Dainen Materials Co., Ltd. is a Japanese innovator in the lithium-ion battery industry, specializing in anode material manufacturing and recycling solutions to advance sustainable energy systems. Established in 2017 as part of the venerable Dainen Group—a carbon materials leader with over 80 years of expertise—the company has become a cornerstone supplier of high-performance anode materials, primarily serving global automotive and battery manufacturers. Its products, centered on natural graphite-based anodes, are pivotal to improving battery performance in electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.
In addition to production, Dainen Materials emphasizes environmental stewardship through its lithium-ion recycling division. The company’s circular economy initiatives recover valuable materials from spent batteries, reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimizing waste. Its vision aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prioritizing resource efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainable production practices. By bridging anode supply and battery recycling, Dainen Materials supports the growth of the EV sector while ensuring alignment with global sustainability mandates.
Battery Technology
Dainen Materials’ technical capabilities span anode material manufacturing and recycling. Its anode materials are engineered to optimize lithium-ion battery performance. Core offerings include natural graphite anodes, which enhance energy density, cycle life, and thermal stability—a result of advanced purification and coating processes. These materials are critical for EV batteries, where durability and efficiency are paramount.
The company’s recycling expertise focuses on closing the battery lifecycle. Through its Black Mass Recycling Division, spent lithium-ion cells are processed to recover black mass—a concentrate of cobalt, nickel, lithium, and other metals. This material is then refined for reuse in new battery production. The Anode Graphite Recycling Division further recovers graphite from discarded anodes, reintroducing it into manufacturing to reduce waste and lower carbon footprints.
Dainen also advances recycling through partnerships, such as an exclusive 2024 agreement with Singapore’s Green Li-ion Pte. Ltd. to expand recycling infrastructure in Japan and India. Collaborations with innovators like American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) validate next-generation recycling methods aimed at maximizing resource recovery rates. Additionally, a supply agreement with Westwater Resources Inc. ensures access to coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), bolstering material quality and chain resilience.
Recent Projects
Dainen Materials has executed key initiatives in the past year to reinforce its technical capabilities and global reach. In September 2024, its partnership with Green Li-ion solidified plans for a coordinated recycling network, targeting markets in Japan and India. This collaboration prioritizes scalable black mass recovery systems, aiming to divert waste from landfills and supply recovered materials directly into battery manufacturing.
The company’s collaboration with Westwater Resources to source CSPG ensures a stable supply of high-purity anode materials, critical for maintaining quality in EV battery production. These agreements underscore Dainen’s strategy to strengthen supply chain partnerships while advancing sustainable practices.
Investors
Dainen Materials operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dainen Corporation, a leader in carbon products since 1949. Its foundational funding and operational support stem directly from the Dainen Group’s established resources. To date, there is no disclosure of external individual or venture capital investors. The company’s financial and strategic backing remains rooted in its parent entity’s long-standing expertise and commitment to the carbon and materials sector.
Business Details
Location: Himeji, Hyogo, Japan
Website: https://www.dainenmaterials.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89876109
