FEATURE
PHOTO BY LUCIGERMA, SHUTTERSTOCK
UK-based facilities are in the planning, but for the time being, a lot is being learned in Wolverhampton. This is, after all, a process where accidents can have major complications, so utmost care is being taken at this first-of-a-kind facility. Robin explains, “Lithium-ion batteries are complex, multi- material systems with different chemistries and formats. They’re often glued or welded together, making disassembly and separation of components difficult. Added to that, safety risks like thermal runaway require highly controlled environments and specialist handling - it’s not something that can be done at a standard waste facility.” The goal of the battery recycling process is to recover something called black mass, which is essentially a valuable powder that is rich in critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese - alongside other valuable fractions like copper, aluminium, and plastics, all essential for making new batteries and contributing to a circular supply chain. In the EU, legislation has now passed that mandates that by 2031, new EV batteries must contain 16% recycled cobalt, 6% recycled lithium, and 6% recycled nickel. So this is important and urgent work. Of course, the UK is no longer part of the European Union, so it needn’t follow suit, but as with most things, it’s probably easier if it just goes along with the measure. Robin says, “Automotive manufacturers and battery
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producers operating across both regions are already planning for these thresholds, so it’s likely the UK will follow suit, either through direct alignment or parallel legislation to maintain international competitiveness and supply chain compatibility.” It would make sense, then, if e-bike makers and their
upstream battery makers get on board with recycling efforts because this circular economy process is beneficial to sourcing what is a finite supply of battery materials. Naturally, Robin is an advocate of stronger enforcement of “producer responsibility and clearer guidance on end-of-life handling, plus incentives for recycled content would all accelerate safe and sustainable battery recycling in the UK.” To play its part in encouraging various industries to get a plan in place, he has therefore set an open-door policy for those wanting to visit the Wolverhampton facility to witness the first-hand recycling efforts. So, what’s the plan to aid the UK bike industry’s lithium-ion
battery recycling woes? “While large volumes benefit from economies of scale, we also support smaller businesses through group collections and tailored logistics. We work with everyone from OEMs to independent repair shops. The key thing is we are striving to offer a cost-effective alternative to landfill or export. Export has become increasingly difficult, as most carriers now refuse
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