Australian Patent Protects Livium’s Wet Shredding Battery Recycling Until 2041
Livium Ltd has been granted a patent protecting its innovative wet shredding process for lithium-ion battery recycling, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. This milestone solidifies its position in the evolving clean energy recycling sector.
- Australian patent granted for wet shredding lithium-ion battery recycling process
- Patent protection extends until 2041, securing Livium’s technology leadership
- Wet process reduces fire risk and improves recovery of valuable materials
- Supports Envirostream’s market-leading recycling operations
- Aligns with global regulatory trends, including EU Battery Regulation
Patent Grant Marks a Strategic Win for Livium
Livium Ltd (ASX, LIT) has achieved a significant milestone with the Australian Patent Office granting a standard patent for its wet shredding and separation process used in lithium-ion battery recycling. This patent, valid until 2041, protects the core technology employed by its subsidiary Envirostream Australia, the country’s leading lithium-ion battery recycler. The patent is held by Livium’s subsidiary Resource Conservation and Recycling Corporation Pty Ltd, which safeguards the group’s recycling intellectual property.
Why Wet Shredding Matters
The patented process involves wet shredding lithium-ion batteries in water, creating an aqueous slurry from which valuable electrode materials, known as black mass, are efficiently recovered. This contrasts with dry shredding methods that carry higher risks of thermal runaway and fires, requiring more complex battery disassembly and discharge steps. By mitigating these risks, Livium’s wet process enhances operational safety and reliability, a critical advantage as battery recycling scales up.
Global and Regulatory Context
Livium’s technology aligns with international trends favoring wet shredding for electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery recycling, recognized for suppressing energy release and improving material recovery. The patent’s timing is particularly relevant given the European Union’s new Battery Regulation, which imposes stricter recycling efficiency and content recovery targets. These regulatory tailwinds underscore the growing demand for efficient, safe recycling technologies like Livium’s.
Strengthening Livium’s Growth Strategy
CEO Simon Linge highlighted the patent as a key enabler for Livium’s clean energy resource recovery ambitions, reinforcing the company’s technology portfolio alongside other innovations such as rare earth element processing with the University of Melbourne. The patent not only protects Livium’s proprietary know-how but also supports the scaling of its recycling operations through a consolidated hub model, positioning the company for future growth in battery and clean energy material recycling.
Looking Ahead
With this patent secured, Livium is well placed to capitalize on the expanding market for battery recycling, driven by global electrification and sustainability mandates. The company’s ongoing development of complementary technologies, including lithium extraction and advanced battery materials, further enhances its strategic outlook in the clean energy transition.
Bottom Line?
Livium’s patent grant cements its role in safer, more efficient battery recycling as global demand intensifies.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will Livium scale its wet-process recycling operations nationally and internationally?
- What commercial partnerships or licensing opportunities might emerge from this patent?
- How will evolving regulations in other key markets impact Livium’s technology adoption?
