February 2025
Published: 06 Feb 2025
Author: Precedence Research
The UK-based technology group Altilium has commenced the recycling of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, a massive step towards a circular battery economy. Over 97% of lithium and 99% of graphite can be recovered from LFP batteries by the EcoCathode advancement of the company. As battery recycling came into focus as an environmental concern, with the dawn of LFP chemistry in the electric vehicle and energy storage industries, this innovation comes in at just the right time. By 2035, LFP batteries will grow from 18% to 25% in the battery market, citing low costs, safety, and long life as their positives. Altilium thus positions itself at the top of the LFP recycling sector to prospectively repurpose such batteries. Altilium's battery processing involves LFP batteries from a truly global leader in the production of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, representing just one node in a sustainable battery lifecycle management network. The collaboration of Altilium with key players in the EV spread is aimed at crafting resilience into the battery supply chain whilst limiting the usage of newly mined raw materials when demand for lithium peaks and constraints over supply chain are looming large.
LFP batteries are gaining greater acceptance owing to their low cost and safe operating advantages. However, their basic components of iron and phosphate make them unattractive to recyclers. COO Dr. Christian Marston explained how Altilium plans to skirt this limitation by using EcoCathode technology for the economic and ecological recovery of lithium and graphite in LFP recycling. Altilium Group already recycles NMC batteries at two locations in Devon, ACT1, and ACT2, thereby aiding in battery materials recovery and the circular economy in the UK. Altilium is now mercilessly scaling up this operation and plans to develop a cutting-edge battery recycling hub in Teesside, expected to grow into one of Europe's largest EV battery recycling sites. With batteries of mixed chemistries, the hub will recycle more than 150,000 electric vehicles a year and provide advanced material recovery and refining processes. This expansion is a testament to Altilium's continued commitment to supporting the UK's green industrial revolution and reducing the nation's reliance on imported battery materials.
Altilium is spearheading battery circular economy initiatives in the UK through investment in LFP battery recycling, coinciding with government strategy to develop domestic recovery of battery materials and thus decreasing reliance on global supply chains. Given the rapid rise in demand for electric vehicles, the development of recycling solutions associated with diverse battery chemistry will soon be required. Hence, the expansion of Altilium in LFP battery recycling is a significant landmark toward a sustainable and resilient battery industry in the UK. On the back of advanced technologies like EcoCathode and with strategic partnerships and massive investments in infrastructure, Altilium is moving ahead to set a new paradigm for battery recycling.
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