ReUse – Revolutionizing low-value LFP Battery Waste Recycling
The development of sustainable, safe and efficient processes for battery recycling is crucial to improve the circularity and strategic autonomy of the European Li-ion battery (LiB) value chain, in line with the objectives of the Battery Partnership launched under Horizon Europe. The objective of the ReUse project is to improve the circularity and sustainability of the entire low-value LFP battery waste stream – from production scrap to end-of-life LiB – by developing new recycling processes that maximize the recovery of input elements and components. Specific objectives include the development of automated sorting and disassembly strategies, the improvement of recycling efficiency and direct reuse of battery materials, and the assurance of sustainability through life cycle assessment, life cycle costing and social impact studies. With a focus on maximizing material recovery, energy efficiency and purity, ReUse will develop a robust, flexible and sustainable direct recycling process for waste streams of varying composition and quality.
The project aims to increase the global competitiveness of the European battery ecosystem in line with the European Strategic Plan for a clean and sustainable transition towards climate neutrality. Building on the BATTERY 2030+ Roadmap and the European Partnership on Batteries, ReUse aims to contribute to the policy needs of the European Green Deal and efficient recycling technologies. The project will address the urgent need to address the shortcomings related to the technological, economic and environmental sustainability of recycling EoL LiBs, especially LFP batteries, which make up 46% of the global LiB market by 2030.
The Consortium is a strong partnership of leading European research centres (RTOs) as well as companies, and universities. To allow and cover all technical developments and economic conditions necessary for a successful work on the project, the consortium will strongly rely on complementary and key parties completing the project value chain. ReUse is supported by several recycling companies (Stena, Nehlsen AG, and Sorec) as advisory board members.
The ReUse project is co-funded by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education,
Research and Innovation (SERI).
Project Coordinator Dr. Claudia Stauch Fraunhofer Germany
contact: claudia.stauch@isc.fraunhofer.de
Uwe Posset uwe.posset@isc.fraunhofer.de