UK-based vehicle recycler EMR Metals Recycling has made a significant investment in Australian-owned Renewable Metals, known for its innovative recycling process for lithium-ion batteries. The partnership aims to revolutionize battery recycling by streamlining the process and improving recovery rates.
The agreement includes plans to construct a demonstration-scale EV battery refining plant at EMR’s site in Birmingham. This facility will be capable of processing various types of lithium-ion batteries, including those from automotive, e-mobility (e-bikes and e-scooters), industrial, domestic, and portable applications. Renewable Metals’ recycling process offers higher recovery rates and avoids the production of sodium sulfate, making it more suitable for handling the diverse chemistry of end-of-life Li-Ion batteries.
Roger Morton, Managing Director for Technology and Innovation at EMR, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Renewable Metals’ technology is a highly cost-effective and scalable solution which fits into our broader long-term global strategy for this market, where we are actively developing multiple new collaborations.”
This partnership marks EMR’s latest venture in sustainable recycling projects. In 2020, the company launched a circular end-of-life supply chain project in collaboration with the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Autocraft Solutions Group, and several automobile manufacturers, including Bentley, BMW, and JLR. The project aimed to develop technologies and processes for recycling vehicles and batteries, involving key stakeholders such as the University of Warwick, the Health and Safety Executive, the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, and others.
The partnership between EMR Metals Recycling and Renewable Metals represents a significant step forward in the advancement of sustainable battery recycling technologies, positioning both companies as leaders in the field.
