Altilium’s COO Dr Christian Marston spoke to Benchmark Source about the opportunities for recycling graphite from end-of life EV batteries, as the UK and Europe look to reduce their reliance on imported raw materials.

Altilium is currently working with Talga Group Ltd to optimise the recovery of graphite for reuse in the production of new battery anodes using its EcoAnode™ technology.

Altilium’s proprietary recycling process can recover over 99% of the graphite from end-of-life EV batteries, allowing these valuable resources to be returned to the supply chain. Its planned Teesside recycling plant will have capacity to recover 20,000 MT of graphite a year, enough to meet over 20% of UK demand by 2030.

Graphite is the largest single material in lithium-ion batteries, comprising up to 50% of a battery by volume. With a growing shortfall in graphite supply expected over the next decade and China imposing controls on exports last year, a shift towards self-sufficiency will be critical for the UK’s growing battery industry.

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