LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Establish a Battery Recycling Joint Venture in the U.S.
LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Corporation announced the formation of a joint venture named Green Metals Battery Innovations, LLC, which will focus on battery recycling. This partnership, formalized through an agreement between LG Energy Solution Michigan and Toyota Tsusho America, will see the construction of a pre-processing facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The facility will specialize in the extraction of black mass from battery production scrap, a vital material that contains valuable raw metals such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium. In the initial phase, LG Energy Solution will provide scrap generated from the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for Toyota Motor. Operations at the new plant are expected to begin in 2026, with an ambitious target of processing up to 13,500 tons of scrap annually, which is equivalent to over 40,000 automotive batteries.
Following the initial processing, the extracted black mass will undergo a separate post-processing phase aimed at recovering raw materials. The joint venture is designed to create a closed-loop system for battery production, where recycled materials are reused for new battery manufacturing, thereby promoting a true circular economy within the battery supply chain.
This collaboration between LG Energy Solution and the Toyota Group aims to reduce carbon emissions through initiatives that support a circular economy. By partnering with a prominent battery recycler that possesses advanced pre-processing technologies and operational expertise, LG Energy Solution seeks to establish a competitive recycling infrastructure in North America.
“This joint venture will not only secure a stable supply of key battery materials but also enhance the competitiveness of our recycling business in North America,” stated Chang Beom Kang, Chief Strategy Officer of LG Energy Solution. “We are fully committed to leading the recycling market through innovative and differentiated technologies.”
Masaharu Katayama, Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Tsusho, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing that this joint venture represents a significant step toward achieving a circular economy for batteries, which is crucial for fostering a sustainable mobility society.
### About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a spinoff from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With three decades of experience in groundbreaking battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company holds over 69,600 patents, making it the top patent holder in the battery industry worldwide. Its extensive global network includes battery manufacturing facilities developed through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to creating a sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050 while promoting shared growth and a diverse, inclusive corporate culture. For more information about LG Energy Solution’s innovations, visit [LG Energy Solution News](https://news.lgensol.com).
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