Latest news with #circularEconomy
CBC
18 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Canada had big EV battery recycling plans, but without regulations it's the 'Wild West,' expert warns
Social Sharing A few years ago, Li-Cycle was one of the biggest players in electric vehicle battery recycling in North America, providing a roadmap to a circular, sustainable economy for electric vehicles. But just last month, the Toronto-based company filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. and Canada after years of struggling to get a facility off the ground in Rochester, N.Y. The company said the planned hub would have been able to extract lithium and other critical minerals from recycled material to actually build new EV batteries — a crucial step that North American recyclers haven't achieved on a commercial scale yet. The bankruptcy is a sign, some experts say, that the market can't sustain the industry without proper government regulation providing incentives and structure. EV batteries wear out over time, and with more than 600,000 EVs on the road in Canada, keeping those batteries out of landfills — and recovering the valuable critical minerals they contain — will be essential in the near future. But regulation around EV battery recycling is virtually nonexistent in Canada, and industry and policy experts say without it, we won't be ready when the waves of EV batteries hit the market. "There really is no regulatory or policy regime around this in North America," said Mark Winfield, a professor of environmental and urban change at Toronto's York University and co-chair of the school's Sustainable Energy Initiative. "It's a Wild West," he told CBC News. "The drivers that would generally … provide the sort of stability and the foundation for that kind of business just aren't there." Recent reports from the International Energy Association (IEA) and the World Economic Forum also emphasize the importance of establishing government regulation to track and ensure demand for recycled materials in EV batteries. Canada's federal government has laid out a plan to achieve 100 per cent zero-emission sales for passenger cars by 2035, but there's no national framework for EV batteries once they're too old to power a car. There are also no federal regulations around EV battery recycling, and B.C., the only province that had announced impending regulation, now says it's backing away from that plan. Meanwhile, EV sales are continuing to climb in Canada, with EVs making up 17 per cent of all new cars sold in 2024. Last year, more than 270,000 new vehicle registrations in Canada were battery-powered EVs or hybrid plug-in EVs. "Every EV that's sold is eventually going to turn into an end-of-consumer-life battery," Winfield said, adding that in a decade, there will be "tens of millions" of end-of-life EV batteries globally. The European Union set regulations in 2023 that Canada could use as a model, Winfield says, including requirements for recycled materials in new batteries starting in 2031, and expanded responsibilities for producers to monitor the lifespan of batteries. In a November 2024 report on how to scale up critical mineral recycling, the IEA recommended providing clear, long-term regulations which it noted are "crucial for instilling confidence in investors and recycling companies." Maria Kelleher, an environmental consultant who previously worked with Environment and Climate Change Canada on managing EV battery recycling, noted certain regulations would spur investment and help fledging projects scale up commercially in Canada and North America. "If the government says you have to have recycled content [in new batteries], it provides the recyclers with certainty, because the companies buying the product have to buy their product," she said. "So it does drive the market." How EV battery recycling works Recycling lithium-ion batteries that power EVs happens in two stages. First, batteries are shredded into a substance called black mass, which contains critical minerals like cobalt, nickel and lithium. Then, minerals are extracted from black mass, refined and sold to make new batteries. This step is where Kelleher says recycling can become truly lucrative "The key is to sell into the battery supply chain," she said, noting that the recycled material extracted from black mass needs to be consistently high-quality for manufacturers to use it. "If you can do it, it's fantastic." Lithion Technologies in Quebec and B.C.'s RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. are among the recycling facilities in Canada that have started producing black mass from EV batteries in recent years. And Ontario-based Electra Battery Materials has been operating a successful recycling trial since 2022, but hasn't reached commercial production yet. They're aiming to build a new plant in a joint venture with Three Fires Group in northern Ontario that they say could begin recycling EV batteries in 2027. But extracting minerals from black mass to make new batteries is mostly concentrated overseas, especially in China and south-east Asia where the EV battery recycling industry has grown up alongside manufacturing. Giving batteries a second life Kelleher believes there's still plenty of time for the market to find its footing before regulation is needed in Canada. EV batteries were originally predicted to last eight years, but now, they have an estimated 12 to 15 year lifespan in vehicles. They also retain 80 per cent of their capacity after use in vehicles, and can last up to 10 more years when repurposed for a second-life, according to industry reports and experts. That's what Vancouver-based Moment Energy is trying to achieve by partnering with automakers and dealerships to repurpose old EV batteries for use in energy storage systems. Samreen Rattan, Moment Energy's co-founder and chief operating officer, told CBC News they're already seeing demand for repurposing ramp up, and expect the first peak to start in 2030. "In order for this to truly be streamlined, I