Imagine if you could fix a broken toy by cleaning and polishing its parts instead of melting the whole thing down to get a bit of plastic. This project does that for LFP batteries, which are usually too cheap to recycle using traditional methods. It uses robots and special cleaners to save the battery's internal components so they can be used again immediately.
Current recycling methods are designed for expensive metals like cobalt and nickel, making them too costly and ineffective for low-value LFP batteries. This creates a waste gap and a dependency on imported raw materials.
Automated sorting and disassembly systems using robotics and computer vision, and a chemical process using supercritical CO2 to remove binders from electrodes.
If you are a battery pack producer dealing with production scrap — this project developed automated sorting and disassembly that allows you to recover active materials and binders for reuse in your production line.
If you are a recycling plant dealing with the low profit margins of LFP batteries — this project developed direct recycling processes that preserve component functionality, making the recovery of low-value materials economically viable.
If you are a storage provider dealing with end-of-life battery waste — this project developed a system using computer vision and robotics to efficiently separate components, reducing your reliance on imported raw materials.
Based on available project data, the project focuses on making recycling economically viable by using direct recycling to restore components rather than breaking them down, which is more energy-efficient.
The project is developing scalable solutions including automated disassembly and robotics, though it is currently in the development and early results phase.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project is led by Fraunhofer, a major applied research organization.
Yes, it specifically addresses the recycling targets set by the European Batteries Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
The project runs from 2024-01-01 to 2026-12-31, indicating that full results will be available by the end of 2026.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 57% industry ratio, comprising 8 industrial partners and 4 SMEs. This strong commercial presence, combined with 4 research centers and 2 universities across 8 countries, suggests the technology is being developed with immediate commercial application and scalability in mind.
Contact Fraunhofer Gesellschaft for applied research inquiries
Contact us to connect with the ReUse consortium for early adoption of LFP recycling tech.
