By 2030, around 400,000 tons of EV batteries will likely be available for recycling in the EU. But this large source of secondary raw materials might not be exploited to its fullest, because battery manufacturers have long used substances of concern such as electrolyte materials, flame-retardant additives, or binders. The safe separation and disposal of these compounds are challenging. Moreover, the presence of contaminants in recycled materials prevents them from matching the quality of virgin feedstock. To remedy this issue, battery recyclers are investing in new filtration and purification technologies. Those investments will improve recycling rates for critical materials like graphite, but they will also reduce the economic viability of recycling.
This session will provide insights into:
- What exactly is a substance of concern according to the Battery Regulation?
- What could the battery recycling landscape look like in the EU by 2030?
- Is it possible for battery recyclers to safely separate and dispose of substances of concern?
- How will the presence of contaminants impact the economics of graphite recycling?
- Will the EU be able to reach its graphite recycling targets?
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