AlCircle: Latest secondary aluminium news update

From policy to recycling loops: Sustainability push and recycled aluminium reshape global value chains

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:30:00 +0530

In the current global downstream and recycled aluminium, every company is making crucial steps towards sustainability, circularity and better operational efficiency. With new regulations coming into play, smart investments being made and improvements in recycling and manufacturing practices, companies are stepping up to meet decarbonisation goals while also bolstering their supply chains and making the most of their resources. All these trends together are paving the way for a more organised and sustainability-focused future in the aluminium ecosystem.

Ball Corporation, in its financial results for the year 2025 have represented impressive results in relation to maintaining and upholding sustainability. The firm has enhanced the use of renewable electricity by 84 per cent, representing a year-on-year surge of 73 per cent. Not only this, but the firm has also cut down its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50 per cent compared to 2017 and has been making strides in circularity, with 74 per cent of its packaging now made from recycled materials.

Weekly Recap: Sustainability & Recycled AL by AL Circle Pvt Ltd

The EU released he first official benchmark price for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificates at EUR 75.36 per tonne for the first quarter of 2026. This framework puts the EU’s carbon pricing for imports into action. By aligning with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), this pricing approach ensures that domestic producers and importers are on equal footing, as it reflects the average auction prices of carbon allowances.

Hammerer Aluminium Industries acquired a stake in Aluminij Industries, aiming to boost the resilience of Europe’s aluminium supply chain, especially in light of growing geopolitical tensions and sustainability challenges. Within this partnership, HAI’s know-how in high-scrap aluminium processing and Aluminij’s state-of-the-art infrastructure are brought together with the goal of enhancing production capabilities, boosting the use of recycled materials and ensuring reliable access to both primary and secondary aluminium in the region.

Vietnam is currently upholding the sustainability of its booming solar industry through a strategic partnership between IREX Energy and Japan’s Hamada. These firms are working together to create a circular recycling model for photovoltaic panels that have reached the end of their life. By coming into partnership, recovering valuable materials like aluminium, glass and silicon from ageing solar installations will be possible. Moreover, it tackles the growing waste issue while also cutting down on the need for new raw materials and reducing energy use.

India's aluminium industry is making way to reduce carbon emissions, tapping into the country's rich biomass resources and the encouraging policies promoting biofuels and cleaner energy. Bioenergy, which is deemed to include biomass, biogas and biofuels, has the potential to partially substitute fossil fuels in energy-intensive processes like alumina refining and captive power generation. However, its impact is still relatively small compared to the sector's overall energy demands and heavy reliance on electricity. Given that aluminium production is energy-intensive and contributes a lot to industrial emissions and costs, bioenergy is seen more as a complementary solution rather than the main fix.

Sweden’s deposit return system (DRS) has enabled circular packaging efficiency, where as of 2025, over 3 billion aluminium cans and PET bottles were returned, pushing the national return rate to an impressive 88.4 per cent, which is almost near the 90 per cent goal. This shows how effective a well-structured recycling infrastructure can be, especially with the help of high-capacity reverse vending machines that make it easier for people to return their containers.

Toyota, concerning the circular manufacturing within the automotive industry, has incorporated recycled aluminium from end-of-life vehicles right into the production of new Corolla engines in the UK. This has been possible because of the “Toyota Circular Factory” model, where the aluminium has been salvaged from dismantled cars, especially from the alloy wheels and is then reprocessed and utilised in manufacturing engine components across a network of connected facilities. This approach has created a closed-loop supply chain, which not only cuts down on material waste and reduces reliance on primary aluminium but also supports broader goals of decarbonisation and resource efficiency.

China is pushing its regulatory efforts on lithium-ion battery recycling, which marks the part of a larger initiative for enhancing the effective management of EV lifecycles and securing vital material supply chains. This focuses on enlarging formal collection networks, directly involving manufacturers in recycling processes, and implementing digital tracking systems to keep tabs on battery movements from their origin all the way to end-of-life processing.

General Motors is planning to invest USD 150 million in the Saginaw metal casting facility for its ongoing dedication to bolstering the supply chains for internal combustion engines while also pursuing its electrification goals. This funding will enhance the production of next-generation V8 engine components, like aluminium-heavy blocks and cylinder heads, by upgrading tooling and equipment, with production set to kick off in 2027. By ensuring there’s enough capacity for the popular full-size trucks and strengthening domestic manufacturing, this strategy emphasises a dual approach where traditional powertrain technologies remain vital.

Novelis is moving with its commitment to operational excellence by rolling out a standardised global manufacturing framework. By the end of FY2026, 10 of its plants are set to achieve the first level of certification under the Novelis Operating System (NOS). This milestone marks a significant shift from a decentralised approach to continuous improvement towards a more unified, system-driven strategy specifically designed for aluminium rolling and recycling.

