Demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise across household appliances, electric mobility and stationary storage systems. These sectors consume increasing volumes of critical raw materials, while manufacturing know-how and large parts of the value chain remain concentrated in Asia. According to Accurec, vertically integrated recycling processes in Asia are supported by state funding and operate under structural cost advantages, making them difficult to replicate within European cost environments.
Accurec has now installed an alternative process in Krefeld that recovers lithium from all common lithium-battery chemistries. The thermochemical technology converts critical materials into easily separable forms using comparatively low energy and resource inputs. The company states that its CLIMA process (Critical Raw Materials Recovery from Li-Battery Waste Management) achieves recovery rates above 99 per cent, enabling the return of battery-grade materials to European supply chains.
Accurec has previously developed processes for nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. A key characteristic of the company is its ability to design, construct and operate its plants in-house, supported by an internal engineering team. This approach has positioned Accurec as a provider of energy-efficient and environmentally oriented recycling systems within the European market.
A further process step for lithium recovery was developed as part of the EarLi research project in cooperation with Evonik. The project aims to increase lithium yield through an electrochemical separation stage. Lithium dissolved in wastewater is separated using a highly selective ceramic membrane and isolated as lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Evonik has been developing lithium-ion-selective ceramic ion conductors for several years, targeting their use in membrane-based electrochemical processes. The combination of thermochemical and electrochemical stages is intended to enable the cost- and energy-efficient production of high-purity lithium hydroxide for reuse in battery applications.
Accurec plans to scale the CLIMA process further. Following regulatory approvals, the company intends to expand capacity to increase the volume of lithium recovered.
