Step into the production facility of Guangdong Bangpu Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, and you will find a model of modernity that breaks away from the chaotic world of traditional recycling plantsHere, in a sprawling industrial park covering approximately 140 acres, intelligent warehousing and green transportation systems work seamlessly alongside tireless robotic arms engaged in an autonomous production lineUnlike the 'dirty and disorderly' image of conventional recycling facilities, this site exudes orderliness, cleanliness, and a breath of fresh air, quite literally, as the odor of unpleasant fumes is nowhere to be foundThe lush greenery peppered throughout adds a vibrant life to the industrial landscape.

This facility stands as a flagship for Bangpu's zero-carbon, full-chain recycling model“Our factory not only realizes the recycling of waste batteries but also achieves nearly zero emissions of waste gases, wastewater, and waste residues during the production process,” explains Yu Haijun, the Vice President of Bangpu Recycling.

The journey began in 2005 when Bangpu Recycling was established at a time when the domestic battery recycling sector was just starting to take off

The industry at that point was primarily focused on simple dismantling and trading operationsHowever, the founder and chairman, Li Changdong, foresaw that remaining stuck in that phase would hinder the effective recycling of waste batteries.

By 2007, Bangpu had developed its first generation of recycling dismantling and extraction technology, efficiently extracting critical metals like nickel and cobalt from used lithium batteriesThis innovation laid the groundwork for establishing a comprehensive industrial chain for the circular utilization of battery resources.

At the heart of Bangpu’s development is a strong emphasis on technological advancement“The initial drive for innovation stemmed from a deep understanding of the industry’s pain points,” noted Yu“The production of batteries requires significant amounts of raw materials such as nickel and cobalt, but the chemical compositions of waste batteries vary considerably from different manufacturers, creating complex technical challenges

Addressing these challenges became our primary focus.”

Bangpu's commitment to technological innovation has not only provided it with a competitive edge but has also established it as a benchmark for green development within the industryIn their workshops, state-of-the-art equipment retrieves, dismantles, crushes, and extracts resources from used lithium batteriesTheir proprietary directional recycling technology boasts a lithium recovery rate of 91% and a comprehensive recovery rate for nickel, cobalt, and manganese of 99.6%. “The core of this technology lies in precision separation and efficient extractionEven with a wide variety of waste batteries and complicated chemical compositions, we still achieve highly effective recycling,” Yu proudly stated.

Through sustained investment in research and development, Bangpu’s synthesized technology for ternary cathode materials received the first-class award for technological progress from Guangdong Province in 2019. During the recycling of waste batteries to produce these materials, this method significantly enhances structural stability, extends battery life, and improves safety.

From its inception, Bangpu has placed great importance on standardization

Today, the company plays a leading role in establishing national standards for battery recycling, providing normative guidelines for industry developmentIn 2024, Bangpu will take the lead in formulating two national standards for carbon emission calculation in the fields of battery recycling and materials.

As of June 2024, Bangpu has applied for over 5,500 patents domestically and internationally and has participated in drafting more than 380 standards.

In recent years, with the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle industry, competition in the global lithium battery recycling market has intensifiedData indicates that there are over 200,000 registered battery recycling enterprises in China, with an excess production capacity exceeding 300%. Amidst this cutthroat competition, Bangpu has steered clear of price wars, opting instead to deepen its focus on technological innovation and chain integration.

Within the company's innovation headquarters, Yu demonstrated the highly integrated process of physical separation, chemical extraction, and material regeneration involved in battery recycling

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“Only through high levels of integration can we truly achieve efficient recycling of resources, significantly boosting both recovery efficiency and economic benefits,” he remarked.

As a company committed to a zero-carbon model throughout its supply chain, Bangpu's low-carbon practices are at the forefront of industry standardsAmong its two operational factories in Foshan, facilities are equipped for the comprehensive treatment of waste gases, wastewater, and residues, with harmful substances generated in the recycling process effectively contained, achieving near-zero emissions“Our technological processes pursue not just efficiency but also a commitment to green, low-carbon principles, which form the foundation for sustainable development,” Yu affirmed.

The power battery sector is entering a period of rapid technological iteration, with innovative battery technologies such as sodium-ion and solid-state batteries emerging, posing new challenges for recycling operations

“Recycling technology must keep pace with new battery technologies,” Yu elaborated, highlighting that Bangpu is actively synchronizing battery recycling technology with manufacturing technologyThe company adheres to a research philosophy of “reserving one generation, developing one generation, and mass-producing one generation” to ensure robust technological preparedness in line with strategic planning.

Battery recycling encompasses various processes such as physical separation, chemical extraction, and material regeneration, necessitating expert judgment concerning electrochemistry and material safetyWhen these processes are handled individually, they often present substantial technical challenges and economic inefficienciesSince 2021, Bangpu has established fully integrated industrial parks in multiple locations, effectively addressing the high energy consumption, elevated costs, and subpar environmental safety associated with traditional processing methods

This approach has resulted in reduced costs, improved recovery rates, and effective environmental management.

With the global automotive industry accelerating its transition to electric vehicles, the demand for power batteries has surged, leading to a rapid expansion of the battery recycling market“Our global layout allows us to better meet market demands and expand our market shareBy establishing production bases globally, we can better integrate resources, reduce production costs, and enhance market competitiveness,” Yu explained.

Bangpu has established seven production bases worldwide, spreading across Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America, creating a comprehensive integrated supply chain management system.

Employing digital technologies, Bangpu has achieved efficient coordination of raw material procurement, production progress, and logistics transport, in addition to implementing flexible global procurement strategies to navigate differences in national policies, international market fluctuations, and supply chain vulnerabilities

Furthermore, the company adapts technologies and business models to local contexts, steadily expanding its global market presence.

In terms of resource security, Bangpu’s global mineral layout provides robust support for its growthFrom cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Indonesia's nickel laterite ores, and even lithium salars in Bolivia, these resource reserves give the company an advantage in a fiercely competitive marketplace.

“The industry has passed the peak of investment, and competition is now at the ‘elimination stage’; however, the future battle remains rooted in core technologies and innovative models,” Yu commented“Bangpu’s goal is through ongoing innovation to represent Chinese new energy technology on the international stage and again achieve a position of leadership.”

From green factories to a comprehensive zero-carbon model, from small-scale battery recycling operations to a nationally recognized high-tech enterprise with an annual output of billions, from Foshan to the world, Bangpu Recycling embarks on a path of low-carbon development driven by innovation.