Sumitomo Metal has inaugurated Japan’s first dedicated recycling facility for electric vehicle batteries, marking a significant step toward sustainable battery management in the country. The plant aims to recover valuable materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium from used EV batteries, addressing both environmental concerns and resource scarcity. With Japan pushing for greater electrification, the facility could set a precedent for domestic battery recycling infrastructure. Industry observers note the move aligns with global efforts to create closed-loop systems for battery production and disposal.
Sumitomo Metal launches Japan's first EV battery recycling plant Nikkei Asia