Re2Live

This initiative is part of Flanders’ transition to a circular economy, which will lead to a rising demand for lithium-ion batteries in both mobile and non-mobile applications, driven by the increasing development of electric vehicles.

There is a need for a strategy regarding the end-of-life processing of these batteries and the rare materials they contain. Developing this strategy will not only benefit the Flemish industry and logistics sector but could also provide a solution to potential waste issues in the future.

The project will examine the entire value chain of car battery recycling and the applications of stationary energy storage from economic, technical, operational, and social perspectives. The project is divided into 4 parts:

1. Logistics (VIL): A research on how the logistics of recycling these batteries can be organized efficiently, from the collection to the material recycling.
2. Automation (Sirris): A research on how to automate battery dismantling, keeping technical, practical and safety aspects in mind.
3. Optimization of the recycling process (SIM / VITO): improving current processes and implementing new ones targeting better circularity of lithium-ion batteries.
4. Second Life applications (Flux50 / VUB): A research on possible re-use.

Logistic opportunities and goals

VIL will develop a business model for the collection and recycling of lithium-ion batteries to recover rare materials and process waste residue such as metals and plastics. Additionally, we will investigate opportunities for the logistics sector, from the local market to the establishment of a regional hub for collecting and processing these batteries.

Specific activities

• Shaping the logistics chain for the collection or lithium ion batteries, at all phases of its life cycle
• Developing a business model
• Researching the legal aspects of environment and transport
• Developing a logistic concept and business case for a regional recycling hub in Flanders
• Optimizing the logistic chain, including the export of second hand vehicles and their lithium ion batteries
• Developing a roadmap for the entire supply chain