Li-Cycle recycling for Chinese batteries

Li-Cycle Holdings Corp., a rising star of lithium-ion battery recycling in the United States, has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and explore battery recycling solutions for EVE Energy Co., Ltd., a China-based global lithium battery company.

"We are excited to collaborate with EVE, a proven global leader in lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing, to provide a sustainable resource recovery solution for lithium-ion battery products and manufacturing scrap," said Li-Cycle Holdings Executive Chair Tim Johnston.

With worldwide manufacturing facilities and customers that include some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, EVE has grown into a leading player in batteries since being established in 2001.

The recent agreement with Li-Cycle includes a framework to explore global sustainable recycling solutions for EVE lithium-ion battery materials in the North American market, as well as battery manufacturing scrap generated at EVE's planned lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facilities in Europe.

Expected to support EVE's environmental goals through a closed-loop supply solution, the collaboration is aimed to continue to support the global movement toward electrification.

"EVE Energy places great importance on expanding our presence in global markets," said Jianhua Liu, co-founder and CEO of EVE Energy. "To better serve our international customers, we are going to construct green battery factories in Europe and Southeast Asia."

Seeing the potential of Li-Cycle's patented Spoke & Hub methodology, EVE hopes to move toward green practices, something its home country has not been known for.

"To achieve this goal, we are implementing strategic initiatives such as industry chain integration, team internationalization, and the application of international operational models," added Liu. "We are pleased to partner with Li-Cycle to discuss the establishment of a high environmental standard battery recycling system to support sustainable development."

In addition to its large lithium-ion battery manufacturing footprint in Asia, EVE has announced plans to build its first European battery manufacturing facility in Hungary, which is expected to supply a major global automaker to produce electric vehicles.

EVE has also announced plans to build a lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

Already considered a safe and environmentally friendly way to recycle lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap to recover key battery-grade materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, Li-Cycle's overall process characterizes an efficient environmental footprint, minimal direct greenhouse gas emissions, and minimal wastewater discharge, which ultimately positions the company as a strong solution for EVE's manufacturing capabilities.

"Li-Cycle continues to scale as the world's preferred recycling partner and the MOU demonstrates how EVE recognizes our capabilities in delivering world-class lithium-ion battery recycling solutions with high efficiency, low emissions, and minimal waste generation to support a sustainable lithium-ion battery ecosystem," said Johnston.