Retriev Technologies partners with Marubeni Corp. for lithium-ion battery recycling

Retriev Technologies, a global leader in battery recycling and management based in Lancaster, Ohio, has announced the completion of its first volume shipment of recovered battery materials to Tokyo-based manufacturer Marubeni Corp. In February 2021, Marubeni Corp. and Retriev Technologies Inc. announced a strategic partnership for developing an innovative business model for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (EOL LIB).  

According to a news release from Retriev, both companies are working together to take valuable metals recovered from EOL LIB to expand the circular business model for electric vehicle battery-to-battery closed-loop recycling in the battery industry.

“We are very pleased to see this strategic international endeavor now underway and to be involved in the creation of a sustainable circular economy for the reuse of battery raw materials worldwide,” says Retriev Vice President Todd Coy. “We expect positive results out of our collaboration with Marubeni, leaders in trading critical raw materials for the battery industry. We’re confident that our progress will positively impact our ability to secure secondary battery raw materials necessary for a sustainable battery ecosystem. Our initial shipment to Japan this month contained 17 tons of material that will be used to validate cathode production for new batteries.”

Marubeni and Retriev are currently in discussion with cathode producers for secondary battery materials, Retriev says.