Silke Mayr As electric vehicle (EV) adoption skyrockets globally, the demand for battery materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel continues to increase. A new wave of innovation is emerging in the battery recycling sector, with companies like Altilium in the UK leading the charge. Altilium is transforming old batteries into essential materials for new EV batteries, helping mitigate environmental concerns associated with mining. As the world moves toward electrification, recycling could play a pivotal role in securing the materials needed for a green future.
The Global Rise of Electric Vehicles
The global transition to clean energy is accelerating, with electric vehicles at the forefront. In 2023, nearly one in five cars sold worldwide was electric, a 35% increase from the previous year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This surge in EV adoption is putting unprecedented pressure on battery material supplies. As demand for batteries grows, so does the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing of materials like lithium and cobalt.
Altilium’s Pioneering Recycling Efforts
Located in Tavistock, England, Altilium is pioneering battery recycling efforts that could help meet the rising demand for EV battery materials. The company processes “black mass,” a dark powder derived from old batteries, to extract vital materials such as lithium, nickel, and graphite. Altilium’s innovative approach uses hydrometallurgy, a process that avoids the COâ‚‚ emissions produced by traditional high-temperature methods.
Christian Marston, Altilium’s president and COO, emphasizes that these materials are crucial to EV battery production. He also highlights the ethical issues associated with the mining of these materials, with over half of the world’s nickel supply coming from Indonesia and much of the cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recycling offers a more sustainable and ethical alternative.
Recycling: A Key to the Circular Economy
Battery recycling is an essential part of the push toward a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than mined. Altilium’s goal is to establish a closed-loop system in the UK, ensuring that valuable battery materials stay within the country’s borders. Marston notes that recycling can reduce reliance on imports and prevent harmful substances from entering the ecosystem as old EV batteries retire.
Globally, other companies like Li-Cycle and Redwood Materials are pursuing similar efforts. The U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which incentivizes climate solutions like battery recycling, has spurred growth in this sector. However, despite the increasing interest, battery recycling remains in its early stages.
The Challenges of Battery Recycling
The complexity of battery construction presents one of the largest challenges for recyclers. Each battery contains numerous materials, including graphite, nickel, and cobalt, which are tightly integrated into the anode and cathode. To separate these materials efficiently, Altilium uses a sophisticated solvent extraction process that isolates valuable elements without damaging the environment.
Nickel, in particular, is becoming more important in battery chemistry due to its high energy density. As new battery technologies emerge, the need for efficient recycling methods will only increase. Altilium’s efforts to adapt to these changes are a vital step in ensuring the sustainability of the EV industry.
A Sustainable Future for EV Batteries
Researchers estimate that by 2040, over half of the global demand for lithium and nickel could be met through recycling. This shift would significantly reduce the need for mining, cutting environmental impact and safeguarding against supply chain disruptions caused by political instability. In the EU, new regulations are being introduced to enforce higher standards for recycling efficiency, which will further drive innovation in this space.
As the UK plans to expand its battery recycling infrastructure, Altilium is set to play a major role. The company’s upcoming plant near Plymouth will process more materials, providing recycled resources to battery manufacturers. Marston envisions a future where battery recycling not only contributes to sustainability but also strengthens national security by reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Battery recycling is poised to become a cornerstone of the green transition, offering a solution to the rising demand for EV materials. Companies like Altilium are at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating that it’s possible to recycle old batteries into new, high-value materials for electric vehicles. With the potential to reduce mining needs by up to 40% by 2050, the future of EV battery recycling looks bright—and essential for a sustainable and secure future.