Summary
- BMW and SK tes plan to expand closed-loop battery recycling system to US-Mexico-Canada region in 2026
- Process recovers cobalt, nickel, and lithium from used batteries for new battery production
- BMW directly involved in process to provide insights to development departments
- High-voltage batteries from BMW Europe markets delivered to SK tes for conversion into high-quality metals
- Secondary raw materials recovered for BMW’s new GEN 6 drivetrain, promoting circular economy and increasing supply chain resilience.
Article
BMW and SK tes are collaborating to expand their closed-loop battery recycling system from Europe to the US-Mexico-Canada region by 2026. This system aims to recover valuable materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium from used batteries to be reintroduced into the production of new batteries. BMW’s direct involvement in the process allows for valuable insights to be gained and fed back to its development departments.
High-voltage batteries from BMW’s development, production, and markets in Europe that are no longer usable will be sent to SK tes, where they will be converted into high-quality metals suitable for battery production. The batteries will undergo mechanical shredding to concentrate the metals into black mass material. This material will then go through a hydrometallurgical process to recover nickel, lithium, and cobalt, which will be used in BMW’s new GEN 6 drivetrain.
Nadine Philipp, Vice President Sustainability Supplier Network at BMW, highlighted the importance of promoting a circular economy within the company. This involves developing recyclable products, increasing the use of secondary materials in components, and closing the loop to reuse materials efficiently. By embracing circular economy principles, BMW aims to enhance its supply chain resilience and contribute to sustainability efforts.
The collaboration between BMW and SK tes signifies a commitment to sustainable practices and resource conservation in the automotive industry. By recycling valuable materials from used batteries, both companies are contributing to the reduction of waste and the preservation of natural resources. The closed-loop system ensures that key elements like cobalt, nickel, and lithium are not wasted but instead repurposed for new battery production.
The recycling process employed by BMW and SK tes allows for the recovery of valuable metals from old batteries, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to battery production. By reusing materials in the production of new batteries, the companies are reducing the reliance on virgin resources and minimizing the environmental impact of battery manufacturing. This innovative approach to recycling aligns with BMW’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Overall, the expansion of BMW and SK tes’ closed-loop battery recycling system to the US-Mexico-Canada region represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the automotive industry. By reusing valuable materials from old batteries and reintroducing them into the production of new batteries, the companies are setting a positive example for resource conservation and environmental responsibility. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to circular economy principles and highlights the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable practices within the industry.
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