Ascend Elements, a U.S.-based provider of engineered battery materials, and GEM Co., Ltd., a Chinese specialist in battery materials and recycling, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on lithium-ion battery recycling and engineered materials production in Europe. Announced on September 17, 2025, the agreement aims to support Europe’s goal of establishing a localized, sustainable battery materials ecosystem in line with the EU Battery Regulation and the EU Battery Passport initiative, which focus on recyclability, traceability and the incorporation of recycled content in new batteries.
Under the MOU, GEM’s expertise in recycling processes and large-scale production of recycled metals and battery materials will be combined with Ascend Elements’ existing operational and commercial presence in Europe. Together, the companies plan to develop an integrated network for battery recycling, critical minerals recovery and materials manufacturing, creating a circular supply chain that satisfies both market demands and evolving regulatory requirements.
“This partnership with Ascend Elements is a milestone in realizing GEM’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future,” said Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM. “By working together, we will drive innovation in battery recycling and engineered materials production, build a localized circular industrial ecosystem in Europe, and help meet the increasing regulatory and market requirements for recyclable and traceable batteries.”
“This collaboration allows us to de-risk our very ambitious European strategy due to GEM’s mass production expertise and accelerate our ability to offer the missing capabilities in Europe,” said Linh Austin, President & CEO of Ascend Elements. “We are delivering a fully integrated, localized battery industrial ecosystem that addresses both sustainability and regulatory requirements, while supporting the energy transition and driving economic value.”
Founded in Shenzhen in 2001 by Prof. Xu Kaihua, GEM Co., Ltd. is a leader in China’s circular economy sector, with strengths in waste recycling, tungsten carbide and new energy industries. Ascend Elements, established in 2015, supplies domestically sourced critical minerals and engineered battery materials—such as sustainable lithium carbonate and precursor cathode active materials—derived from recycled battery feedstocks.
Source: PR Newswire
