Circular Economy

Lithium-Ion batteries: the importance of good life cycle management

We often get the question: ‘Are lithium-ion batteries recyclable?’ The answer is: yes. Lithium–ion batteries are recyclable and even re-usable. Our goal is to either reuse our batteries or, together with our partners, regenerate raw materials and use that to make new batteries.

How do we work?

• Re-using batteries
  Our batteries have a basic operational life-time of 10 years; but it doesn’t end there. We ensure that batteries are used to their full potential and don’t become waste. At a certain point, your battery might not be suitable anymore for its original purpose. However, it is still functional and can be used in applications that need less power, such as PV/ solar panels.

• Recycling batteries
  Currently, most of EST-Floattech’s batteries are still in operation. However, to make our products as environmentally friendly as possible, we anticipate their recycling from the moment we build them. In principle, we will actively look for a way to continue their use after 10 years. Should this not be possible, then we make sure they are processed by a qualified electronics recycling centre.On average, 50% of a lithium-ion battery can be recycled. In addition, there have been a number of recent breakthroughs in recycling technologies to increase this percentage. As a battery manufacturer, we wants to play an active role in these developments. Currently we are discussing promising techniques with several Scandinavian recycling specialists. These companies are developing energy-efficient processes to deal with up to 80% of the materials in rechargeable batteries.

Sustainable ways of working

EST-Floattech incorporates sustainable ways of working where possible.

We strive to:

• Recycle as much waste material as possible, both in-house and with customers.
• Provide a safe and healthy working environment.
• Dispose of all waste according to industry standards and strong environmental principles.
• Collaborate with suppliers who promote sound environmental practices.