IBU-tec advanced materials AG has entered into a partnership with GRS Batterien Service GmbH and the Joint Take-Back System Batteries Foundation for the development of the sustainable recycling compound “Green Mass” from used LFP batteries. IBU-tec is thus further expanding its position in the rapidly growing battery recycling market. As part of the cooperation, the black mass produced during the recycling of LFP batteries will be enriched with lithium and thermally treated to produce a pollutant-free “green mass”. GRS Batterien Service GmbH, the Joint Take-Back System Batteries Foundation and IBU-tec have agreed on a corresponding pilot project. The sustainable recycled product can ultimately be used for the production of new batteries. IBU-tec will support the material development of the “Green Mass” with its many years of expertise in the field of thermal process engineering and recycling. IBU-tec rotary kilns will be used for the thermal treatment of the recycled material. IBU-tec has both the right know-how and suitable production sites where the Green Mass process can be implemented on a large scale.
The battery recycling market has high growth potential, driven by the EU Battery Directive that came into force at the beginning of the year. Manufacturers of industrial and electric car batteries are required to use recycled battery materials from end-of-life batteries in the production of new lithium batteries. According to a PwC study, recycled battery materials are expected to increase tenfold between 2030 and 2040. In particular, the growth is expected to accelerate from 2030 as the first wave of electrification reaches the end of its life. By 2030, PwC expects investments of more than €2 billion in the European recycling market.
Jörg Leinenbach, CEO of IBU-tec: “With this partnership, we are further expanding our market position in the booming recycling business. The recycling of valuable battery raw materials is necessary from an environmental point of view and helps to reduce the CO2 footprint. GRS Batterien Service GmbH and the Joint Take-Back System Batteries Foundation are important players in the field of battery recycling, developing and implementing sustainable take-back and recycling solutions for the battery industry, for example at the take-back points of major supermarket chains. IBU-tec contributes its many years of know-how in the field of thermal process engineering and recycling.”
Dr.-Ing. Julia Hobohm, Managing Director of GRS Batterien Service GmbH: “With IBU-tec, we have the right partner for the Green Mass pilot project at our side. Due to the steadily increasing use, especially of LFP batteries, it is necessary to accelerate battery recycling and further develop it through innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. After all, raw materials from lithium batteries are key elements for renewable energies and e-mobility. Together with IBU-tec, we want to drive these innovations in battery recycling forward.”
