Incremental and strategic scaling
Altilium’s ACT sites represent a structured, risk-managed approach to scaling up next-generation battery recycling in the UK.
ACT 1, our Technology Centre, serves as the foundation for process development and innovation, refining our advanced hydrometallurgical technology. ACT 2, our pilot line, validates these processes at an industrially relevant scale of one EV battery per day, qualifying materials with our automotive partners. This leads to ACT 3, our first commercial plant, which will produce Nickel Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) as an intermediate product, bridging the gap between pilot and full-scale production. Finally, ACT 4 will be our mega-scale battery recycling facility, delivering cathode-active materials to support the UK’s growing EV and gigafactory sectors.
By scaling up in a controlled manner, Altilium systematically de-risks each stage of development, ensuring technology readiness and economic viability before full mega-scale battery recycling. This phased approach aligns with all stakeholders, demonstrating a clear pathway to achieving industrial-scale recycling while maintaining operational reliability, profitability and environmental responsibility.
ACT 4, powering the UK’s battery revolution
ACT 4 is Altilium’s bold initiative to establish the UK as a global leader in EV battery recycling. Our Teesside Mega Recycling Plant will process 150,000 EV batteries annually, supplying over 50% of the UK’s cathode active material (EU 2031 minimum recycled content) by 2030.
Using advanced hydrometallurgical technology, ACT 4 recovers critical materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese with up to 74% lower carbon emissions than traditional mining, supporting a circular battery economy. This ensures a secure, low-carbon domestic supply chain for the UK’s growing gigafactory sector.
With strong industry partnerships and government support, ACT 4 will create over 500 highly skilled jobs and position the UK at the forefront of sustainable battery materials production.
Building a circular economy
“Realising the UK’s potential in battery recycling is more important than ever.”
- UK Government Battery Strategy
As older EVs reach end-of-life, millions of batteries will need to be recycled over the coming decade, over one million tonnes a year by 2030, growing to nearly 20 million by 2040.
The ability to recycle these batteries and “close the loop” on their life cycle reduces the need for virgin mined materials and leads to significant reductions in the carbon footprint of new lithium-ion EV batteries.
By building a circular domestic supply chain, we will reduce our reliance on global supply chains for critical materials, while ensuring that significantly more of a battery’s economic value is kept within the UK economy.
