Our LithiumCycle™ Process

The LithiumCycle™ Process

Pioneering sustainable lithium battery recycling through Cellcycle’s proprietary LithiumCycle™ process.

Developed as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the SER Group and Coventry University, the LithiumCycle™ process is helping close the loop on lithium battery recycling.

The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and its ambitious electrification strategy hinge on the sustainable management of critical materials, particularly those found in lithium-ion batteries. As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems soars, the need to establish a closed-loop recycling solution has never been greater. Recognising this, Cellcycle, with the support of the SER Group, Coventry University, and the UK Government, is pioneering the world’s first bio-based lithium battery recycling process—LithiumCycle™.

Despite the UK’s rapid adoption of electrification, there remains no domestic refining capability for lithium-ion battery materials, forcing the nation to export vast quantities of end-of-life batteries to Europe, the US, and Asia for processing. This reliance on overseas infrastructure presents significant economic, environmental, and geopolitical risks, as well as inefficiencies in the circular supply chain. By developing a sustainable, UK-based recycling solution, Cellcycle is addressing these critical challenges, reducing dependency on foreign processing, and securing a more resilient, self-sufficient future for the UK’s battery ecosystem.

Through the use of carefully selected and engineered bacteria, our proprietary LithiumCycle™ process enables the sustainable treatment and full recovery of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. In combination with advanced extraction methods and other proprietary treatment technologies, we are developing the UK’s first truly closed-loop solution for lithium battery recycling. This groundbreaking approach ensures the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible extraction of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and graphite, reducing reliance on raw material imports and overseas refining.

By recovering these strategic resources domestically, we are not only addressing a growing waste challenge but also securing a steady supply of essential materials for the UK and European battery sector. A UK-based solution, developed by a UK company, for a UK battery industry—this is what true circularity looks like.

Closing the Loop on Lithium Battery Recycling

With the accelerating lithium battery waste stream both in the UK and globally, industries such as automotive and renewable energy require access to sustainable, closed-loop recycling solutions. Cellcycle’s innovative LithiumCycle™ process is leading the way towards achieving this critical goal.

Key Benefits of the LithiumCycle™ Process

Efficiency

Our advanced LithiumCycle™ process delivers outstanding efficiency, consistently recovering 95% of critical battery materials, even surpassing recovery rates achieved by conventional recycling methods.

Capacity

Through our innovative bio-based process, we can rapidly scale-up operations, enabling us to effectively adapt to rising industry demands and the expanding lithium battery waste stream.

Sustainability

By using naturally occurring microorganisms, the LithiumCycle™ process significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and eliminates hazardous chemicals, minimising environmental impact.

The future of battery recycling demands a transformative shift in how we manage waste and recover critical minerals. At Cellcycle, we’re setting a new precedent by developing one of the UK’s only fully integrated recycling and refining capabilities. With plans to reach commercial scale in 2026, our innovative processes will efficiently recover valuable materials and return critical minerals directly to the supply chain. As we continue scaling up operations, we’re actively researching and implementing new, sustainable recycling methods to drive the industry towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.