Recycling of used lithium-ion batteries
[Company / organization] DOWA ECO-SYSTEM CO., LTD.
Time started
In October 2018, we participated in a joint collection scheme for used lithium-ion batteries launched by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and ECO-SYSTEM AKITA CO., LTD. and ECO-SYSTEM SANYO CO., LTD. registered as the battery recycling facilities.
In January 2019, we started operation of a recycling line in Odate City, Akita Prefacture, which crushes and sorts batteries that have been inactivated by heat treatment.
In December 2019, Bangpoo Environmental Complex (BPEC) started heat treatment of used HV/EV batteries in Thailand.
In April 2021, ECO-SYSTEM AKITA expanded heat treatment capacity for used batteries.
Technology and business model
Lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to play a major role in the efficient use of energy toward the realization of a carbon-free society, are becoming more widespread in various fields such as electronic devices, automobiles such as HV/EV, and homes.
Rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are used in lithium-ion batteries, and the demand for building a sustainable supply chain is increasing. On the other hand, there is a risk of electric shock and fire when disposing and dismantling used lithium-ion batteries, and the value of the recovered smelting raw materials is affected by fluctuations in metal prices. Therefore, it is hoped that a safe and efficient recovery and recycling system will be established.
DOWA group inactivates used batteries by heat treatment in multiple large incinerators. In Japan, we separate and recover iron, aluminum, copper, cobalt-nickel mixture, etc. by using a recycling line that crushes and sorts inactivated used batteries in-house, and recycled as raw materials for each smelting.
Achievements and goals
FY2021 plan
Recycling amount of used lithium-ion batteries in Japan: Approximately 300 tons
Reference URL
https://ir.dowa.co.jp/en/ir/news/news-5617789479587210707.html
https://ir.dowa.co.jp/en/ir/news/news259247990490167190.html
- Recycle
- End-of-use
- Metals
- Electrical/Electronic Equipment
- Battery
- Automobile
- Individual company
- Overseas initiative
- Currently under implementation (already in business)
- Case/initiative by individual company
