SEPAR8 process

Recycling end-of-life batteries

The SEPAR8 program consists of a series of projects supporting our development, which began in September 2022 with the EF-SEPAR8 project (feasibility study). The SEPAR8 Process project represents a decisive step towards covering the entire battery recycling process.

FUNDERS

Project financed by the Région-Hauts-de-France through the Just Transition Fund (FTJ)

Project purpose

The SEPAR8 Process project is part of the SEPAR8 program, following on from the EF-SEPAR8 project (feasibility study financed by the Hauts-de-France Region).

It aims to develop a new recycling channel for end-of-life Li-ion batteries in the Hauts-de-France region.

This program aims to cover the entire recycling process, from the collection of used batteries to the manufacture of new cells incorporating recycled materials, as well as the creation of a short loop for the production of second-life cells or batteries.

The main aim of this project is to remove the scientific and technical obstacles to the transposition of the SEPAR8 recycling process to pilot scale.

The process comprises three main stages: battery dismantling and diagnosis (in partnership with VoltR), component crushing and sorting (carried out by MTB) and hydrometallurgy for metal extraction, developed by Mecaware.

This project is carried out in collaboration with:

  • IBMS/LCH, which supports Mecaware R&D,
  • LRCS, which qualifies metal salts and integrates them into a battery,
  • INERIS, which assesses industrial risks,
  • WeLOOP, which performs life-cycle analysis,
  • Neo-Eco, which helps identify sources of supply for used batteries and outlets for the materials produced.

The next key milestone will be the construction of the SEPAR8 semi-industrial unit, which will take shape as part of a subsequent "SEPAR8 Pilot" project.

SEPAR8 processSEPAR8 process

Project objective

  • Maximising the recycling of strategic battery metals to support the energy transition.
  • Complete recovery of battery components, aiming for the highest possible recovery rate.
  • Achieve TRL 5 on the SEPAR8 process, guaranteeing industrial validation of the process at pilot scale.
  • Reincorporate recycled materials into the manufacture of new batteries, with particular attention to environmental impact.
  • Study the possibility of applying the process to other sources of batteries and electronic products at the end of their life cycle, ensuring the sustainability of the circular model.
Louis POYET

Louis POYET

Project Manager

Results
already achieved

Project roadmap

Project video

Consortium members

ICBMS / LCH

A laboratory attached to the University of Lyon 1, the ICBMS/LCH is at the origin of Mecaware's technology, with the work of Professor Julien Leclaire, co-founder of Mecaware. It is continuing its fundamental work to develop ever more virtuous chemistry.

Role in the project: ICBMS/LCH is working on the metal extraction process and its adaptation to end-of-life Li-ion battery deposits.

https://www.icbms.fr/fr/
ICBMS / LCH SEPAR8
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LRCS-Hub de l'Energie (UMR CNRS 7314)

Research laboratory (supervised by the CNRS and hosted by the Université de Picardie Jules Verne) specialising in materials chemistry and resource recycling, in particular electrode materials and metal salts.

Role in the project: The LRCS is in charge of studying the valorisation of recycled metal salts through the production of CAM (active material for batteries) and batteries.

https://www.lrcs.u-picardie.fr/
LRCS
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Mecaware

Mecaware is an industrial start-up specialising in the production of recycled strategic metals from Gigafactory scrap and end-of-life batteries.

Role within the project: In charge of co-development with ICBMS/LCH of the production of recycled metal salts, and increasing maturity of the process for extracting metals from end-of-life batteries.

Mecaware SEPAR8
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Our partners

INERIS

The Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS) is a French public body dedicated to industrial risk prevention and environmental protection. It conducts research and provides expertise to improve industrial safety and risk management.

Role within the project: INERIS carries out studies of the industrial risks associated with the process and the project.

https://www.ineris.fr/fr
INERIS
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MTB

MTB Recycling is a company specialising in the recycling and recovery of metal waste, in particular cables, waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries. It develops innovative solutions for the treatment and separation of metals with a focus on the circular economy.

Role in project: production of blackmass and mechanical pre-treatment of end-of-life batteries.

http://www.mtb-recycling.fr
MTB SEPAR8
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Neo-eco

NeoEco is a company that develops territorial circular economy loops. It implements strategies to recycle and reuse local resources in industrial and urban sectors, thus promoting sustainability and waste reduction.

Role within the project: Neo-Eco is in charge of the regulatory assessment of batteries at end-of-life, the evaluation of the sources and collection procedures.

https://www.neo-eco.fr/
Neo-eco
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VoltR

VoltR is a company specialising in the refurbishment and life extension of lithium-ion batteries. It provides solutions for the reuse of these batteries in various sectors, including energy and mobility, contributing to the circular economy.

Role in the project: Helping Mecaware set up a remanufacturing operation to give batteries a second life.

https://www.voltr.tech/
VoltR
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We Loop

Office of Expertise and Innovation specialising in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It assesses the environmental impact of products and services to optimise their sustainability and promote greener practices.

Role within the project : Support in the analysis of the project lifecycle for each of its development bricks.

http://www.weloop.org
We Loop
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