From cell to cycle : local pretreatment in battery recycling
Tuinman, Rick (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061623147
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061623147
Tiivistelmä
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by environmental concerns, technological innovation, and the global push for sustainable development. Central to this shift is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which rely on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for energy storage.
This thesis examines the role of pretreatment facilities in the recycling of EV LIBs in Finland. It explores how localized infrastructure can enhance the efficiency of the recycling value chain by reducing transportation costs, improving material recovery, and supporting the circular economy. The study also considers the evolving dynamics of the EV and battery markets, including fluctuating battery prices, the growing demand for critical raw materials, and the increasing importance of reuse, repair, refurbishment, and direct recycling technologies that aim to preserve battery components in their functional state.
A key focus is the chemical variability of LIBs, which complicates standardization in re- cycling processes and demands adaptable pretreatment strategies. The research also evaluates the regulatory landscape in Finland and the European Union, which plays a crucial role in shaping the operational, environmental, and economic conditions for re- cycling initiatives. Furthermore, the study addresses the geopolitical implications of dependence on scarce materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, elements essential for battery performance but associated with sustainability and supply chain risks.
By analysing the current state of LIB recycling in Finland, the thesis identifies both barriers and opportunities for pretreatment facilities. It highlights their potential to reduce environmental impact, increase resource efficiency, and contribute to the growth of a circular EV sector. The outcome of this research is a SWOT analysis, which synthesizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with implementing regional pretreatment infrastructure for EV batteries in Finland. This analysis aims to support the development of a resilient and environmentally responsible recycling system aligned with Finland’s transition to clean transportation and a circular economy.
This thesis examines the role of pretreatment facilities in the recycling of EV LIBs in Finland. It explores how localized infrastructure can enhance the efficiency of the recycling value chain by reducing transportation costs, improving material recovery, and supporting the circular economy. The study also considers the evolving dynamics of the EV and battery markets, including fluctuating battery prices, the growing demand for critical raw materials, and the increasing importance of reuse, repair, refurbishment, and direct recycling technologies that aim to preserve battery components in their functional state.
A key focus is the chemical variability of LIBs, which complicates standardization in re- cycling processes and demands adaptable pretreatment strategies. The research also evaluates the regulatory landscape in Finland and the European Union, which plays a crucial role in shaping the operational, environmental, and economic conditions for re- cycling initiatives. Furthermore, the study addresses the geopolitical implications of dependence on scarce materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, elements essential for battery performance but associated with sustainability and supply chain risks.
By analysing the current state of LIB recycling in Finland, the thesis identifies both barriers and opportunities for pretreatment facilities. It highlights their potential to reduce environmental impact, increase resource efficiency, and contribute to the growth of a circular EV sector. The outcome of this research is a SWOT analysis, which synthesizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with implementing regional pretreatment infrastructure for EV batteries in Finland. This analysis aims to support the development of a resilient and environmentally responsible recycling system aligned with Finland’s transition to clean transportation and a circular economy.