Groundbreaking Partnership Sealed in South West by Devon Clean Tech Firm

Altium, a Devon-based clean technology company committed to realizing a net zero future, has recently entered into a transformative commercial collaboration agreement. The company has partnered with SYNETIQ, the leading expert in vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling in the UK.

This pioneering partnership will involve both companies working together to recycle the growing number of electric vehicle (EV) batteries from written-off cars. The objective is to close the loop on the UK’s battery supply chain and preserve natural resources.

SYNETIQ, which processes thousands of cars annually, currently holds a stock of damaged EVs across its UK facilities. To address this increasing number of EV batteries, the company has made significant investments in equipment for battery removal and safe storage. Notably, LV= Insurance is closely cooperating with SYNETIQ for the recovery and recycling of EV batteries from damaged or written-off vehicles insured by LV=.

These salvaged batteries will undergo processing at Altium’s state-of-the-art technology center in Devon. The aim is to recover valuable raw materials, such as lithium and nickel, for direct reuse in the production of new batteries. Altium is the sole UK company conducting this critical recovery of battery metals from waste batteries. Through advanced hydrometallurgical recycling processes, Altium can recover over 95% of the battery metals, resulting in a 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to using virgin materials in battery production. This not only makes the process more environmentally friendly but also reduces costs by 20%, ultimately paving the way for more affordable and accessible electric vehicles.

Tom Rumboll, Chief Executive of SYNETIQ, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, reuse, repurposing, and recycling, all of which are crucial for achieving their mission of maximizing economic and environmental benefits from every vehicle received from their clients. The collaboration with Altium and LV= aims to establish complete circularity in the UK, particularly in the crucial aspect of the energy transition. Rumboll sees this collaboration as a significant step towards a more sustainable future and a substantial reduction in CO2e emissions.

Rod Savage, Program Director at Altium, echoed the sentiment, stressing the pivotal nature of the collaboration with SYNETIQ in achieving a circular economy for EV batteries in the UK. He highlighted the importance of reducing the country’s reliance on imported battery materials and emphasized the crucial role that Altium’s recycling technology plays in minimizing the environmental impact of battery production and supporting the uptake of EVs. Together, Savage affirmed, they are revolutionizing the future of sustainable transport in the UK.

The collaboration between Altium and SYNETIQ embodies a concerted effort towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the global community pivots towards a greener, more eco-conscious future, initiatives like this serve as shining examples of what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology.