Sub-project 7.1

Enhancing Sustainability and Transparency in Recycled Battery Materials Supply Chain through ESG and LCA Integration

Theme 5

Project Summary
This project will establish an integrated framework to improve the sustainability, transparency, and ethical performance of the recycled battery materials supply chain by embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies across all key process stages. The scope of work includes:

1. ESG and LCA Framework Development

• Develop a unified assessment framework that integrates ESG indicators with LCA principles tailored to battery materials and recycling pathways.
• Define measurable sustainability metrics, responsible sourcing criteria, and transparency requirements for industry partners.

2. Analysis of Black Mass Pre-Treatment Processes

• Document and evaluate mechanical and chemical pre-treatment methods for black mass, including separation of graphite, aluminium, copper, iron, and PVDF binder materials.
• Assess environmental impacts, energy consumption, resource efficiency, and waste reduction potential of each pre-treatment route.

3. Benchmarking Using European Consortium Data

• Incorporate insights and datasets from the Fraunhofer FFB and PEM Aachen LCA consortium project involving multiple European battery-recycling companies.
• Compare commercial recycling technologies using techno-economic evaluation and LCA outcomes from participating industry partners.

4. Supply Chain Transparency Assessment

• Map the recycled battery materials supply chain from collection to refined outputs, identifying points of ESG risk, environmental burden, and information gaps.
• Propose traceability mechanisms to improve visibility and accountability across suppliers, recyclers, and downstream users.

5. Sustainability Optimisation and Reporting

• Identify best-practice recycling pathways that maximise material recovery, minimise emissions, and enhance circular-economy performance.
• Produce an ESG-LCA integrated sustainability report summarising findings, recommended interventions, and industry-aligned implementation strategies.