Interviewee: Jeong Su Jin, Global Sourcing & Partnerships, SungEel HiTech
Q1. Could you briefly introduce your role at SungEel HiTech?
I have been with SungEel HiTech since 2015. I am responsible for global sourcing of battery recycling feedstock and play a leading role in managing and expanding international partnerships. My work focuses particularly on the Japanese market, where I collaborate closely with key stakeholders across the entire battery value chain.
Q2. What topics will you cover at the upcoming Battery Summit?
In my presentation, I plan to address three main themes:
- The global outlook for battery recycling
- SungEel HiTech’s position within the global battery supply chain
- The evolving relationship between Japan and Korea in the battery ecosystem
Q3. How would you describe SungEel HiTech’s recent global business performance?
Over the past two years, the battery recycling industry has faced an exceptionally challenging environment. The sharp decline in metal prices combined with broader market slowdowns led many companies and projects to declare bankruptcy, cancel investments, or postpone plans until after 2030. It has been a true stress test for the entire sector.
In response, we moved quickly to strengthen our fundamentals. We implemented a profitability-focused operational optimization strategy, concentrating production at our third plant, which has an annual capacity of 20,000 tons. Through this focused approach, we raised utilization to approximately 90%. At the same time, we initiated facility remodeling to structurally reduce fixed and operating costs. Rather than pursuing short-term expansion, we prioritized efficiency and financial stability, laying the groundwork for performance recovery.
Now, we are moving beyond recovery and preparing for the next phase of growth. We are proactively advancing recycling technologies for next-generation batteries, including LFP and all-solid-state batteries (ASB), and building a multi-chemistry recycling platform capable of handling diverse battery compositions. As demand grows from AI data centers, energy storage systems (ESS), and other emerging industries, we are expanding our capabilities to recycle batteries across these sectors as well.
As the global No.1 battery recycler, SungEel has completed a strong global recycling network, with operational hubs across Japan, Europe, the United States, and Asia. We provide a comprehensive battery recycling solution—from collection and pre-processing to hydrometallurgical refining and the supply of battery-grade materials—while continuously strengthening our closed-loop capabilities.
Moving forward, we will leverage our differentiated technology and global network to lead innovation at the center of the industry, serving as the “Guardian of the Closed Loop” and helping safeguard the future battery circular ecosystem.
Q4. What kind of materials can SungEel HiTech produce from recycling?
We produce high-quality recovered metals, including nickel and lithium compounds.
We have the capability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate (99.5%), but in practice, market demand is currently stronger for industrial-grade lithium carbonate (around 99%), which is our primary product. However, we can supply battery-grade material when required.
We do not supply directly to cell manufacturers. Instead, our materials are provided to precursor and cathode material companies, which are the direct suppliers to battery makers.
While we previously explored precursor production, our strategy is to focus on core recycling technologies, including mechanical shredding and hydrometallurgical processing.
Q5. Is there a specific strategy toward China in the lithium-ion battery recycling market?
At this time, we do not have a specific “China-focused strategy.”
Rather than competing on short-term price movements—especially in a volatile metal market—we focus on building long-term partnerships with OEMs, battery manufacturers, and material companies.
Our key strengths include:
- Supplying materials to multiple downstream customers (precursor and cathode companies)
- Providing full traceability for recycled materials
- Offering transparent recycling processes for OEM scrap and end-of-life batteries
This trust-based approach supports our role as “The Guardian of the Closed Loop.”
Q6. Could you share examples of your partnership strategy?
Globally, we work with major automotive OEMs and battery ecosystem partners, including companies in the United States and China.
In Japan, the market is increasingly shifting toward closed-loop partnerships rather than open market transactions. For example, collaboration models involving companies such as Asaka Riken and Panasonic are becoming more common.
As the volume of battery scrap and black mass grows, we believe collaboration—not competition—will become increasingly important. We also expect further opportunities to work with Japanese OEMs, cell manufacturers, and material companies.
Japan is a key strategic market for SungEel HiTech. We look forward to strengthening cooperation with Japanese partners and contributing to a sustainable and transparent battery recycling ecosystem.
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