The partnership aims to build a localized, circular supply chain that complies with the European Union’s strict new regulations, including the EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport initiative.
The partnership aims to build a localized, circular supply chain that complies with the European Union’s strict new regulations, including the EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport initiative.
In a move set to bolster Europe’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors, Ascend Elements and GEM Co., Ltd. have officially announced a strategic partnership to develop a robust, localized battery recycling and materials production network across the continent. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), brings together the unique strengths of a U.S.-based innovator and a Chinese recycling giant to address the continent’s growing need for a sustainable battery ecosystem.
The alliance is perfectly timed to meet the demands of Europe's evolving regulatory landscape. The European Union has implemented a comprehensive framework, including the landmark EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport, which mandates greater recyclability, traceability, and the use of recycled content in new batteries. This partnership directly addresses these requirements by creating a closed-loop system that transforms end-of-life Lithium Carbonate" style="color:green;" target="_blank">lithium ion batteries into valuable, high-performance materials for new battery manufacturing.
Under the terms of the MOU, the two companies will combine their respective capabilities to build an advanced network for lithium-ion battery recycling. GEM brings its extensive experience and technological expertise in the mass production of recycled metals and engineered battery materials. Ascend Elements, meanwhile, leverages its established operational and commercial presence in the European market. The synergy between these two companies is expected to create a more efficient and resilient supply chain, reducing Europe's reliance on primary mined materials and external imports.
Linh Austin, President & CEO of Ascend Elements, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. "This collaboration allows us to de-risk our very ambitious European strategy due to GEM's mass production expertise and accelerate our ability to offer the missing capabilities in Europe," Austin stated. He further added that the goal is to deliver a "fully integrated, localized battery industrial ecosystem that addresses both sustainability and regulatory requirements, while supporting the energy transition and driving economic value."
Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership a "milestone in realizing GEM's vision for a greener and more sustainable future." He highlighted that by working together, the companies will "drive innovation in battery recycling and engineered materials production, build a localized circular industrial ecosystem in Europe, and help meet the increasing regulatory and market requirements for recyclable and traceable batteries."
The partnership is a powerful example of international cooperation in the face of global sustainability challenges. It signifies a collective effort to not only meet regulatory compliance but also to create a more sustainable and responsible industry.