think having a federal policy would go a long way," Rattan said, adding that guidelines are necessary so the repurposing step isn't skipped. Ultimately, Kelleher says regulations aren't necessarily needed until the EV battery recycling market develops a more secure supply, something she says "won't happen until you have scale, until you have enough batteries at end-of-life." But Winfield argues we need to move now in order to have the infrastructure to deal with the spent batteries poised to enter the recycling market in waves. Based on yearly new vehicle registrations of EVs in Canada since 2011, and assuming a 12-year lifespan within a vehicle and a 10-year secondary use lifespan, there will be at least 93,000 EV batteries that require recycling by 2040, with a further 500,000 ready between 2040 and 2045. "I don't think there's any excuse for not getting ahead of this," Winfield said. "It would be a monumental lack of foresight." So what are Canadian governments doing? Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) told CBC News in an emailed statement that managing EV batteries at their end-of-life is up to provinces and territories. ECCC pointed to B.C.'s 2021 announcement that it would add EV batteries to its extended producer responsibility program by 2026, which would require EV automakers to arrange for their batteries to be recycled or reused. Except B.C. told CBC News that it will no longer be adding EV batteries to the program by 2026. The provincial Ministry of Environment and Parks said the change came after consultation "with industry and other impacted parties" and in light of "significant global changes in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) battery market." It also said it "may explore further consultation," but did not provide a new timeline for when regulation might be considered. WATCH | Canada's push to figure out what to do with EV batteries after they die: EVs and e-bikes are more popular than ever. Are all those batteries headed for landfills? 11 months ago Duration 2:31 There's a push in Quebec to find new technology that could help recycle materials found in rechargeable batteries, like those in electric cars and e-bikes. ECCC also pointed to a voluntary battery recovery program initiated in Quebec in 2023. This program allows consumers to reach out to partnering automakers that will pick up drained batteries and arrange next steps. Quebec considered adding EV batteries to an extended producer responsibility program in 2021, but after receiving feedback from the industry, the province said it dropped the idea. The province also held two workshops in 2023 and 2024 to explore "whether and how this sector should be regulated," according to an emailed statement. Ontario, which has one of the highest rates of EV adoption in Canada told CBC News it doesn't have plans to include EV batteries in its producer requirements because they're "diverted from landfills through voluntary initiatives." The province's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said it would "continue to monitor the management activities" to see if regulations should be introduced in the future. Automakers and industry players in Canada say they are already arranging recycling on their own — most offer country-wide recovery of EV batteries, and many have partnered with recycling plants for battery shredding. However, without oversight, the success of these initiatives is unclear. EU rules could provide 'framework of stability' Winfield says the government responses are "really quite shocking," and show that the situation is even worse than it was in 2023, when he first worked on a report assessing the lack of regulation. He wants to see Canada follow the lead of the European Union, which in 2023 added requirements for a carbon footprint declaration for EV batteries, expanded producer responsibilities and introduced a "battery passport" to establish a transparent digital record for the life cycle of every single battery. It also imposed minimum requirements starting in 2031 for how much recycled content must be included in new batteries. "That provides a framework of stability for the sector, a set of rules that say, 'Yes, there's going to be a need for these kinds of services, there are going to be rules around them,' " Winfield said.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish businesses still see benefit in sustainability initiatives, survey says
More Irish businesses are recognising the opportunity presented by sustainability initiatives, with the potential to increase revenues and win customers, a PTSB survey has found. The research highlighted energy efficiency, climate technology, circular economy, renewable energy and organic food production as areas of particular interest to Irish companies Some 78 per cent of businesses said the sustainability market was a major growth opportunity to win more customers and increase revenues. The majority – 92 per cent, said their customers are interested in sustainable products and services, while 74 per cent say they have supported customers in making more sustainable choices, or plan to do so. Almost three quarters have looked at more sustainable goods and services, or plan to engage with their suppliers on the matter. Impact lending, where businesses are offered loans based on a positive environmental or social impact, is of interest to 80 per cent of Irish companies. READ MORE 'Our Reflecting Business research shows that more and more Irish businesses are identifying the commercial opportunities that sustainability can bring. Customers are changing their buying habits to become more sustainable and businesses are increasingly seeing the benefits of reflecting this shift, enhancing both their own offering and how they source their supplies,' said Leontia Fannin, PTSB's chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer. 