Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB

LCA consortial study for battery recycling

Jointly recognizing ecological and economic potential in battery recycling

Sustainable battery production starts with recycling

Understanding, evaluating and optimizing processes together

Through the consortium study "End-of-Life Cycle Assessment," we provide companies in the recycling value chain with a comprehensive ecological and economic analysis of their process chains. The goal is to establish a solid basis for decision-making that promotes more sustainable battery recycling.

Planned course of the consortium study

The consortium study is structured into three key work packages that build upon each other:

  1. The first step involves establishing a common understanding of the relevant recycling processes and assessment methods. This includes an introduction to recycling chains, as well as methods for Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The system boundaries, interfaces, and appropriate comparison parameters will be defined collaboratively.
  2. The second step entails the development of a modular tool based on literature and market data. Relevant process data will be collected, modeled, and integrated into this tool. Standard scenarios and sample processes will serve as references to facilitate subsequent applications.
  3. Finally, the results will be evaluated and discussed. A sensitivity and gap analysis will be conducted to identify key influencing factors. The findings will be reviewed with all partner companies and will be included in a joint publication.

An optional fourth work package for individual in-depth studies is available upon request.

Onepager zur Consortium Study zur ökologischen und ökonomischen Bewertung von Batterierecycling (LCA & LCC) mit Projektstruktur und Zielen
© PEM Motion

Objectives

Battery recycling is crucial to the sustainable development of the battery industry - both ecologically and economically.

In the study, we analyse together:

  • Recycling process chains and their ecological impact (LCA)
  • Kostenstrukturen along the process chain (LCC)
  • Einflussfaktoren on emissions and costs
  • Optimierungspotenziale and scaling options

The cooperation partners

Chair of PEM at RWTH Aachen University

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has been involved in the implementation of the "FoFeBat" project since the early stages of the Fraunhofer FFB. As an experienced partner, the PEM experts support the FoFeBat project and, together with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, develop key content in the areas of strategy and technology development, battery recycling, and building and production planning. At the same time, PEM supports communication with current and future industry partners.

PEM Motion

PEM Motion GmbH was founded in 2014 from the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University. The company, led by Managing Director Dr. Christoph Deutskens, sees itself as a consulting and engineering service provider in the field of innovation, primarily in electromobility. Its involvement ranges from product development and production design of alternative drive components such as battery cells and electric motors to infrastructure and industrialization projects. Its customers include car manufacturers, mobility providers, suppliers and start-ups. PEM Motion is represented by more than 60 employees at a total of four locations in Europe and North America.