The traditional linear economy, based on the "take, make, dispose" model, causes significant environmental damage. However, the introduction of electric vehicles is changing this trend. However, the lithium-ion (LIB) batteries used in these vehicles are not yet sustainable enough to reduce the environmental footprint of mobility. Therefore, it is essential to develop an efficient recycling system to recover raw materials from end-of-life (EOL) LIBs.

The FREE4LIB project aims to create advanced technology (TRL 5-6) to develop six new sustainable and efficient processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries. These processes include dismantling, pre-treatment and four material recovery methods, with the aim of providing innovative recycling solutions that significantly improve material recovery and the availability of secondary resources in Europe.

In addition, FREE4LIB will develop three processes for the reuse of metals and polymers and for the synthesis of electrodes for the production of new batteries. Options for the use of non-reusable elements will also be explored. The project will also implement a methodology called Battery Passport (BP) to improve the traceability of recycling processes.