Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant potential of the used battery recycling industry, emphasizing the success story of a professor who founded a company that has become a global leader in this sector, turning waste into valuable resources and addressing supply chain risks for critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel [5][14][51]. Group 1: Industry Overview - China generates 800,000 tons of discarded power batteries annually, enough to fill 750 football fields [4]. - The global market for battery recycling is projected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025, driven by the increasing penetration of electric vehicles [9]. - The recycling of used batteries is crucial for mitigating supply chain risks, as China heavily relies on imports for key minerals, with cobalt import dependency reaching 98% [10]. Group 2: Company Profile - The company, GreenMei, was founded by Xu Kaihua, who transitioned from being a university professor to an entrepreneur focused on recycling used batteries [14][20]. - In 2024, GreenMei achieved a revenue of 33.2 billion yuan, with a market capitalization exceeding 30 billion yuan, serving major clients like Samsung, LG, and CATL [15][16]. - GreenMei has established a comprehensive recycling system, processing tens of thousands of tons of used batteries annually, making it the largest battery recycling company globally [51]. Group 3: Technological Innovation - GreenMei developed a proprietary technology for safely dismantling and extracting valuable metals from used batteries, achieving high purity levels suitable for reuse in new batteries [14][51]. - The company has applied for over 5,000 patents and has played a key role in drafting 18 national standards for battery recycling [51]. Group 4: Entrepreneurial Journey - Xu Kaihua's journey began after a pivotal experience in Japan, where he recognized the potential of electronic waste recycling as a green industry [21][25]. - Despite initial challenges, including financial struggles and skepticism from the market, Xu's persistence led to the successful commercialization of recycled materials [30][41]. - The turning point for GreenMei came during the 2008 financial crisis when it became a key supplier for major mining companies, helping to change perceptions about the quality of recycled materials [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant potential of the battery recycling industry, particularly in China, where the recycling of used batteries can transform waste into valuable resources, addressing both economic and environmental concerns [5][9][18]. Group 1: Industry Overview - China generates 800,000 tons of discarded batteries annually, enough to fill 750 football fields [5]. - The global market for battery recycling is projected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025, driven by the increasing penetration of electric vehicles [7][9]. - The recycling of used batteries is crucial for mitigating supply chain risks, as China heavily relies on imports for key minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, with cobalt import dependency reaching 98% [7][9]. Group 2: Company Profile - GreeenMei - GreenMei, founded by Xu Kaihua, has developed a comprehensive technology for safely dismantling and extracting valuable metals from used batteries, achieving high purity levels suitable for reuse in the new energy industry [9][10][18]. - In 2024, GreenMei reported a revenue of 33.2 billion yuan, with a market capitalization exceeding 30 billion yuan, serving major clients like Samsung, LG, and CATL [9][10]. - The company has established a global recycling network, processing tens of thousands of tons of used batteries annually, making it the largest battery recycling enterprise worldwide [18][19]. Group 3: Entrepreneurial Journey - Xu Kaihua transitioned from a university professor to an entrepreneur after being inspired by the need for a resource recycling system during a visit to Japan [11][20]. - Despite initial challenges, including a lack of revenue and skepticism about the industry, Xu persisted in developing battery recycling technology, leading to the successful production of fine cobalt and nickel powders by 2004 [12][15]. - The partnership with global mining giant Rio Tinto in 2008 marked a turning point for GreenMei, helping to establish its reputation for quality and paving the way for future growth [16][17]. Group 4: Future Prospects - As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the demand for battery recycling will increase, with GreenMei positioned to capitalize on this trend due to its established infrastructure and technological advancements [17][18]. - The company has applied for over 5,000 patents and has played a key role in drafting national standards for battery recycling, reinforcing its competitive edge in the industry [17][18].