'By embracing sustainability, businesses are changing their behaviours, not just for the environmental and societal benefits this can bring, but for the cost efficiencies and commercial benefits too.' The PTSB report also found companies were still optimistic, albeit cautious, about their future, despite economic headwinds and global uncertainty. While 45 per cent of businesses said they expected to grow over the coming 12 months, 53 per cent expect things to remain stable and only 2 per cent are predicting a decline. Almost two thirds businesses said the economic situation would stay the same, with 24 per cent expecting to see an improvement and only 8 per cent adopting a pessimistic view. However, 36 per cent said the rising cost of goods was an issue, and 35 per cent said there were concerns over global economic turbulence. More businesses were planning to invest in their companies over the coming year, with 80 per cent saying it was likely they would do so. The report was published to coincide with the launch of PTSB's sustainability strategy, which focuses on channelling investment and directing impact towards areas that enhance societal wellbeing.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
LKQ Publishes 2024 Global Sustainability Report
ANTIOCH, Tenn., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ), a global leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles, today announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report showcases LKQ's role in driving success as a best-in-class operator for our investors and key stakeholders, while maintaining a critical role in facilitating the growth of the global circular economy. Furthermore, it reflects our on-going commitment and focus on driving profitable growth through highly efficient, responsible, and ethical business practices. The Company has a three-pillar strategy that includes: 1) profitably delivering sustainable solutions; 2) people-led performance; and 3) strong governance and ethical practices. This approach creates the framework to manage risks, while capitalizing on opportunities, that create long-term value aligned with the Company's core business of running efficient operations, reducing waste, and extending the lifecycle of alternative vehicle parts. 'LKQ embodies the principle that business excellence and sustainability are fundamentally connected. Having been part of the LKQ community for over two decades, I've experienced first-hand how our commitment to these principles drives innovation and creates value. Our foundation in the circular economy is about reimagining how our role in the vehicle industry can operate responsibly while delivering profitable growth,' stated Justin Jude, President and Chief Executive Officer. In 2024, LKQ achieved several milestones including: Please find our sustainability report here: About LKQ Corporation LKQ Corporation ( ) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe, and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of OE recycled and aftermarket parts, replacement systems, components, equipment, and services to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. Contacts: Joseph P. Boutross Vice President, Investor Relations LKQ Corporation (312) 621-2793 [email protected] [email protected]
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Beyti, an Almarai subsidiary, hosts awareness session on best sustainable practices in the F&B sector
Cairo – As part of its ongoing commitment to Sustainability, and on the occasion of World Environment Day, Beyti – an Almarai subsidiary – organized an environmental awareness session for the media. The event aimed to promote environmental consciousness and highlight the vital role of the food and beverage industry, along with the broader industrial sector, in supporting sustainability efforts and building a greener future for Egypt and the region. The session featured presentations by Eng. Ahmed Kamal Abdel Moneim, Executive Director of the Environmental Compliance Office and Sustainable Development at the Federation of Egyptian Industries and Technical Advisor for Climate Change; Eng. Ahmed Abo El Saoud, Head of Sustainability for North Africa at Tetra Pak; and Eng. Mohamed Kabbany, Head of Sustainability and Value Chain Development at Beyti – an Almarai subsidiary. These speakers offered in-depth insights into Egypt's sustainability efforts and the industrial sector's crucial role. Discussions centered on recycling and reuse of packaging materials, energy transition strategies, and clean energy initiatives, all emphasizing a commitment to circular economic principles and reduced environmental impact. The session was inaugurated by Mr. Chris Abboud, General Manager of Beyti – an Almarai subsidiary, who stated, 'At Beyti, we take pride in viewing sustainability not merely as an environmental obligation, but as a golden opportunity for innovation and growth. Our commitment spans from grass to glass, as we continually enhance our practices to reduce environmental impact and promote positive social impact under our integrated 'Doing Better Every Day' strategy relying on our 3 core pillars: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet, and Developing Safe Products. This has resulted in our success in avoiding the production of 290 tons of plastic waste annually in 2024, and our reliance on 67% of raw materials and packaging materials from local sources.' In this regard, Eng. Ahmed Kamal Abdel Moneim, Executive Director of the Environmental Compliance Office and Sustainable Development at the Federation of Egyptian Industries and Technical Advisor for Climate Change, inaugurated the session by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the industrial sector and policymakers. He remarked: 'Climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but a shared social and economic responsibility that demands collective action. Beyti stands as a model in Egypt's industrial sector, having successfully integrated sustainability at the core of its operations. This is a true reflection of its commitment to environmental protection and the advancement of a green economy in Egypt. The