RECIRCULATE: Transforming Battery Recycling and Battery Reuse across Europe
RECIRCULATE is an EU-funded initiative dedicated to transforming battery reuse across Europe.
The goal is extending battery lifespans, giving them a second- and third-life application to maximize their value through innovative reuse strategies — RECIRCULATE is boldly pushing towards a sustainable and resource-efficient future. The project focuses on creating a circular economy where every battery’s potential is fully realized, reducing waste, and conserving resources.
The Challenges of Battery Reuse and Sustainability
The battery industry faces significant challenges in creating a truly sustainable system. One of the most critical issues is the distinction between reuse and recycling. While recycling involves breaking down batteries to recover raw materials, reuse focuses on extending the life of batteries by repurposing them for second and third-life applications before they reach the end of their usability.
Despite the advantages of reuse, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption:
Limited Lifespan and High Disposal Rates
Many batteries are prematurely discarded due to the absence of reliable methods to assess and extend their lifespan. This results in high disposal rates and wasted potential.
Safety Risks
Handling, transporting, and reusing batteries involve significant safety risks. Without proper characterization and sorting, batteries can pose dangers such as fires, chemical leaks, and explosions.
Lack of Efficient Sorting and Characterization Technologies
Accurate sorting and characterization are crucial for determining the most appropriate reuse or recycling pathway for each battery. Current technologies are often slow, unreliable, and unable to meet the demands of a circular economy.
Fragmented Supply Chains
The reuse of batteries is complicated by fragmented supply chains, where inconsistencies in data and processes create inefficiencies and hinder the seamless transfer of batteries from one life cycle to the next.
RECIRCULATE: Batteries’ Second Life
To achieve our vision, RECIRCULATE focuses on six key pillars. Each pillar is designed to solve a specific challenge, from assessing battery health to ensuring safe transportation. Together, these pillars form a comprehensive solution and ensure that every battery is handled with care, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Battery Use
RECIRCULATE is a chance for a truly sustainable and circular battery economy within the European Union. By fully utilizing every resource, maximizing battery lifespan, and ensuring that nothing goes to waste, RECIRCULATE is redefining the future of battery use and reuse.
Circular Economy – The Vision
RECIRCULATE embodies the principles of a circular economy where all resources are kept in use for as long as possible. Every battery is leveraged to its fullest potential, repurposed for second and even third-life applications before being finally recycled to minimize waste and to reduce the need for new resources.
Second Life for Batteries
Through innovative reuse strategies, batteries that would otherwise be discarded are given a new lease on life. This not only conserves valuable materials but also provides a cost-effective alternative to producing new batteries, contributing to a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
Reduced Environmental Impact and Enhanced Resource Efficiency
By extending the lifespan of batteries and optimizing the reuse process, RECIRCULATE significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with battery production and disposal.
Increased Safety for Workers and Reduced Risks in Recycling
Our advanced technologies and processes are designed with safety at the forefront. By minimizing the risks associated with handling, transporting, and recycling batteries, we protect workers and reduce the hazards that can arise in these critical processes.
Economic Benefits from Extended Battery Life and Resource Recovery
Extending battery life through reuse and remanufacture not only benefits the environment but also offers significant economic advantages. Companies can recover value from batteries that would otherwise be scrapped, reducing costs and driving profitability within the battery industry.
Cohesive Supply Chain with Blockchain Technology
Transparency is key to the success of a circular economy. With blockchain-based Battery Passports, RECIRCULATE ensures that every battery’s history, condition, and composition are accurately tracked. This market transparency is essential for determining the best use for each battery, whether for further reuse or final recycling.
A Consortium of Leading Experts
RECIRCULATE is powered by a consortium of 11 partners from 8 countries, each bringing unparalleled expertise in technology, sustainability, and innovation.
Together, we combine the strengths of tech startups, academia, and industry leaders to drive forward the future of sustainable battery use. Explore our partner network and see how we are collaborating to create a circular economy for batteries.
CSEM
A Swiss technology innovation leader specializing in precision manufacturing, AI, and sustainable energy.
Libattion
Experts in lithium battery solutions focusing on green energy storage and reuse.
Gelkoh
provides a comprehensive range of products for the transport, storage and handling of lithium batteries.
Eurecat
A top technology center in Spain, driving industrial R&D in sustainability and digital transformation.
Iconiq Innovation
Specialists in commercialization and scaling of innovative technologies.
Ford Otosan
A key player in the automotive industry, advancing EV technologies.
DHL
A global logistics giant, optimizing safe battery transport.
Minespider
Innovators in blockchain-based Digital Product Passports for supply chain traceability.
Eco Stor
Developers of energy storage solutions utilizing second-life batteries.
Probot
Experts in robotics and automation for industrial applications.
Centria
A Finnish R&D center with a focus on sustainable technologies and processes.
Become a part of the movement that’s reshaping the future
RECIRCULATE is a community of innovators, industry leaders, and forward-thinkers dedicated to creating a circular economy for batteries. Whether you’re an industry professional, a potential partner, or simply passionate about sustainability, there’s a place for you in our mission.
Connect with us to explore partnership opportunities, collaborate on cutting-edge projects, or join our network of experts driving change in the battery sector.