The Future is Neutral (TFIN), backed by Renault Group and Suez, has expanded its digital platform AutoLOOP to include the collection of electric vehicle (EV) traction batteries, as part of efforts to scale recycling of strategic materials.
The move extends AutoLOOP’s existing role in collecting materials such as polypropylene, copper, aluminium and platinum group metals from end-of-life vehicles, positioning the platform as a centralised solution for both material and battery recovery across Europe.
“Professionalisation and digitalisation of materials and battery collection: that is our purpose. AutoLOOP is a unique platform designed to improve the recovery of end-of-life vehicles, ensuring simplicity, competitiveness and traceability,” said Antoine Chéreau, Business Developer at TFIN.
The expansion comes as new European rules on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), effective from August 2025, require automakers to finance collection systems, ensure traceability and support recycling of EV batteries. AutoLOOP is designed to help meet these regulatory requirements while improving operational efficiency for end-of-life vehicle centres.
Under the system, dismantling facilities collect all vehicle types—including internal combustion, hybrid and electric models—before removing fluids, hazardous materials and components such as airbags. For EVs, traction batteries are extracted and registered via the platform for collection and processing.
Collected batteries are then transported to specialised facilities operated by TFIN and its partners, where they are discharged, dismantled and recycled in line with European legislation. The process aims to recover key raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel for reuse in new batteries, supporting a closed-loop recycling model.
The initiative aligns with Renault’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in circular economy activities. The automaker established TFIN in 2022 with the ambition of becoming a leading European player in automotive recycling by 2030, with EV batteries identified as a central component of that plan.
Suez joined the venture in late 2024, acquiring a 20% stake and bringing additional expertise in waste management and resource recovery.