Blue Whale Materials (BWM) has entered into a strategic partnership with Call2Recycle, North America’s leading battery stewardship organization. This collaboration will enable BWM’s advanced sorting and recycling facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to receive and process batteries collected through Call2Recycle’s nationwide network.
The partnership aims to address the increasing demand for domestically sourced battery materials and marks a significant advancement in North America’s battery recycling infrastructure. By leveraging Call2Recycle’s extensive collection capabilities, the two organizations will ensure a steady supply of spent lithium-ion batteries to BWM’s facility, enhancing the region’s ability to recycle and repurpose essential battery components.
Call2Recycle, with over three decades of experience in battery collection and recycling, will integrate BWM as a key sorting and processing partner. BWM employs a proprietary process to convert collected batteries into Blacksand™, a high-purity black mass containing vital materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium. These materials are critical for refiners and battery manufacturers, supporting the broader battery supply chain. The Bartlesville facility is currently operational for sorting and testing and is scheduled to commence full processing operations by mid-2025.
Robert Kang, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Whale Materials, stated, “This collaboration will allow Blue Whale Materials to support Call2Recycle’s unmatched collection network and expand our ability to meet the growing demand for responsible lithium-ion battery recycling. By partnering with the leading battery collection organization in North America, we’re ensuring that Blue Whale Materials has access to the feedstock necessary to drive our long-term mission of supporting a sustainable and secure battery supply chain.”
Leo Raudys, CEO of Call2Recycle, added, “Our partnership with Blue Whale Materials is a natural fit. With BWM’s cutting-edge technology and our expansive collection reach, we are setting the stage for a significant leap forward in battery recycling. Together, we will make a tangible impact on reducing waste and recovering valuable materials for future use.”
The joint efforts of Blue Whale Materials and Call2Recycle are expected to enhance recycling efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets by ensuring a reliable source of recycled battery materials. This partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to advancing sustainable practices within the battery industry.
Source: Business Wire
