ICoNiChem and NOVONIX Lead EV Battery Recycling Effort

ICoNiChem, a UK-based plant for cobalt and nickel production and NOVONIX, a Canadian battery technology leader, have joined forces to tackle the challenge of indirect, or Scope 3, emissions in the EV battery supply chain.
By focusing on recycling critical minerals from used lithium-ion batteries, this collaboration is set to bring substantial environmental benefits, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint of battery production.
Focusing on Scope 3 emissions reduction
Scope 3 emissions, those stemming from indirect sources such as the extraction, transport and disposal of raw materials, represent a significant portion of the carbon footprint in the EV supply chain.
By closing the loop on battery production, ICoNiChem and NOVONIX's partnership targets emissions reductions across multiple points in the life cycle of EV batteries, primarily through recycling materials like nickel, cobalt and lithium.
- Category 1 | Purchased goods and services: The partnership reduces emissions associated with raw material extraction and processing by incorporating recycled metal feedstock into cathode active materials (CAM) production.
- Category 4 | Upstream transportation and distribution: Localising the production of battery materials in the UK and North America could potentially reduce emissions from long-distance transportation of raw materials.
- Category 5 | Waste generated in operations: NOVONIX's all-dry, zero-waste technology aims to minimise waste generation in the CAM production process.
- Category 10 | Processing of sold products: The collaboration may lead to more efficient processing of cathode materials by downstream battery manufacturers, potentially reducing associated emissions.
- Category 11 | Use of sold products: Improved CAM performance could lead to more efficient batteries, indirectly affecting emissions during electric vehicle use.
- Category 12 | End-of-life treatment of sold products: The partnership addresses emissions associated with the disposal of battery materials by recycling cobalt and nickel from end-of-life batteries.
Reducing raw material sourcing emissions
Recycling critical minerals like nickel, cobalt and lithium from "black mass" (processed material from end-of-life EV batteries) eliminates the need for virgin material extraction, which is often energy-intensive and carbon-heavy.
Mining and refining these materials disrupt ecosystems and emit substantial greenhouse gases.
The recycling initiative is poised to transform how battery production sources its materials, reducing emissions associated with traditional mining.
Berk Şengül, Managing Director of ICoNiChem, points out the environmental importance of this innovation: "This cooperation signifies a huge step towards zero waste and a strengthened critical materials supply chain."
By reducing dependence on new raw materials, the partnership supports sustainable sourcing practices, aligning with global efforts to minimise the environmental impacts of material extraction.
Minimising supply chain transportation emissions
Transporting raw materials across continents for processing significantly increases the carbon footprint of EV battery production. By establishing recycling and processing operations in the UK, ICoNiChem and NOVONIX are localising these activities and reducing emissions from long-distance shipping.
The shift means fewer resources are required to import and export battery components, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.
Enhancing end-of-life battery treatment
End-of-life battery disposal often involves waste management practices like landfilling or exporting, which produce indirect emissions and environmental risks.
ICoNiChem and NOVONIX's collaboration enables a closed-loop system where materials from old batteries are reused to create new ones.
The method reduces emissions associated with waste disposal while conserving valuable materials that would otherwise end up as Waste.
"As a company based in the UK, a country that has a significant and growing electric vehicle market, we aim to further reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles in line with their purpose and make them much more sustainable by supporting the battery recycling ecosystem."
The approach to recycling is essential for scaling sustainability within the UK's EV sector, which has a growing demand for environmentally friendly battery solutions.
Sustainable production reduces energy needs in upstream processing
Producing cathode materials from recycled metals typically requires less energy than creating them from virgin sources. Reducing energy use directly correlates to fewer emissions, lowering the Scope 3 emissions associated with battery production.
The project processes around 250 tons of black mass annually, resulting in approximately 25 tons each of nickel and cobalt, highlighting its capacity to create measurable emissions reductions.
Impact on the UK's green economy
The partnership between ICoNiChem and NOVONIX aligns with the UK's goals for a green economy by ensuring that essential battery components are sourced locally and sustainably.
As the UK aims to expand its electric vehicle market, projects like this provide a scalable model for reducing the carbon footprint of EVs.
The collaboration is pioneering a sustainable model for the battery industry, setting an example for international manufacturers. By advancing the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, ICoNiChem and NOVONIX are making strides towards a low-emission, circular economy in the EV sector.
Their work supports sustainable practices that can reshape the global automotive industry toward a greener future.
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