LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Establish a Battery Recycling Joint Venture in the U.S.

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of Green Metals Battery Innovations, LLC, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, aims to enhance battery recycling efforts and promote a circular economy in the battery supply chain [1][5][9]. Company Overview - LG Energy Solution is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, with over 69,600 patents and a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 [7]. Joint Venture Details - The joint venture will construct a pre-processing plant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to extract black mass from battery production scrap [1][9]. - The facility is expected to commence operations in 2026, with a processing capacity of 13,500 tons of scrap annually, equivalent to over 40,000 automotive batteries [3][9]. Recycling Process - The pre-processing plant will dismantle and shred battery production scrap to extract valuable raw metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium [2][4]. - The extracted black mass will undergo a post-processing stage to recover raw materials for new battery production, aiming to establish a closed-loop system [4][9]. Environmental Impact - The collaboration seeks to drive down carbon emissions through circular economy initiatives, enhancing the recycling infrastructure in North America [5][6].