The symbiotic relationship between the aluminium industry and lithium-ion battery recycling holds immense potential for positive implications. Extracting valuable metals like aluminium from spent batteries through recycling is crucial to mitigating the need for extensive primary aluminium production. This not only enhances resource efficiency but also advocates environmentally responsible practices.
The environmental benefits of lithium-ion battery recycling are noteworthy as it contributes to resource conservation and reduced energy consumption. The aluminium industry's integration of this process aligns with sustainable practices increasingly sought after in the sector. Recycling also diminishes the environmental impact of primary aluminium production, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimising ecological disruption.
The convergence of lithium-ion battery recycling and the aluminium industry represents a forward-thinking approach. It highlights the industry's commitment to sustainability and ecological stewardship, which is crucial for the long-term health of our planet.
In recent years, various names have come up with their patented lithium-ion battery recycling techniques, but some among them have earned immense popularity. AL Circle has individually covered their stories, but through this piece, it is time to give a concise overview of the vastly populated sector of Electric vehicle battery recycling.
Some of the eminent battery-recycling companies have been mentioned below alongside their notable achievements:
Hydro and Northvolt alliance, Hydrovolt - Hydrovolt, a JV between Hydro and Northvolt, is making significant strides in battery recycling, particularly focusing on electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Norway. Commencing construction in January 2021, Hydrovolt's plant in Fredrikstad is set to become one of the world's most advanced battery recycling facilities, with operations starting in late 2021.
The facility, with an annual capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of car battery modules, is a response to Norway's leading position in electric car adoption. Hydrovolt aims to establish a circular supply chain for batteries in Europe, processing not only car batteries but also those from the marine sector across Europe. The Norwegian company Batteriretur collaborates, delivering batteries for recycling.
The recycling process is cutting-edge, targeting up to 95% recovery of battery metals, including aluminium, plastics, copper, and a 'black mass' containing lithium, manganese, nickel, and cobalt. Aluminium from used batteries is recycled by Hydro, while the black mass is either reused in Northvolt's battery production or diverted to other parties.
Hydrovolt, operating Europe's largest electric car battery recycling operation, started commercial recycling in Fredrikstad. The facility has the capacity to process 12,000 tonnes of battery packs annually, contributing significantly to Norway's handling of end-of-life electric car batteries. Hydrovolt's fully automated recycling process ensures up to 95% recovery of battery metals, promoting sustainability.
Aluminium recovered by Hydrovolt is supplied to Hydro for use in commercial-grade aluminium products. The company aims to expand its recycling prowess in Europe, targeting 70,000 tonnes of battery packs by 2025 and 300,000 tonnes by 2030. This expansion aligns with the increasing volume of end-of-life batteries and compliance with European battery laws.
The CEO of Hydrovolt, Peter Qvarfordt, emphasises the role of battery recycling in Norway's electric transportation journey, stressing the importance of sustainable solutions for end-of-life batteries. The recovery of black mass and aluminium contributes to a circular supply chain for batteries in Europe, aligning with the transition to renewable energy.
In conclusion, Hydrovolt's activities represent a crucial milestone in sustainable battery recycling, supporting Norway's leadership in electric vehicle adoption. The company's innovative approach addresses environmental concerns, aiming for a circular supply chain, reduced carbon footprint, and the long-term viability of battery technology. The collaboration between Hydro and Northvolt exemplifies a forward-thinking initiative in response to the evolving landscape of battery usage and disposal.
Attero and Mahindra Joint Venture (JV) – Recently, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML) partnered with Attero, a global leader in Lithium-ion battery recycling and e-waste management, to promote sustainable practices in India's last-mile transportation electrification. The partnership aims to address critical environmental concerns by ensuring responsible disposal and recycling of Lithium-ion batteries. Attero has a state-of-the-art recycling facility in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, with cutting-edge recycling technology and an outstanding recovery rate for precious materials. This collaboration between MLMML and Attero contributes significantly to a circular economy and promotes sustainability. Suman Mishra, MD and CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited expressed the company's commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable practices. Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Attero Recycling emphasised their commitment to a circular economy and green technology, aligning with MLMML's vision for a sustainable future. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, is dedicated to electrifying the mobility landscape with electric 3- and 4-wheelers. Attero Recycling Pvt Ltd, founded in 2008, is a pioneering Indian company providing end-to-end e-waste management and Lithium-ion recycling solutions.
