‘Highest’ safety protocol in new battery recycling test hub

Powder and particle processing technology provider Hosokawa has launched a test centre for the recycling of lithium batteries. The newly constructed facility in Augsburg, Germany meets growing demand for recycling solutions across the battery industry.

The hub enables customers to test machine systems for processing key components of lithium-ion batteries such as cathode and anode materials.

Recycling priority

With the increasing use of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, the ability to recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt has become critical, says Hosokawa. They are typically sourced via complex and often fragile global supply chains, making recycling more crucial and urgent.

‘The recycling of valuable battery materials is becoming increasingly important as demand surges and the industry moves toward a circular economy,’ says Steffen Sander, head of R&D powder and particle processing at Hosokawa Alpine. ‘We are proud to support this effort with innovative machine solutions “made in Germany” and developed with our customers.’

‘Highest’ standards

The recycling of batteries, especially nickel, manganese and cobalt components, requires stringent safety measures due to the hazardous nature of the substances involved. The new facility addresses previous limitations in this area by incorporating advanced safety protocols and infrastructure, claimed to meet the highest industry standards.

‘This ensures both employee health and environmental protection remain top priorities throughout testing and development,’ says the company.

Towards more efficiency

The test centre is part of Hosokawa Alpine’s broader strategic focus on battery technology, under the ON product line. Customers can now conduct trials using specially designed mills for pre-grinding, fine grinding, and ultra-fine classification of CRM and battery materials.

These systems are essential in developing efficient recycling processes, including the recovery of coated electrode foils.