Photo courtesy of Cirba Solutions
Charlotte, North Carolina-based lithium-ion battery recycler Cirba Solutions has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tokyo-based Honda to collaborate toward collection, processing and returning recycled critical battery materials to be used as raw material feedstock for the automobile manufacturer’s products, including future electric vehicles (EVs) and other products. The companies say this approach will demonstrate how materials can be sustainably sourced and procured domestically in North America through strategic partnership.
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Cirba says this program leverages its 30-plus years of experience in processing end-of-life hybrid and EV batteries and gigafactory scrap, extracting critical metals such as nickel, cobalt and lithium. It adds creating these types of circular supply chains supports Honda’s efforts to reach its 100 percent carbon neutral use goals and resource circulation strategy by 2050.
Cirba says with the arrival of an electrified transportation system, EVs are a great example of leveraging technology to promote sustainable efforts. With the goal to create a sustainable circular supply chain, the company says its managing and processing of Honda’s end-of-life scrap batteries is an example of how to partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create solutions that provide critical battery materials for the manufacturing of new EVs and support sustainability goals.
“This partnership highlights the importance of processing materials that otherwise would be discarded to create a fully circular supply chain for EV batteries,” Cirba President and CEO David Klanecky says. “Through this type of alliance, we’re able to help Honda source critical materials for new EV battery creation sustainability and with full traceability.”
In March, Cirba also announced plans for an EV battery materials facility in South Carolina which it says it expects to create over 300 jobs and produce enough battery-grade materials for more than 500,000 EV batteries. This expanding footprint is part of the company’s investment of more than $1 billion in the sector over the next five years.
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