UK's cleantech agency Altilium - Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group, secured £700,000 in UK government innovation funding for two collaborative projects with CPI and Camborne School of Mines. Focused on recycling rare earth elements (REE), copper, and aluminium from mine waste, these initiatives align with Altilium's commitment to a circular economy. The projects centre around the Medet concession in Bulgaria, where Altilium aims to recover valuable materials, reducing reliance on traditional mining. A cutting-edge solvent extraction pilot plant in Tavistock will pioneer innovative leaching and separation techniques, minimising environmental impact. The ReTail project, in collaboration with CPI, targets battery metal recovery, supporting the UK battery sector's growth. Meanwhile, the ReREE project with Camborne School of Mines focuses on REE recovery, which is crucial for the UK's electrification goals. These initiatives showcase Altilium's dedication to sustainable practices and technological advancements in the aluminium and battery industries.
Global electronic waste recycler TES – In 2019, TES, a leading global electronic waste recycler, announced the opening of a new facility in Singapore that would recycle lithium-ion batteries. This initiative marked a significant step towards managing the increasing adoption of intermittent renewable energy like solar, which relies heavily on batteries for grid-related energy storage.
The new facility, named TES B, was estimated to cost about $20 million and was scheduled to be completed by February 2020. Once operational, TES B would have the capacity to recycle 14 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries each day using in-house technology and equipment.
The recycling process involves auto-punching machines and shredders that will break batteries down into fine substances. Magnetic separators will then be used to recover copper and aluminium from the substances, while chemical treatment will be employed for recovering cobalt and lithium. This new recycling facility is a great example of a company investing in green growth opportunities.
By reusing precious metals from lithium-ion batteries to make new batteries for products like mobile phones and electric vehicles, TES is reducing the need to source raw materials and decreasing dependence on global suppliers. It is a brilliant way to promote sustainability and responsible waste management while also supporting the growth of the renewable energy industry.
The facility, at present, covers a land area of 10,000 square metres and can be seen as a vital step in addressing the hurdles of recycling electronic waste and promoting a circular economy. The Singaporean Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, has praised this initiative as an exciting development and says that one can only hope that it inspires other companies to follow suit.
RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. - RecycLiCo Battery Materials received patent No. 2020237451 from the Australian Patent Office and patent No. 7341598 from the Japanese Patent Office for its lithium-ion battery recycling process, bringing the company's patent portfolio to a total of ten granted patents and six additional applications for battery recycling worldwide.
The patented, closed-loop hydrometallurgical process, which involves minimal processing steps and up to 99 per cent extraction of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, transforms lithium-ion battery waste into battery-grade cathode precursor, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate that can be directly integrated into the re-manufacturing of new lithium-ion batteries.
The newly granted patent covers several innovative developments to the Company's RecycLiCo™ process, including separating aluminium from cathode active material, separating graphite and carbon from ground battery concentrates, and treating fluoride in electrolyte solution.
Zarko Meseldzija, CEO of RecycLiCo Battery Materials, expressed pleasure in adding these patents to the company's portfolio as they continue to build on commercial partnerships that use their novel process.
Other lithium-ion battery recycling conglomerations
If we cite other collective recycling initiatives by global brands, the case of Fortum, BAF, and Nornicket should not be overshadowed. As early as March 2020, the three entities signed a letter of agreement to develop a recycling centre in Harjavalta, Finland. The sole aim was to recover metals from used electric car batteries and create a closed-loop system for reusing the critical metals present in the batteries.
Case study of Toyota, a car company with a sustainable approach
There are a few globally acclaimed high-value car companies like Toyota, who celebrated World Recycling Day on May 17 by emphasising the importance of recycling internationally and its decarbonisation strategy. This elevates the company's profile in the automobile sector as a seeker of sustainable practices.
The company aims to promote recycling-based societies and systems worldwide as part of its 2050 Environment Challenge. Toyota has been promoting automotive recycling since 2003 through an accessible collection and separation process, resulting in 99% of their vehicles' materials being reused.
Toyota Metal, their recycling company, enables this process. The company plans to set up 30 facilities to treat and recycle scrapped vehicles by 2030. Toyota's advanced technology and care ensure that the car is given a new life. In addition to cars, Toyota also recycles airbags, air-conditioning systems, washing machines, motorcycles, boats, and industrial waste.
Conclusion
Lastly, it must be identified that the integration of lithium-ion battery recycling in the aluminium industry exemplifies a holistic approach towards sustainability, showcasing the sector's adaptability and commitment to environmentally conscious practices. This not only optimises resource utilisation but also addresses broader environmental concerns, aligning with the industry's evolving landscape.
If you wish to learn more about sustainable approaches in the entire aluminium value chain, please have a look at AL Circle's e-Magazine Recycling - Reshaping the Future of the Aluminium Value Chain. For a detailed analogy of the global aluminium foil and rolled products that are used in the battery-making industry, spare some time on AL Circle's special report Aluminium Foil and its End Uses.
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