In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable practices, Iveco Group, a prominent player in the automotive industry, has announced a pioneering partnership with BASF, the world’s leading chemical company.
The collaboration aims to revolutionize the recycling of lithium-ion batteries used in Iveco Group’s electric vehicles, marking a significant stride in the realm of environmental responsibility and circular economy strategies.
Iveco Group, adhering to its circular economy strategy and adopting the 4R Framework -Repair, Refurbish, Repurpose, and Recycling- has chosen BASF as its inaugural partner to provide an advanced recycling solution for the lithium-ion batteries of its electric vans, buses, and trucks.
This strategic decision underscores the company’s commitment to extending the lifespan of batteries, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility policy.
BASF, known for being the world’s largest chemical supplier for the automotive industry, will spearhead the comprehensive recycling process for lithium-ion batteries across various European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK.
The process encompasses collection, packaging, transportation, and recycling, emphasizing an holistic approach to battery management.
The recently inaugurated co-located center of battery material production and battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Germany, stands as a testament to BASF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In line with the 4R Framework, the company will mechanically process the batteries to extract critical raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
These materials will then be recovered for use in manufacturing new batteries, establishing a complete battery recycling value chain in Europe.
Angela Qu, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Iveco Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating:
“Life cycle thinking is one of our strategic sustainability priorities. BASF shares this approach with us, and its broad battery collection network and recycling capabilities in Europe will help us close the loop from end-of-life batteries to new ones.”
This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to Iveco Group’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Catalysts division, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating:
“The partnership with Iveco Group is our first agreement to recycle batteries from electric vans, buses and trucks and an important step for our battery recycling business to expand our activities into the commercial vehicle space.”
He further highlighted the aim to support the European market in meeting the circular economy-focused policy requirements of the EU Battery Regulation.
In conclusion, the Iveco Group-BASF partnership represents a commendable effort to propel the automotive industry towards a sustainable and circular future.
By prioritizing the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, these companies are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting a precedent for responsible practices within the automotive sector.
This collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for the industry’s transition towards a greener and more environmentally conscious future.
