#Japan #Tokyo #Lithium-Ion Battery #Cobalt #DOWA Ecosystem

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has surged across various sectors, including consumer electronics and electric vehicles. However, alongside this growth, the amount of waste generated from used LIBs is also increasing. DOWA Ecosystem Co., Ltd., a leading player in the recycling sector, is addressing this challenge by developing a groundbreaking recovery process specifically designed to extract nickel and cobalt sulfate from used batteries. This innovative approach not only aims to improve recycling efficiency but also to ensure the sustainable supply of rare metals crucial for battery production.

Background

The transition towards a decarbonized society hinges significantly on the efficient utilization of energy resources, and LIBs play a pivotal role in this transition. As their applications rise, the necessity for essential rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—important components in LIB cathodes—has intensified. Unfortunately, the distribution of natural resources of these rare metals is highly concentrated in specific countries, leading to an anticipated increase in international competition for their acquisition.

Due to this situation, not only the extraction from natural reserves but also the recycling of used LIBs is becoming imperative for ensuring a stable supply chain.

Overview of the New Recovery Process

DOWA Ecosystem has comprehensive experience in safely processing used LIBs through its waste treatment facilities. Until now, the company has successfully recovered lithium as lithium carbonate from the black mass contained in spent batteries, confirming its applicability for cathode material production through various trials.

The newly developed process allows for the extraction of nickel and cobalt sulfate from black mass, thereby creating a complete recycling framework that addresses the recovery of all main rare metals found in LIBs: lithium, nickel, and cobalt. This achievement aligns with the European Battery Regulation, which sets out recovery targets for all rare metals in used LIBs by 2030. Currently, the nickel and cobalt sulfate recovered from this process is being supplied as samples for performance evaluation to cathode material manufacturers.

This process leverages DOWA Ecosystem's black mass recovery technology in conjunction with DOWA Electronics Co., Ltd.'s refining technology, another member of the DOWA Group, with ongoing patent applications for the entire recycling process.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, DOWA Ecosystem aims to enhance the operational stability and quality verification of the demonstration plant. The company intends to further expand its evaluation through sample provision to cathode material manufacturers, setting the stage for future mass production. Additionally, opportunities to extend this operation beyond domestic borders to international facilities within the DOWA Group are actively being explored.

Company Overview

DOWA Ecosystem Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters: 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: October 2006
• - Capital: 1 billion yen
• - CEO: Yasuharu Yanai
• - Employees: Approximately 3,700 (as of March 2026)
• - Shareholder: 100% owned by DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd.
• - Business Activities: Environmental and recycling business, which includes resource recycling, waste treatment, soil purification, logistics, and consulting services.

Through these initiatives, DOWA Ecosystem is not only paving the way for efficient recycling methods but actively contributing to the global goal of reducing dependency on finite natural resources.