EMR, a leading recycling specialist with operations spanning the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, has inaugurated a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling center in Birmingham. This facility marks the first of its kind in the UK and expands EMR’s capabilities beyond its existing recycling site in Hamburg, Germany, with a processing capacity exceeding 2,000 tonnes of battery packs annually.
The new plant is not only focused on recycling but will also test battery packs to determine their potential for repair or reuse. Reusable packs will be redirected to the energy storage market, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.
The development of this innovative recycling facility was facilitated by the RECOVAS consortium, a collaborative research and development initiative launched in 2020. This project aims to establish commercial-scale battery pack recycling operations within the UK, supporting the growing demand for sustainable practices in the electrified vehicle sector.
The Birmingham plant is equipped to handle batteries from a wide range of electrified products, including scooters, cars, and forklifts, contributing significantly to the circular economy. By recovering valuable materials such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, the facility aims to reintegrate these resources into new battery production, driving sustainability across the industry.
Chris Sheppard, Chief Executive of EMR, expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility, stating, “This is an exciting new chapter in EMR’s history, and I’m proud of our team’s hard work in making this possible. The Birmingham facility is the latest in our efforts to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in sustainability, innovation, and technology. By creating a circular supply chain for EV batteries, we are not only supporting the UK’s transition to net zero, but we are also setting a benchmark for others to follow in this rapidly evolving industry.”
Helen Waters, Head of Electric Battery Recycling at EMR, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and environmental protection in the recycling process. “As always with EMR, safety and environmental protection are at the heart of our approach to EV battery recycling. We use market-leading systems and software to de-risk the process of discharging the cells prior to recycling, and our high-voltage testing team is led by former Jaguar Land Rover EV battery technician, Sanjay Kundu.”
With this new facility, EMR is poised to play a crucial role in the UK’s efforts to enhance sustainability and innovation within the electrified vehicle market, paving the way for a more circular economy.
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