Startups Giving Batteries A Second Chance

Battery recycling is crucial for environmental sustainability, as it prevents toxic chemicals from batteries from contaminating the environment. The black mass that is extracted from spent batteries contains valuable metals such as lithium and cobalt which are essential for manufacturing new batteries.

The Economist recently released an article noting that currently, UK electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers export old batteries to China for recycling due to the complexity of the process. However, as EV usage increases, there’s a push to recycle domestically since western nations want to decrease reliance on China.

Startups are tackling the challenge of battery recycling by leveraging advanced technologies to make the process more efficient. These startups are driving positive change in the electronics industry through partnerships with electronic manufacturers and waste management firms. Their efforts contribute to conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste.

Why Should Batteries Be Recycled?

Battery recycling plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability, offering a solution to the growing concern of electronic waste. With the increasing reliance on portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, the demand for batteries has surged. However, the improper disposal of batteries leads to environmental hazards due to the toxic chemicals they contain. Recycling batteries helps prevent these chemicals from leaching into the soil and water, reducing pollution and safeguarding ecosystems.

What Is Black Mass?

At the heart of battery recycling lies the concept of black mass, a valuable component extracted from spent batteries. Black mass consists of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for manufacturing new batteries. By recovering black mass through recycling processes, we reduce the need for extracting raw materials, conserving natural resources and minimising the environmental impact of mining activities. This circular approach to battery production not only mitigates waste but also promotes sustainable resource management.

Startups Giving Batteries A Second Chance

Fortunately, there are startups emerging to address the challenge of battery recycling. These innovative companies leverage advanced technologies to streamline the recycling process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Through partnerships with electronic manufacturers and waste management firms, these startups are pioneering sustainable solutions to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste. By championing battery recycling initiatives, these startups are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also driving positive change in the electronics industry.

Everledger

Everledger is a company offering blockchain-based solutions for sustainable battery lifecycle management. Their platform enables manufacturers to track repurposing activity and validate responsible recycling of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring a longer-term supply of critical minerals. With applications in IoT enablement and digital identities, Everledger facilitates transparency and compliance for companies in the electric vehicle and consumer electronics industries, supporting sustainability and regulatory requirements.

Aceleron

Aceleron, an award-winning clean technology company, offers sustainable battery solutions designed for a circular economy. Their patented battery technology, ‘Core,’ removes permanently bonded components, enabling scalability and easy servicing. Aceleron’s mission is to maximise the value of energy storage, leading to global positive impact. They empower global communities by increasing access to energy storage solutions, balancing integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance in their approach.

Altilium

Altilium is a UK-based clean technology group focused on decarbonising automotive supply chains through sustainable battery materials. Their EcoCathode™ process recovers battery minerals from old EV batteries and mining waste, supporting a circular energy solution. They aim to be the recycler of choice for automotive OEMs by providing low carbon, eco-friendly battery materials. Altilium’s vision is a circular and domestic EV battery supply chain, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient transport future.

NEU Battery Materials

NEU Battery Materials is transforming battery recycling with patented scalable electrochemical modules to recover critical metals, offering a closed-loop recovery solution. With a forecasted shortage of lithium by 2030, NEU’s technology addresses the growing demand for sustainable battery recycling. Partnering with battery manufacturers, eMobility firms, and eWaste recyclers, NEU ensures a reliable end-of-life solution for all battery types.

Novocycle

Novocycle is leading the charge in revolutionising the energy storage sector with a commitment to sustainability and circularity. They provide innovative technologies for the entire energy storage supply chain, empowering businesses to embrace genuine sustainability. Novocycle’s focus on lithium-ion battery recycling aims to minimise mining needs and introduce circular economy strategies, ensuring a sustainable future. With highly efficient and environmentally friendly processes, they enable industries to recover and reuse valuable battery materials.

Gigamine

Gigamine, a UK-based startup, pioneers lithium-ion battery recycling technology for a greener future. Their automated, scalable solution aims to efficiently recycle batteries, reducing reliance on mining and promoting sustainability. Collaborating with industry leaders like InoBat, Gigamine works to streamline battery material collection and re-utilization. Since its 2021 launch, Gigamine has evolved, establishing a presence in the UK and preparing to open its first recycling facility.

Ascend Elements

Ascend Elements is revolutionising lithium-ion battery materials production with a clean and sustainable supply chain. Their patented Hydro-to-Cathode® technology transforms recycled feedstock into new cathode materials efficiently, reducing costs and emissions. With a decade of innovation, Ascend Elements aims to achieve 100% battery recycling, preserving critical materials and advancing the clean-energy transition. Led by a team of industry experts, they’re making strides in sustainable battery manufacturing and recycling.

Redwood Materials

Redwood is pioneering a circular supply chain to power a sustainable world by recycling lithium-ion batteries. They localise the battery supply chain in the US, producing anode and cathode components from recycled batteries. With a dedicated team and recognition from notable publications, Redwood’s mission is to increase battery material supply while reducing environmental impact, cost, and supply chain risks, contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Electra Battery Materials

Electra Battery Materials is pioneering North America’s first Battery Materials Park, supporting the region’s electric vehicle industry with low-carbon, sustainable, and traceable raw materials. With refining, processing, and recycling capabilities, Electra ensures a localised, secure, and eco-friendly option for battery materials. Their phased growth approach aligns with increasing demand while reducing reliance on offshore processing, enhancing domestic supply chains, and minimising geopolitical risks.

Metastable Materials

Metastable Materials pioneers eco-friendly metal extraction technology for Li-ion batteries, aiming to reduce the life-cycle cost of lithium-ion batteries and accelerate EV adoption. Founded in October 2021, it secured pre-seed funding in January 2022. Their Integrated Carbothermal Reduction™ technology ensures clean, chemical-free recycling. They prioritise safety with heat-resistant packaging and offer recycled products in standard commodity forms. Metastable leads with four patents and a 21,000 sqft recycling facility.