A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report published recently shows that Ascend Elements’ Hydro-to-Cathode direct pCAM synthesis process significantly lowers emissions compared to traditional battery recycling. The process produces 49% less carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and 26% less particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5). By 2030, Ascend Elements said it aims to reduce CO2e emissions by 86% and PM 2.5 by 94%. These efforts include using 100% renewable energy in recycling and manufacturing, transporting materials by rail, and applying lower-carbon reagents. The study follows ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 standards. Minviro critically reviewed it with a panel of three independent LCA experts.

Cutting CO2e Emissions

Ascend Elements reports that its lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) production emits just 2.3 kg of CO2e per kilogram. That’s 86% lower than spodumene mining and 37% lower than Chilean brine extraction. The company plans to cut emissions to 0.2 kg CO2e per kilogram by 2030—a 99% reduction compared to conventional methods.

The lithium recovery process also sharply reduces PM 2.5 emissions. Ascend Elements’ Li₂CO₃ product pollutes 97% less than spodumene mining and 81% less than Chilean brine. By 2030, the company expects to lower PM 2.5 by 99.7% compared to spodumene and by 98% compared to brine extraction.

Ascend Elements Builds North America’s Largest pCAM Plant

Ascend Elements operates a battery recycling facility in Covington, Georgia, and plans to produce up to 3,000 metric tons of Li₂CO₃ annually there. In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company is building a Hydro-to-Cathode pCAM plant. This facility will support battery materials for up to 750,000 electric vehicle batteries each year. When completed in late 2026, it will become North America’s largest pCAM manufacturing site.

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