Italmatch Chemicals, a leading global specialty chemical group focused on the production and marketing of performance additives for water and process treatment, lubricants, plastics and oil & gas, is one of the 42 European selected companies to participate in the second IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) for the development of more innovative and sustainable batteries. The project will cover the entire battery value chain from the extraction of raw materials to recycling and disposal, applying a perfect concept of circular economy, with a strong focus on sustainability and social value. It will also partner with Europe in electro-mobility mass transition and generate additional structural business growth.
Italmatch Chemicals Group is actively contributing along the entire EV battery value chain, from production to recycling, with its participation in research on Advanced Raw Materials for better performing batteries and in the Recycling of depleted batteries. In particular, Italmatch is involved in “3 work projects” (“WP”).
The first work project aim is to help to establish a Lithium-Ion Battery electrolyte precursor (LiPF6) pilot manufacturing plant in Europe. The project aims to consolidate the necessary technology and develop the entire sustainable supply system, paving the way for the first-in-its-kind commercial production in Europe. Italmatch will contribute to fulfilling the local Li-Ion Battery needs by providing a safe and environmentally friendly supply chain of Phosphorus Pentachloride (PCl5), a fundamental intermediate for LiPF6´s production in Europe.
The second work project involves exploring and setting up a pioneering solid electrolytes precursor’s pilot plant in Europe to supply the solid electrolytes producers in Europe with a suitable material, meeting the requirements of the IPCEI circular battery value chain.
The third project will provide a set of innovative IoT (Internet of Things) integrated chemical technologies focussing on an efficient recovery process of Cobalt, Nickel, Manganese and possibly Lithium from depleted batteries in partnership with several intra-European upstream and downstream participants to the initiative. This process is in line with the ongoing implementation of the EU Battery Directive in a concept of circular economy and environmental sustainability.
Sergio Iorio, CEO of Italmatch Group, stated: “We are honoured and proud to be selected for such socially important European project affecting our long-term future: contributing to new technologies in EV batteries or recovering raw materials (“P”) from industrial waste are opportunities that perfectly match Italmatch ESG policy, contributing to deliver social value, circularity of economy and sustainability”.
Carlos Galeano, Beyond Innovation Project Director, stated: “Italmatch’s extensive knowledge on specialty chemistry is a plus in such a complex workstream that involves development of the entire battery supply chain. Since 2018, Italmatch’s Beyond Innovation team aims at promoting forward-looking innovations, with a special focus on sustainability. Together with P4 production from secondary raw materials, e-mobility and the recovery out of exhausted massively used tools, including batteries, are the main drivers”.
Maurizio Turci, Italmatch Chemicals General Manager Corporate and Group CFO, stated: “Italmatch’s growth strategy is strongly linked to the sustainable development of our solutions. The IPCEI project is a medium to long-term project that will support the Group’s future profitability and perfectly complies on our sustainability goals. It also will enable new industrial technologies and sectors, in compliance with the European sustainable Agenda and Green New Deals goals”
