Recyclus Group

Recyclus (a subsidiary of Technology Minerals) is a UK-based end-to-end recycler of batteries. In addition to recycling lithium-ion batteries for black mass and lead acid batteries for its materials, Recyclus also develops the LiBox, a solution for the safe storage and transportation of lithium-ion batteries. The LiBox is a pallet-sized, steel-fabricated box layered with Lithium Battery Fire Protection Pillows. The box is UN-certified, ADR-compliant, and has a 20 kWh power rating. Also, it claims to be capable of containing thermal conditions of up to 2,000 degrees of Celsius. 

Recyclus aims to support electrification in the UK by establishing a stable supply of key battery materials by recycling batteries into their constituent parts. The company claims it is the first UK company to recycle Li-ion and lead-acid batteries on an industrial scale.

In January 2022, the company opened its first plant to recycle lead-acid batteries in Tipton, West Midlands. The plant was estimated to have a recycling capacity of 16,000 tonnes in the first year of production, projected to scale up to 80,000 tonnes by 2027. In July 2023, Recyclus established its first lithium-ion recycling plant in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, which is reported to be licensed to recycle up to 22,000 of lithium-ion cells per year.

Key customers and partnerships

In December 2021, the company collaborated with the University of Warwick (WMG) to create an Engineering Doctorate program focusing on addressing the development of the UK capability to safely recycle lithium-ion batteries to “black mass” and look upon the contemporary industrial and technical challenges across the sector. In March 2023, Recyclus partnered with the University of Birmingham (UOB) to create a mobile battery recycling system that is capable of safely handling any type of lithium-ion battery. The company expects to build a compact prototype mobile recycling truck that will come in three size options ranging from 7.5 to 16 tonnes and can process between 500 and 2,000 kg of lithium-ion batteries per hour. In February 2024 , the company partnered with Servicesure Autocentres to recycle used EV batteries.

Funding and financials

In March 2023, Recyclus Group secured GBP 1.96 million (~USD 2.5 million) from Innovate UK to create a mobile battery recycling system in partnership with the University of Birmingham.