Exclusive interview with Thomas Holberg, Global Vice President of Battery Solutions at SK Tes by ICM AG, during the 2023 International Congress for Battery Recycling. Thomas shares invaluable insights into SK Tes's remarkable efforts in Battery Recycling Solutions.
The SK Tes Sustainable Battery Solutions team, led by Thomas Holberg, joined other leading experts in the field of automotive recycling at the ICBR 2023 in Valencia, Spain, on September 6th and 8th.
With over 30 years of experience in e-waste recycling in Europe and more than 15 years in Asia, SK Tes is proud to unveil a comprehensive roadmap to bring Battery Recycling Solutions to every corner of the world. Thomas also shares some exciting developments on the horizon. As the European EV market continues to thrive, we are thrilled to announce the imminent opening of our new facility in Rotterdam by year-end. Additionally, we are actively exploring opportunities to establish facilities in Iberia, Portugal, and Spain through our strategic partnership with Galp, a prominent energy company in the Iberian region. While growth presents new challenges, SK Tes remains steadfast in its commitment to finding safe, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions, ultimately benefiting our planet and our valued customers.
You can watch Thomas' interview below.
Learn more and contact us about our EV and Li-ion Battery Recycling services here.
Future of battery recycling – SK Tes revealed plans at ICBR 2021
SK Tes was represented by Thomas Holberg – Global Vice President, Nils Steinbrecher – Managing Director, Dr. Farouk Tedjar – Global Scientific R&D lead, Joao Avelar – Battery Material Supply Chain Manager, and Henny Vandort – Managing Director.
Speaking from the event, Thomas Holberg outlined SK Tes’ ambitious plans in the sustainable battery solutions space. He described the company’s plans to focus on Asia, building on its existing global network of recycling facilities in Grenoble, Singapore, and, more recently, the Port of Rotterdam.
A new site in Shanghai, due to be commissioned by the end of this year, will use the same proprietary hydrometallurgy technology used in SK Tes’ flagship facility in Singapore. The Shanghai facility will serve as a springboard for the development of a much larger site in Northern China over the next two years.
Thomas added that he also anticipates continued growth within Europe: “What we are seeing in Europe is driven by strong demand for EV batteries, the European Green Deal and new battery regulations, all resulting in the battery supply chain now establishing.”
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Given the surprising 5% increase in the share of lithium ferro (iron) phosphate (LFP) batteries in global production between 2020 and 2021, Nils Steinbrecher used his keynote address on recycling processes and technologies to reflect on challenges and opportunities related to these batteries. Quoting Stephen Covey, he said, “we must begin with the end in mind.”
LFP batteries are increasingly being used by original equipment manufacturers due to their lower raw material costs, longer life spans, and improved thermal stability. However, their design and production can still be improved when it comes to sustainable recycling.
“This is something we learnt (at SK Tes Singapore): we saw the batteries coming – and they weren’t built with the end in mind,” said Nils. “We need to help the industry to design batteries with the end in mind.”
