(From right: Mr. Sasaki, Mr. Nishiura, Mr. Michel)
― Nippon Recycle Center: A Dialogue Between Dry and Wet Processing Technologies ―
Following the 13th Tokyo Battery Summit, the Kansai site tour continued. After visiting Metal Do, the second stop was the Nippon Recycle Center facility, also located in Osaka’s Nishiyodogawa area (Nakajima Plant).
The visit was hosted by Mr. Sasaki (Senior Manager, Sales Department) and Mr. Nishiura (Head of Manufacturing & Logistics).
A “Separated Line” Strategy for Different Battery Types
One of the key features of Nippon Recycle Center is its line separation strategy, where processing lines are designed according to battery type.
“We select the most appropriate treatment method for each type of battery and strictly avoid cross-contamination,” explained Mr. Sasaki.
Dedicated furnaces, including those specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries, are used to ensure optimal processing and strict quality control.
Feedstock: Primarily Consumer Batteries
The majority of collected batteries come from consumer applications, including:
- Laptop batteries
- Mobile phones
- Small household batteries
At present, EV batteries are still limited in volume. However, the company anticipates significant growth in the future and is preparing accordingly.
Dry Processing with a Rotary Kiln
At the facility, batteries are carefully classified upon intake. Lithium-ion batteries are sorted by chemistry—such as LCO (cobalt-based) and NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt)—based on labeling or in-house compositional analysis when necessary.
Notably, no discharge process is conducted on-site. The core technology is a rotary kiln-based thermal treatment process, which ensures safety through controlled heating.
Key features include:
- Continuous feeding in small quantities
- High-temperature treatment to remove electrolyte and plastics
- Minimization of explosion risks
- Utilization of the battery’s own energy as a heat source
Mr. Nishiura: “The batteries themselves act as fuel, allowing us to reduce external energy costs. After heating, the material becomes ‘roasted batteries,’ which are then crushed and separated to produce black mass.”
Black Mass Production and Quality Control
The resulting black mass is analyzed for metal content on a lot-by-lot basis, ensuring consistent quality before sale. Based on composition, materials are categorized and traded as:
- LCO (cobalt-rich)
- NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt)
LCO materials, in particular, are highly valued due to their high cobalt content.
Michel Siemon: “Where is the black mass exported to?”
Mr. Sasaki: “Not directly to China. We export to nearby Asian countries, and from there it is ultimately shipped to China.”
This is due to China’s strict import standards, including requirements on particle size and metal composition, making pre-processing a critical step.
Technical Dialogue: Wet Processing as an Alternative
During the visit, Michel Siemon introduced Primobius’ wet processing technology, as also presented at the Tokyo Battery Summit.
Key features include:
- Direct processing of EV battery modules
- Safe shredding using water to absorb residual energy
- Simultaneous recovery of black mass, copper, aluminum, and plastics
Additional advantages:
- Reduced dust and improved working environment
- High throughput (up to 2 tons per hour)
- Economies of scale leading to cost efficiency
Challenges: Water Treatment and Cost
However, concerns were raised from the Japanese side, particularly by Mr. Nishiura:
- Wastewater treatment costs
- Japan’s strict discharge regulations
- Handling of electrolytes
“Wastewater standards in Japan are very strict, and the additional costs are a major challenge,” he noted.
In response, Michel explained:
- Up to 80% of wastewater can be recycled
- Electrolytes can be reused as alternative fuel
He also referenced European examples, including facilities operated in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
EV Battery Recycling: A Market Yet to Scale
Currently, Nippon Recycle Center does not purchase EV batteries. Instead, it operates on a recycling fee model, charging suppliers for processing.
Reasons include:
- High labor costs
- Limited collection volume
- Low revenue from recovered materials
“At present, material sales alone are not sufficient, so we rely on processing fees,” explained Mr. Sasaki.
In the latter part of the visit, we observed the actual processing line.
The workflow includes:
- Coarse separation of batteries and plastics via shredding
- Thermal treatment in a rotary kiln (removing electrolyte and plastics)
- Crushing and separation
- Black mass production
Recovered metals include:
- Nickel (Ni)
- Cobalt (Co)
- Copper (Cu)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Iron (Fe)
These are sold as raw materials for steelmaking or battery production.
Technology Choice: Present Optimization vs Future Needs
Mr. Nishiura summarized the company’s current strategy: “At this stage, rotary kiln-based dry processing is the most rational solution.”
Key reasons:
- Batteries serve as fuel → lower costs
- Simple facility design
- High safety standards
However, he also noted:
“As EV battery volumes increase, alternative technologies will become necessary.”
He suggested that a transition may occur between 2035 and 2040.
European Perspective: Energy and Decarbonization
Michel highlighted several trends in Europe:
- Rising energy prices
- Geopolitical risks (reduced reliance on Russian gas)
- Strong pressure for CO₂ reduction
These factors are accelerating the shift toward low-carbon, high-efficiency recycling technologies.
This site visit clearly highlighted the reality of “regional optimization” in battery recycling. What stood out most was the clear distinction between technologies that are optimal today and those that will be required in the future.
As the large-scale wave of EV battery end-of-life becomes a reality, the key question will be when Japan’s industry chooses to transition to the next generation of technologies. That decision will ultimately shape its future competitiveness.
IRuniverse will continue to follow and report from the forefront of global resource circularity.
Related Articles：
- 【Part 1】Primobius’ Michel Siemon Visits Japan’s Battery Recycling Facilities
- Pre-Summit Interview―Primobius CEO Michel Siemon: Scaling Industrial Battery Recycling from Europe to Japan.
（IRuniverse. R.S.）
