Altilium, a UK-based company focused on electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with German chemical company Helm AG and its UK subsidiary, LevertonHelm Ltd. The partnership aims to establish a sustainable domestic supply chain for lithium in the UK, focusing on recycling and refining processes for lithium sourced from end-of-life EV batteries.

Advancing Sustainable Lithium Recycling

The collaboration between Altilium and LevertonHelm marks a significant step towards supporting the UK’s energy transition by securing a local, sustainable supply of lithium. According to Altilium, LevertonHelm is a well-established producer of lithium chemicals with a global customer base, making it a key player in the lithium industry.

Stefan Berner Beltrán of Altilium emphasized the potential of this partnership to unlock value from domestic urban mining. The two companies aim to work on alternative technologies that can enhance refining processes, making them greener and more efficient.

Merve Cruz of Helm Energy Materials echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership aligns with Helm’s commitment to developing specialized solutions for the growing demand for lithium, especially in Europe and the UK.

EV Battery Recycling Facility and Regulatory Compliance

As part of the MOU, LevertonHelm will initially qualify technical-grade lithium carbonate recovered from EV battery recycling operations at Altilium’s newly opened ACT2 facility in Plymouth, England. This facility is equipped to recover lithium and other battery metals from black mass, producing high volumes of lithium for re-entry into the UK supply chain.

The partnership will also help battery manufacturers in the European Union comply with new regulations. Starting in 2031, new EV batteries in the EU will be required to contain at least 6 percent recycled-content lithium, with the percentage increasing to 12 percent by 2036. This regulatory shift underscores the importance of local, sustainable lithium sourcing, and Altilium’s efforts are poised to play a crucial role in meeting these demands.