With advanced development, e.g. in the field of information technology, telecommunication and e-mobility, the use of lithium batteries is constantly growing and will continue to grow even more during the years to come. Due to their chemical composition and their high energy content, lithium batteries must be handled safely in order to avoid possible hazards. In the context of extended producer responsibility and the taking back of waste lithium batteries this poses a particular challenge for storage, transport and recycling processes.

Objective:

The strict regulatory framework in Europe sets high standards for the transport (ADR) and recycling (European Battery Directive) of waste lithium batteries. As Europe’s leading service provider for the taking back of used batteries GRS Batterien’s mission is to provide practical end-to-end solutions to its 170,000 collection points and to numerous business partners for logistic and recycling services. The aim is to sustain and further improve the proper, safe and compliant battery collection.

Results:

GRS Batterien has developed and implemented innovative processes and products to address the needs of all actors in the reverse supply chain for the taking back of used lithium batteries. As the first player in the market GRS Batterien introduced a special transport packaging and obtained the required approval from competent authorities, allowing the safe and compliant transport of damaged lithium batteries with a gross mass exceeding 500 g, independently of their type or chemistry. A proprietary calculation model is utilized to simulate the energetic and chemical impact of a thermal runaway based on a worst case scenario. Specially trained and equipped 3PL service providers are acting as qualified carriers for damaged and defective lithium batteries, applying a sophisticated quality control process. As a result, GRS Batterien is able to safely collect, ship and recycle lithium batteries of various types - from small portable batteries via batteries from e-bikes or gardening tools through to industrial batteries from electric vehicles or smart energy storage systems.

Conclusions:

During the recent few years GRS Batterien's innovations have significantly improved the collection, the transport and the recycling of lithium batteries. However, additional work will be necessary to further simplify the handling of used lithium batteries. GRS Batterien continues to facilitate improvements, e.g. with R&D activities to develop more efficient recycling technologies or with additional services in related areas.