#Japan #Osaka #Lithium-Ion Battery #sustainable recycling #TEAM EXPO 2025

Sustainable Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the need for effective recycling of lithium-ion batteries has become more critical than ever. This pressing issue will take center stage at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, with a collaborative project participating in the TEAM EXPO 2025 initiative.

On May 30, five prominent companies - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Marktech Corp., Ritec Renewable Energy Solutions, KDDI Corp., and Emulsion Flow Technologies (EFT) - announced their participation in a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing a circular economy for lithium-ion battery waste. The expo will take place from August 15 to 17, 2025, where these companies will showcase their innovative approaches to ensure the safe collection, transportation, and recycling of used lithium-ion batteries.

Overview of the Project

With the rise of portable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and IoT devices, the demand for lithium-ion batteries is projected to increase significantly in Japan's domestic market. However, with the anticipated growth comes a corresponding rise in discarded batteries, which can pose hazards such as leaks, smoke, or fire if not handled properly. Moreover, rare metals present in these batteries further emphasize the need for efficient recycling processes.

The five participating companies are committed to creating a comprehensive system that addresses battery recycling. Their approach includes educating the public on safe battery disposal methods while ensuring proper transport and treatment of collected batteries. Key efforts involve:
1. Raising awareness on safe handling procedures for battery disposal.
2. Implementing adequate transport mechanisms for collected batteries.
3. Extracting high-purity black mass from used batteries for efficient recycling.
4. Analyzing the composition of extracted materials to maximize the recovery of rare metals.

By focusing on these stages, the initiative aims to support the effective utilization of recycled materials, thus promoting a sustainable circular economy.

Roles of Each Company

Each of the five companies has specific roles that contribute to the project's holistic approach:

• - KDDI Corp. will focus on the collection of batteries from smartphones and drones, ensuring that these batteries are returned safely for recycling.
• - Ritec RES will engage in the re-resource analysis of battery cells along with extracting high-purity black mass critical for recycling.
• - EFT will specialize in extracting rare metals from black mass using solvent extraction techniques, making these valuable materials available for reuse in new battery production.
• - Marktech will provide detailed analysis and inspections of the materials' structures and compositions to ensure quality and improvement in recycling processes.
• - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is tasked with the safe transportation of collected batteries and recycled materials, completing the loop of the recycling process.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will not only highlight the partnerships established for this project but will also feature critical innovations in lithium-ion battery recycling technology.

• - Exhibition Dates: August 15 to August 17, 2025.
• - Panel Discussions: Scheduled for August 15 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, which will include presentations by each participating company.
• - Display Elements: Attendees will be able to see prototypes of transport cases for batteries, advanced resource particle analysis equipment, refined recycling materials, and models of recycling plants.

For more information, continue to monitor the TEAM EXPO 2025 official website as the event approaches. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges posed by battery disposal but also sets a precedent for future sustainable practices, focusing on technology and community involvement towards a greener planet.