Koura and Ascend Elements joint commercialization of graphite recycling tech in US

Ascend Elements, a manufacturer of sustainable battery materials, and Orbia’s Fluorinated Solutions business, Koura, are exploring joint commercialization of the patented Hydro-to-Anode® graphite recycling technology. They are also discussing plans to construct an advanced graphite recycling facility in the United States.

The Hydro-to-Anode® technology, unveiled in February 2022, produces 99.9% pure graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap. The commercialization of this technology hopes to provide a new source of battery-grade anode materials for North America’s EV battery industry.

Previously, Ascend Elements has been producing engineered cathode materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries, primarily cathode precursor (pCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM). The ability to recover graphite for use in batteries enhances the economics of battery recycling and further reduces the need for mining. Graphite processed in the United States complies with Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements for electric vehicles to qualify for the 30D tax credit.

Ascend Elements and Orbia Koura are currently in discussions to supply IRA-compliant, battery-grade graphite to several electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery manufacturers. The companies have not yet disclosed a location or timeline for the construction of the new facility.

Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements, stated, “We’re rethinking the way we use the planet’s resources and reaching higher to recover the maximum value in used lithium-ion batteries. Graphite recycling is nothing new, but traditional graphite recycling methods do not produce a battery-grade product. The graphite recovered in most battery recycling processes is typically of a lower purity and must be used in non-battery applications. Our Hydro-to-Anode® process can produce 99.9% pure graphite, which even exceeds battery-grade requirements. It’s a game changer for the industry.”

Miki Oljaca, Vice President of Growth and Technology, Orbia Fluorinated Solutions (Koura), added, “Orbia is continuing efforts to establish a sustainable North America supply chain of critical battery materials. We have been developing technology for graphite purification and believe our joint collaboration with Ascend Elements will accelerate the adoption of recycled graphite anodes.”

Ascend Elements, based in Westborough, Mass., provides sustainable, closed-loop battery materials solutions. From EV battery recycling to commercial-scale production of lithium-ion battery precursor (pCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM), Ascend Elements is transforming the production of sustainable lithium-ion battery materials. Its proprietary Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis technology produces new pCAM from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions.

Orbia operates in the Polymer Solutions (Vestolit and Alphagary), Building and Infrastructure (Wavin), Precision Agriculture (Netafim), Connectivity Solutions (Dura-Line) and Fluorinated Solutions (Koura) sectors. Orbia has a global team of over 24,000 employees, commercial activities in more than 100 countries and operations in over 50, with global headquarters in Boston, Mexico City, Amsterdam, and Tel Aviv. The company generated $9.6 billion in revenue in 2022.

Orbia’s Fluorinated Solutions business, Koura, develops, manufactures and supplies fluoroproducts that play a fundamental role in enhancing everyday lives and shortening the path to a sustainable, circular economy. Orbia Koura has 1,600 employees and 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, serving 60 countries through a global sales and distribution network.

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