Ascend Elements and GEM Forge Strategic Alliance for Battery Recycling in Europe
In a significant step towards fostering sustainability in battery production, Ascend Elements, a leader in engineered battery materials from the United States, and GEM Co., Ltd., a pioneering force in battery materials and recycling based in China, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to explore collaborative opportunities in the domains of lithium-ion battery recycling and the production of engineered battery materials within Europe.
This partnership is timely, given Europe’s push for a more localized and sustainable battery materials ecosystem, which is increasingly under the spotlight due to stringent regulatory frameworks set by the European Union. These regulations, notably the EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport initiative, call for heightened emphasis on recyclability, traceability, and the integration of recycled content into new lithium-ion batteries. Such initiatives not only reflect the growing global demand for clean energy solutions but also align with the broader goals of reducing environmental impacts associated with battery production and disposal.
The MOU was formalized during a signing event attended by GEM's Chairman, Professor Xu Kaihua, and Ascend Elements' CEO Linh Austin. The collaboration will leverage GEM’s vast expertise in recycling and the mass production of recycled metals, alongside Ascend Elements' established operational presence in the European market. The primary objective is to create a sophisticated network for lithium-ion battery recycling and engineered materials production, thereby establishing a circular supply chain that effectively meets current market demands and regulatory standards.
Professor Xu Kaihua expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Ascend Elements marks a crucial milestone in realizing GEM's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. By joining forces, we will spur innovation in battery recycling and engineered materials production, thereby contributing to the development of a localized circular industrial ecosystem in Europe while responding to the increasing requirements for recyclable and traceable batteries."
On the other hand, Linh Austin highlighted how the partnership strengthens Ascend Elements' robust European strategy. He stated, "Working with GEM allows us to mitigate the risks associated with our ambitious plan in Europe while accelerating our capacity to fill crucial gaps in our offerings. Our goal is to establish a fully integrated, localized battery industrial ecosystem that adheres not only to sustainability mandates but also meets regulatory expectations, all while aiding the energy transition and delivering economic benefits."
GEM Co., Ltd., which was founded by Professor Xu Kaihua in Shenzhen, China, in 2001, has established itself as a leading player in the circular economy. It has garnered recognition as a top-tier company within the global tungsten carbide sector as well as the new energy industry, making it a fitting collaborator for Ascend Elements. In contrast, Ascend Elements, which launched in 2015, has carved out a niche as a provider of critical minerals and engineered battery materials essential for the lithium-ion battery market. The company has made strides in producing sustainable lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) derived from recycled battery components, further underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.
This collaborative initiative between Ascend Elements and GEM signifies a crucial progression towards a greener, more sustainable future, showcasing how international partnerships can drive significant advancements in the battery industry. As both companies gear up to fulfill their commitments, the successful implementation of the MOU will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the lithium-ion battery market in Europe, ensuring it aligns with evolving consumer demands and regulatory expectations.
This partnership is timely, given Europe’s push for a more localized and sustainable battery materials ecosystem, which is increasingly under the spotlight due to stringent regulatory frameworks set by the European Union. These regulations, notably the EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport initiative, call for heightened emphasis on recyclability, traceability, and the integration of recycled content into new lithium-ion batteries. Such initiatives not only reflect the growing global demand for clean energy solutions but also align with the broader goals of reducing environmental impacts associated with battery production and disposal.
The MOU was formalized during a signing event attended by GEM's Chairman, Professor Xu Kaihua, and Ascend Elements' CEO Linh Austin. The collaboration will leverage GEM’s vast expertise in recycling and the mass production of recycled metals, alongside Ascend Elements' established operational presence in the European market. The primary objective is to create a sophisticated network for lithium-ion battery recycling and engineered materials production, thereby establishing a circular supply chain that effectively meets current market demands and regulatory standards.
Professor Xu Kaihua expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Ascend Elements marks a crucial milestone in realizing GEM's commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. By joining forces, we will spur innovation in battery recycling and engineered materials production, thereby contributing to the development of a localized circular industrial ecosystem in Europe while responding to the increasing requirements for recyclable and traceable batteries."
On the other hand, Linh Austin highlighted how the partnership strengthens Ascend Elements' robust European strategy. He stated, "Working with GEM allows us to mitigate the risks associated with our ambitious plan in Europe while accelerating our capacity to fill crucial gaps in our offerings. Our goal is to establish a fully integrated, localized battery industrial ecosystem that adheres not only to sustainability mandates but also meets regulatory expectations, all while aiding the energy transition and delivering economic benefits."
GEM Co., Ltd., which was founded by Professor Xu Kaihua in Shenzhen, China, in 2001, has established itself as a leading player in the circular economy. It has garnered recognition as a top-tier company within the global tungsten carbide sector as well as the new energy industry, making it a fitting collaborator for Ascend Elements. In contrast, Ascend Elements, which launched in 2015, has carved out a niche as a provider of critical minerals and engineered battery materials essential for the lithium-ion battery market. The company has made strides in producing sustainable lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) derived from recycled battery components, further underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.
This collaborative initiative between Ascend Elements and GEM signifies a crucial progression towards a greener, more sustainable future, showcasing how international partnerships can drive significant advancements in the battery industry. As both companies gear up to fulfill their commitments, the successful implementation of the MOU will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the lithium-ion battery market in Europe, ensuring it aligns with evolving consumer demands and regulatory expectations.
Topics Energy）
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