LG Energy, Derichebourg Establish Joint Venture for Battery Recycling in France

LG Energy Solution has partnered with French recycler Derichebourg to form a 50:50 joint venture establishing a battery recycling plant in Bruyères-sur-Oise, northern France, marking LGES's first recycling venture in Europe. Scheduled to start operations in 2027, the facility will process over 20,000 tons of battery scrap and end-of-life EV batteries annually, extracting key materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in LGES battery production. The partnership aims to advance a closed-loop resource circulation system in Europe, ensuring stable raw material sourcing and aligning with EU regulations that will require recycled content in batteries by 2031. LGES will supply battery scrap from its Polish plant, while Derichebourg will collect used batteries from France and nearby countries. This initiative reflects the growing focus on eco-friendly practices in the battery industry as the European EV market expands, especially with France's significant share of regional EV sales. The collaboration also sets a benchmark for sustainable business strategies and circular economy practices within the sector.