nearly all of the cathode metals and upcycles them into high purity, battery-ready materials. The approach is both simple and powerful – a seamless integration into the re-manufacturing cycle that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. This innovative process not only delivers superior performance but also contributes to a circular economy, proving that eco-friendly technology can be innovative and effective… and a bit revolutionary.
Modular Plant Innovation
Bringing the plant to where battery waste is generated is a core advantage of RecycLiCo’s approach. The modular plants are designed specifically for on-site lithium-ion battery recycling, meaning that recycling can happen exactly where it is needed. This flexibility eliminates the need for extensive transportation, reducing both time and environmental impact. The bespoke RecycLiCo Clean Spot™ plant adapts to different operational environments globally, ensuring that the process remains efficient and sustainable regardless of location. It’s a practical solution that transforms traditional recycling paradigms and provides a dynamic, localized approach to resource recovery.
Sustainability and Efficiency
The sustainability of the RecycLiCo process is evident in every aspect. All battery-ready materials are 100% sourced from recycled lithium-ion batteries, ensuring that the new battery production does not rely on virgin raw materials. The method’s high adaptability in producing lithium and specifically engineered cathode precursor eliminates several energy-intensive steps common in traditional methods. In addition, vertical integration reduces supply chain risk and brings added value by keeping battery materials within the original facility’s control. Regulations demanding higher recycling efficiencies and increased use of recycled content make this technology increasingly relevant on a global scale, reinforcing its commitment to both sustainability and production excellence.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – providing recycled battery materials that support the generation and storage of clean energy.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – exemplifying innovation through modular plant design and streamlined recycling processes.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – recovering up to 99% of valuable battery metals to ensure responsible production cycles.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – contributing to significantly lower CO2 emissions, as the process is independently verified to emit 62% less CO2 than conventional methods.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the RecycLiCo project is poised to reshape the battery recycling landscape. With its advanced recycling technology and modular, on-site plant solutions, the project offers a dynamic and efficient method for transforming battery waste into a valuable resource. As global regulations tighten and the demand for sustainable resources increases, this innovative process stands out as a beacon for a greener future. The seamless integration of recycling into the existing supply chain promises a more secure, environmentally friendly approach to energy storage production. In a world that is moving quickly toward sustainability and zero waste, the project’s ability to upcycle battery materials into high purity, battery-ready components is paving the way for a truly circular and efficient battery supply chain… ensuring that the future of energy storage remains bright and sustainable.
