Our circular business model sets us apart. Metals are infinitely recyclable and we are committed to ensuring their reuse for years and generations to come.
Umicore’s battery recycling process is designed to recover critical raw materials with a strong focus on health and safety, while minimizing the environmental impact and use of natural resources.
CO2 footprint
Our technology combines pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy and has a low environmental footprint. Among currently available battery recycling methods, pyro-hydro achieves the lowest greenhouse gas emissions while using significantly fewer natural resources, particularly land and water. It also requires fewer chemical reagents while maintaining a high recovery efficiency.Â
Less waste and water use
Through Umicore’s unique pyro-hydro technology, our process uses fewer chemicals, generates less waste and consumes less water. Thanks to the purity of the alloy produced in the pyro step, the lean hydro step can reach a significantly lower waste salt footprint.
Operational health and safety
Safety is integral to our operations. Our process is designed to minimize exposure risks for operators handling hazardous battery compounds, ensuring a safe working environment.