According to Businesswire, Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a leading innovator in lithium-ion battery recycling, has announced a strategic partnership with Call2Recycle, North America’s foremost battery stewardship organization. This partnership marks a crucial step in enhancing the domestic supply chain for battery materials and addressing the increasing demand for responsible battery recycling solutions.
How This Partnership Strengthens North America’s Battery Recycling Efforts?
Under this collaboration, Call2Recycle will leverage its extensive national network to supply spent lithium-ion batteries to BWM’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. BWM will then sort and process these collected batteries into Blacksand™, a high-quality black mass that plays a crucial role in refining and battery materials manufacturing. Currently, the Bartlesville facility is operational for sorting and testing, with full processing expected to begin in mid-2025.
This partnership brings several key benefits, including ensuring a steady supply of spent lithium-ion batteries for recycling and reducing North America’s reliance on foreign sources for critical battery materials. It also advances circular economy initiatives, helping to lower environmental impact, while supporting sustainable energy solutions for electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
The Role of Call2Recycle in Driving Battery Recycling Growth
Call2Recycle has been a pioneering force in battery recycling for over 30 years, partnering with government agencies, manufacturers, and recycling facilities. In Canada, Call2Recycle’s program recycled over 6.8 million kilograms of used batteries in 2024, a 17% increase from the previous year. Notable milestones in 2024 include:
- Launching new provincial recycling initiatives in Nova Scotia.
- Appointing Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair as the national ambassador for the “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” campaign.
- Introducing North America’s first “smart” battery containers, improving safety and efficiency in the collection process.
Industry Leaders Weigh In on the Impact
Robert Kang, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Whale Materials, emphasized the partnership’s significance:
“By partnering with the leading battery collection organization in North America, we’re ensuring that Blue Whale Materials has access to the feedstock necessary to drive our long-term mission of supporting a sustainable and secure battery supply chain.”
Leo Raudys, CEO of Call2Recycle, highlighted the synergy between both organizations:
“With BWM’s cutting-edge technology and our expansive collection reach, we are setting the stage for a significant leap forward in battery recycling. Together, we will make a tangible impact on reducing waste and recovering valuable materials for future use.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage grows, initiatives like the BWM and Call2Recycle partnership are essential for securing a sustainable supply chain of battery materials. With BWM’s advanced processing technology and Call2Recycle’s nationwide collection system, this partnership is poised to transform the lithium-ion battery recycling landscape in North America.
Want to stay updated on the battery industry? Check out the latest news on BatteriesDaily!