partnership between government and the private sector is the only path to achieving real and lasting impact.' Notably, the session reaffirmed Beyti's leadership in sustainability, emphasizing the company's dedication to building effective communication channels with the media and highlighting its comprehensive efforts to implement practical, sustainable solutions across every stage of its value chain. The event also served as an open forum for journalists to delve deeper into sustainability issues, enhancing public awareness of the industrial sector's critical role in tackling environmental challenges. About Beyti: Beyti, an Almarai subsidiary, was established in 1998 as a company specializing in food manufacturing. Beyti is a leading company in the Egyptian food sector and is one of the largest producers and exporters of milk, juices, and yogurt in Egypt. Beyti offers its leading products such as Almarai milk, Almarai yogurt, Almarai Treats, Almarai Yogo, Almarai juice, Almarai cream, and Almarai cheese, in addition to Beyti milk and juices. Beyti's Sustainability Efforts: Beyti – an Almarai subsidiary – embraces a comprehensive sustainability strategy under the theme 'Doing Better Every Day,' built around three core pillars: Planet, People, and Product. This integrated approach reflects the company's long-term vision to become a leading green brand in Egypt's food and beverage sector by 2030. On the environmental front (Planet), Beyti operates the largest solar energy plant connected to the network in the industry, generating 7.6 megawatts and covering up to 20% of the factory's energy needs. It also manages the largest industrial wastewater treatment facility in the sector, with a daily capacity of 3,200 cubic meters — much of which is reused for irrigation. The company has planted over 6,500 trees, recycled more than 25,000 tons of cardboard, and since 2022, has reduced its plastic waste by approximately 290 tons annually — all as part of its commitment to the circular economy and reducing its environmental footprint. In terms of social impact (People), Beyti has significantly advanced gender inclusion, increasing the number of female employees by 58% (2024 Vs. 2023), and raising women representation in leadership roles to 21%. The company also trained over 3,000 employees on gender equality and inclusion. Its flagship youth empowerment program, "El-Kaseeb," has enabled 415 young people from 31 governorates, contributing over 15% of the company's total sales. When it comes to product excellence (Product), Beyti upholds the highest quality and food safety standards. It conducts over 11 million quality tests annually, runs more than 1,000 inspection campaigns, and invests EGP 70 million each year in sterilizing production lines. The company also complies with global quality certifications, including FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. To reinforce its sustainability journey, Beyti signed a sustainability-linked loan agreement with HSBC, setting clear targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.3%, decrease water consumption by 9.1%, and cut waste by 55% by 2026. These efforts reaffirm Beyti's role as a responsible industry leader committed to delivering trusted products while creating a measurable positive impact on both society and the environment.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
New remanufacturing plant in Bradford, Ont. gives machinery a second life
Toromont Cat, a brand new remanufacturing facility in Bradford helps take near end-of-life Caterpillar machine parts and refurbishes them for future use on may 27, 2025. (CTV News/Luke Simard) Toromont Cat, a brand new remanufacturing facility in Bradford helps take 'near end-of-life' Caterpillar machine parts and refurbishes them for future use. The company, formerly located in Vaughn, broke ground on a new facility in 2021 off of Line 5 in Bradford. They facility is 143,000 square feet. Terry Harkness, general manager of Toromont Remanufacturing said the remanufacturing plant offers new life to the machinery. Toromont Cat Toromont Cat, a brand new remanufacturing facility in Bradford helps take near end-of-life Caterpillar machine parts and refurbishes them for future use on may 27, 2025. (CTV News/Luke Simard) 'We call it the circular economy because we keep it back and put it back into life,' said Harkness. 'On a lot of our components, we can reuse up to 60 per cent of the original, parts.' Harkness adds a lot of machine parts will be reused and not end up in a landfill or another recycling plant. 'The parts will last upwards of 20 to 25,000 hours depending on the use,' said Harkness. 'When the component comes here, it will generally stay in our plant for four to eight weeks before being sent back out.' Harkness said there were many benefits to relocating the plant to Bradford. Toromont Cat Toromont Cat, a brand new remanufacturing facility in Bradford helps take near end-of-life Caterpillar machine parts and refurbishes them for future use on may 27, 2025. (CTV News/Luke Simard) 'We looked for a site for many years and landed on Bradford because of the access to the skilled people and the open arms we have seen from Bradford West Gwillimbury,' said Harkness. Employees are also appreciative of the new location. Matt Koski has been an employee for more than 30 years. 'I remember when I started, I wanted a pair of coveralls that say my name on it,' said Koski. 'It took me a while to get in, but I did get in, and I have a passion for caterpillar products, and I thoroughly enjoy every day that I work.' Koski adds the work he does a on a day-to-day basis is fulfilling. 'I ran the High-Performance Dino for many years and diagnosing, making the product perfect before the customer gets it is the main goal,' said Koski. Now that Toromont Cat is settled into their new location, they plan on getting out into the community and expand their workforce. The company currently employs more than 150 people with plans to add more than 50 jobs in the future.
