Optimised Recovery of Battery materials through Innovative Sulfate-free Solutionbroad
ORBIS · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-06-01–2028-05-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02 · scheme HORIZON-EIC-ACC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02-OPEN-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
Mecaware has developed a breakthrough sulfate-free recycling technology to recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper from battery waste. Unlike conventional recycling methods, which generate large volumes of polluting by-products, require extensive processing areas, and face strict environmental regulations, our technology produces no effluent, enabling compact recycling units, lowering operating costs by 35%, and reducing CO2 emissions by 36%. The technology is protected by 10 patents and reached TRL6 in 2025.Deployed through an Integrated Hub model that combines safe battery waste preparation, second-life battery operations, and metal recycling on a single site, the Hub de-risks industrial deployment by securing both the quality and volume of battery waste feedstock. Located at the heart of the European Battery Valley, Mecaware reinforces regional industrial leadership by closing the loop on battery metals and keeping value creation within the EU, in a market where 80% of pre-processed battery waste (black mass) is still exported. This approach creates local, low-carbon, and scalable recycling ecosystems, directly addressing Europe’s urgent need for secure critical raw materials, compliance with the EU Battery Regulation, and resilient circular supply chains. Mecaware already has strong commercial traction, including a battery scrap supply agreement with gigafactory Verkor and ten pre-commercial off-take agreements. Pilot operations will begin in 2026, followed by the first full-scale plant in 2030 and three more by 2034. By 2031, Mecaware aims to supply 11% of Europe’s recycled metals market, with the first hub generating €65M in revenue.With EIC support, Mecaware will industrialise its units, de-risk private investment, reach break-even by 2030, close the European recycling loop, strengthen the circular economy, and position Europe at the forefront of clean, competitive, and strategic battery industry.
Beneficiaries (1)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECAWARE | FR | coordinator | €2,499,999 | Yes |
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