The SEPAR8 program brings together a series of projects supporting every stage in the development of our recycling hub for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.<br>It began in September 2022 with the EF-SEPAR8 project, a feasibility study that laid the foundations for the program. The SEPAR8 Process project then focused on developing our innovative battery recycling technology. Building on these achievements, the SEPAR8 Pilot project enables the industrial scale-up of the process and demonstrates the capabilities of our multi-technical recycling hub.
The ambition of the SEPAR8 program is to cover the entire battery recycling value chain, from the collection of end-of-life batteries to the production of new battery cells incorporating recycled materials. The program also aims to enable a closed-loop ecosystem supporting the manufacture of second-life batteries and cells.
This program comprises three essential stages:
A key milestone for Mecaware is the construction of its semi-industrial facility dedicated to end-of-life batteries as part of the “SEPAR8 Pilot” project. This facility represents a major step toward industrialisation: the validation of its performance will pave the way for the launch of the first end-of-life battery recycling plant, “SEPAR8 Plant,” marking the completion of the program.
“Getting involved early in the process means securing the raw materials, ensuring their quality, and improving recycling performance. It is also a key driver for streamlining logistics, enhancing traceability, and building a robust industrial supply chain in Europe.”
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A laboratory attached to the University of Lyon 1, the ICBMS/LCH is at the origin of Mecaware's technology, with the work of Professor Julien Leclaire, co-founder of Mecaware. It is continuing its fundamental work to develop ever more virtuous chemistry.
Role in the project: ICBMS/LCH is working on the metal extraction process and its adaptation to end-of-life Li-ion battery deposits.
Research laboratory (supervised by the CNRS and hosted by the Université de Picardie Jules Verne) specialising in materials chemistry and resource recycling, in particular electrode materials and metal salts.
Role in the project: The LRCS is in charge of studying the valorisation of recycled metal salts through the production of CAM (active material for batteries) and batteries.
Mecaware is an industrial start-up specialising in the production of recycled strategic metals from Gigafactory scrap and end-of-life batteries.
Role within the project: In charge of co-development with ICBMS/LCH of the production of recycled metal salts, and increasing maturity of the process for extracting metals from end-of-life batteries.
The Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS) is a French public body dedicated to industrial risk prevention and environmental protection. It conducts research and provides expertise to improve industrial safety and risk management.
Role within the project: INERIS carries out studies of the industrial risks associated with the process and the project.
MTB Recycling is a company specialising in the recycling and recovery of metal waste, in particular cables, waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries. It develops innovative solutions for the treatment and separation of metals with a focus on the circular economy.
Role in project: production of blackmass and mechanical pre-treatment of end-of-life batteries.
NeoEco is a company that develops territorial circular economy loops. It implements strategies to recycle and reuse local resources in industrial and urban sectors, thus promoting sustainability and waste reduction.
Role within the project: Neo-Eco is in charge of the regulatory assessment of batteries at end-of-life, the evaluation of the sources and collection procedures.
VoltR is a company specialising in the refurbishment and life extension of lithium-ion batteries. It provides solutions for the reuse of these batteries in various sectors, including energy and mobility, contributing to the circular economy.
Role in the project: Helping Mecaware set up a remanufacturing operation to give batteries a second life.
Office of Expertise and Innovation specialising in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It assesses the environmental impact of products and services to optimise their sustainability and promote greener practices.
Role within the project : Support in the analysis of the project lifecycle for each of its development bricks.
