Transparency in present and emerging processes for LIB-recycling – Requirements and availability

Abstract

The exponential growth of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from electric vehicles is driving both resource demand and end-of-life battery waste, underscoring the urgent need for efficient recycling solutions. This paper investigates the role of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in enhancing transparency and information flow across the LIB recycling value chain, with a focus on both present technologies and processes (PTPs) and emerging technologies and processes (ETPs). Through expert interviews and process mapping with industry stakeholders and research institutions, the study identifies 61 critical data attributes required for effective recycling and analyzes their current availability for PTPs and relevance for PTPs and ETPs. The findings reveal that while 35 out of 55 essential product data attributes are already included in the current DPP framework, additional attributes – particularly those supporting disassembly automation and direct recycling – are imperative to ensure long-term technological viability. The research highlights the need for iterative updates to the DPP and for retaining and transferring material- and process-specific data beyond product identification in the form of three material and three process data attributes. Impact analysis demonstrates that increased transparency has the potential to yield economic, environmental, and safety benefits, including cost reductions, emission savings, and risk mitigation. The study concludes that the DPP, if iteratively refined and supplemented with material and process data, can serve as a powerful enabler for both established and innovative recycling technologies. These insights provide a foundation for ongoing policy development and industry adoption, ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the European battery recycling sector.