Cirba Solutions, EcoPro announce partnership

Battery recycler Cirba Solutions is collaborating with EcoPro Co. Ltd., a lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode material producer, under a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance elements of the LIB battery recycling business.

With the growing demand for critical battery materials, Charlotte, North Carolina-based Cirba says strategic partnerships play a crucial role as the circular battery supply chain continues to develop around the world. In addition, the company says the Inflation Reduction Act is a “landmark law” aimed at focusing resources on domestic energy production and promoting development of clean energy in the United States, and its enactment is a catalyst for partnerships across the LIB value chain.

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“We are happy to reach this agreement with Cirba Solutions,” says Hoirim Jung, business strategy office leader and managing director at EcoPro. “Their experience in the market for premium recycled materials supports our growth into a closed-loop battery materials supply chain in North America.”

Through their partnership, EcoPro will leverage Cirba’s recycled materials to produce precursor cathode active material (PCAM) and cathode active material (CAM). The companies say PCAM and CAM production is critical to support the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and requires increased use of recycled content.

Cirba’s expansive logistics and collection networks, along with a diversified processing footprint, also are key aspects of the partnership, the companies say.

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“Recycling is a vital component in the value chain and necessary for creating a robust and circular economy for electric vehicle batteries,” Cirba Chief Commercial Officer Jay Wago says. “Working with a world-renowned team like EcoPro supports the expansion of an interconnected battery supply chain.”