Closing the Loop: How EV Battery Recycling Could Power a Circular Economy

What happens to electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life? The answer could help reshape not just battery recycling, but entire local economies.  In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Jake Entwistle, Lead Engineer at Altilium Clean Technology, about the UK pilot plant that's pushing the boundaries of EV battery recycling. Together, they explore how high-efficiency recycling can help create circular economies, reduce reliance on mining, and meet growing regulatory demands. They dig into the technical challenges of processing black mass: the powdered remains of shredded batteries, and explain why materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite are so valuable to recover. From advanced hydrometallurgical methods to the role of EU regulations and the rise of battery passports, the conversation touches on every aspect of this emerging industry.  LINKS Jake Entwistle on LinkedIn Altilium Clean Technology Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES Energizing Change: How Batteries Drive the Green Transition – Balancing the Future Trends in electric car markets – International Energy Agency Is LFP More Expensive Than NMC Batteries? - Cell Saviors Recent progress and hurdles in cathode recycling for Li-ion batteries - ScienceDirect The economic and technical challenges of LFP battery recycling – NEU Battery Materials The European Green Deal – European Commission From waste to value: the potential for battery recycling in Europe - European Federation for Transport and Environment  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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