LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES) has recently announced a partnership with French scrap metal recycler Derichebourg SA (DBG) to establish a battery recycling joint venture in Europe. This marks LGES’ first foray into battery recycling in Europe, as the company aims to expand its “closed-loop resource circulation system” into the region.
The joint venture will be a 50:50 partnership between LGES and Derichebourg, with plans to build a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Bruyères-sur-Oise, France. The facility is set to be completed by 2026, with operations commencing in 2027. It will specialize in pre-processing activities such as discharging, dismantling, and shredding end-of-life batteries, as well as processing scrap waste generated during battery production. With a processing capacity of over 20,000 tons of waste batteries per year, the facility will play a crucial role in the recycling process.
The pre-processing facility will extract black mass from the batteries, which will then undergo post-processing to recover key battery raw materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These materials will be reused by LGES in battery production at its plant in Poland, closing the loop on the resource circulation system.
Derichebourg will be responsible for collecting end-of-life batteries from France and surrounding countries, leveraging its extensive network of collection sites. With over 200 sites in France and 285 sites worldwide, Derichebourg is well-equipped to handle the collection and transportation of batteries for recycling.
LGES’ chief strategy officer, Chang Beom Kang, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the benefits of securing a stable and cost-effective supply of recycled battery materials. The initiative is expected to enhance the value delivered to customers in the recycling sector, further solidifying LGES’ position in the industry.
In addition to the recycling joint venture, LGES is also gearing up for the Just Auto Excellence Awards, where industry achievements, innovation, and leadership are celebrated. Nominations are now open for the prestigious awards, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase their advancements and gain global recognition. Don’t miss the chance to be honored among the best in the industry – submit your nomination today!
