LICO and Karo Sambhav collaborate for Lithium-ion battery recycling

LICO, a lithium-ion battery recycler, and Karo Sambhav, a company specializing in Circular and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) solutions, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on collecting and recycling lithium-ion batteries in India. The partnership aims to strengthen the circular economy and address the growing concern about end-of-life batteries resulting from the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive industry.

Under the agreement, Karo Sambhav will be responsible for collecting, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries to LICO’s recycling facilities. Karo Sambhav will also use its experience and expertise in client servicing for EPR to support battery supply partners for LICO. On the other hand, LICO will focus on recovering metal salts through the recycling process and supplying them to battery manufacturing and EV industries for reuse. This approach reduces the dependence on critical minerals imports and mining, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

Mr. Gaurav Dolwani, CEO of LICO Materials Pvt. Ltd., emphasizes the collective responsibility for sustainability and highlights that the collaboration with Karo Sambhav represents a significant step towards maintaining a green planet and creating resources for domestic manufacturing.

Mr. Pranshu Singhal, Founder of Karo Sambhav, adds that their company has been actively building an ecosystem that facilitates the adoption of circular practices. He believes that the partnership with LICO will contribute to the development of a well-governed circular solution for the collection and recycling of battery waste.

LICO Materials plans to invest Rs 500 crores by FY25 to establish a black mass refining plant with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per annum. Through this expansion and partnership with Karo Sambhav, LICO aims to establish a systematic supply chain that ensures the proper recycling of lithium-ion batteries. By doing so, the partnership supports the circular economy, promotes sustainable waste management, and reduces dependence on critical mineral imports for battery production.