Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group dedicated to the transition to net zero, participated in a high-level meeting at the British Embassy in Tokyo alongside Baroness Gustafsson CBE, the UK Minister for Investment, and senior representatives from Marubeni Corporation and Mizuho Bank. During the session, Altilium co-founders Dr. Christian Marston and Kamran Mahdavi provided an overview of the company’s strategic partnership with Marubeni and emphasized the importance of Japanese investment in advancing the scale-up and commercialization of UK clean-tech innovations.
The meeting underscored the shared UK-Japan commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with both governments recognizing the need for enhanced international collaboration on next-generation battery technologies and sustainable supply chains. Participants also discussed the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published last month, and explored ways to foster a dynamic investment climate that supports new green industries, creates skilled jobs, and promotes economic growth.
Dr. Christian Marston, COO of Altilium, commented: “We’re proud to be working with our foundation investors Marubeni and Mizuho, who share our vision for a sustainable energy future. Together, we are building the foundations of a secure and low-carbon battery supply chain, which is essential to the UK’s energy independence and industrial growth. Their investment is more than just financial—it’s a vote of confidence in UK innovation and the global potential of our green processing technology.”
Japan remains one of the UK’s top investment partners, with inward investment exceeding £86 billion at the end of 2023 and bilateral trade totaling £31 billion in 2024. Earlier this year, Altilium completed a Series B funding round supported by Marubeni and Mizuho, aimed at scaling its EV battery recycling technology. Altilium’s proprietary EcoCathode™ process recovers more than 95% of cathode metals from end-of-life batteries, delivering up to 74% lower greenhouse-gas emissions than primary mining and 20% cost reductions.
The timing of this engagement aligns with the UK government’s designation of battery manufacturing as one of six priority sectors in its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan. The UK battery industry currently employs around 10,500 people and is viewed as a key driver of innovation, economic development, and job creation.
Source: Altilium
