- Stena Recycling is investing 250 million SEK in a new battery recycling facility in Halmstad.
- The facility will recycle 95% of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles.
- Construction begins this autumn, aiming to be one of Europe's most advanced recycling plants.
- Collaboration with Johnson Matthey will produce refined materials for new lithium-ion batteries.
Investment and Facility Details
Stena Recycling is investing 250 million SEK in a new battery recycling facility in Halmstad, Sweden. The facility will enable the recycling of 95% of lithium-ion batteries, which are predominantly used in electric vehicles. Construction is set to begin this autumn, making it one of Europe's most advanced battery recycling plants.
Market Demand and Environmental Impact
The investment responds to the growing market demand for electric vehicles, with global sales increasing by 43% in 2020 according to EV-volumes.com. The number of lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase nearly tenfold over the next decade, as reported by Circular Energy Storage Research & Consulting. The new facility aims to recover critical metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are in short supply globally.
Collection and Recycling Process
Batteries will initially be collected from Stena Recycling's 90 facilities in Sweden and eventually from other countries where the company operates. Initial sorting will occur at these facilities, with most recycling processes taking place at the new Halmstad plant. The collaboration with Johnson Matthey adds an additional process step to produce fully refined materials for new lithium-ion batteries.
Strategic Importance
This investment is crucial for establishing a circular raw materials chain for batteries. By closing the loop and creating new raw materials from recycled batteries, Stena Recycling aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable battery disposal and production solutions.