Glencore buys 45% stake in US aluminium recycling plant, targets 120,000 tonnes recycling capacity

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0530

Glencore secured a 45 per cent stake in an aluminium recycling and remelting plant near Charleston, South Carolina, raising its position in the US aluminium market.

The move is due to global supply chains facing pressure because of the conflict in the Middle East, which has affected availability and pushed up aluminium prices. The metal is widely used in sectors such as transport, construction, and packaging, making a stable supply important for the industry.

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Glencore already holds a 30 per cent stake in Century Aluminum and had earlier provided funding for the Charleston-area facility in return for marketing rights. With this new investment, the company is increasing its involvement in aluminium recycling and supply within the United States.

Also read: Europe’s 6.8% dross generation from aluminium recycling reflects global standard- how the continent is scaling its recovery efforts

The company said, “This partnership reinforces Glencore's active participation in supporting a resilient and sustainable domestic aluminium supply chain in the United States."

The remaining 55 per cent stake in the plant will be held and operated by Alumicore. The company currently operates a recycling facility in Pennsylvania and is also developing another plant in Pittsburgh.

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Once all three facilities are operational, they are expected to recycle more than 120,000 tonnes of aluminium each year. This shows a shift to recycling to secure supply and cut reliance on primary metal. The deal reflects how firms are adapting to supply issues by expanding recycling and remelting to get more material and lower global risks.

Europe’s 6.8% dross generation from aluminium recycling reflects global standard- how the continent is scaling its recovery efforts

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:50:00 +0530

Did you know? Around 7 per cent of black dross is generated from the total volume of recycled aluminium worldwide, and Europe reflects a similar ratio of black dross generation at around 6.83 per cent.

Aluminium dross occurs in two forms: black and white. White dross is generated mainly in primary aluminium smelters and during the melting of clean or pre-treated scrap in foundries. It forms when molten aluminium reacts with oxygen during smelting, refining, or casting, creating a residue with relatively high aluminium content.

Black dross, by contrast, forms during recycling, particularly where mixed or contaminated scrap is melted. Coatings, oils, and other impurities increase oxidation and slag formation, producing a darker residue with lower aluminium content.

On a global scale, dross generation reflects broader production trends. Europe accounts for around 14 per cent of total output, compared with 64 per cent in the Asia Pacific region, including China, and 13 per cent in North America. With aluminium usage continuing to expand, dross generation is projected to grow at a steady rate of 3 – 4 per cent annually, reinforcing its growing relevance across the industry.

To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026".

A direct reflection of recycling activity

Dross generation closely follows aluminium production pathways. Primary aluminium typically produces between 0.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent dross, while recycled aluminium generates around 7 per cent, largely due to coatings, impurities, and oxidation during remelting.

This relationship is clearly visible in Europe’s recycling trajectory. Recycled aluminium output reached 5.95 million tonnes in 2023, edged down to 5.82 million tonnes in 2024, and is projected to recover to 6.3 million tonnes in 2025.

In parallel, black dross generation is expected to reach approximately 430,000 tonnes in 2025, equivalent to 6.83 per cent of recycled output. Using the same ratio, dross generation works out to roughly 406,000 tonnes in 2023 and 398,000 tonnes in 2024, showing that dross output closely follows recycling levels.

Also read: Global aluminium extrusion leaders 2025: Top producers with their output capacity and expansion plans

How Europe is scaling recovery and efficiency

Europe’s dross processing ecosystem continues to expand alongside recycling volumes. In 2024, around 573,000 tonnes of dross were collected for further treatment, with approximately 166,000 tonnes of aluminium recovered.

Across the region, more than 25 major facilities collectively process over 550,000 tonnes of dross each year.

Companies such as Alur Aluminium, Befesa, JBMI Group, Tandom Metallurgical Group, and Kratus are key contributors to this network, with JBMI Group operating a 100,000-tonne-per-year facility and Alur Aluminium processing around 15,000 tonnes annually.

Befesa’s German plant, with a capacity of 140,000 tonnes per year, uses GHI tilting rotary furnaces to process hot black dross within two hours at 900°C, recovering around 90 per cent aluminium-equivalent to 25,000 tonnes annually-while utilising 40 per cent of non-metallics in cement and achieving zero landfill through salt-free processing.

Altek’s RAME™ systems, deployed across more than 10 smelters with a combined capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes per year, mechanically process hot black dross on-site, achieving over 95 per cent aluminium recovery (around 38,000 tonnes annually) while producing construction aggregates and eliminating transport-related emissions.

In France, Aluminium Dunkerque processes 100,000 tonnes per year using a pressing inerting system that increases recovery by 24 per cent, delivering an additional 2,400 tonnes of aluminium annually while reducing CO₂ emissions by 2,530 tonnes and improving storage efficiency.

Meanwhile, REMET’s EUR 58 million facility in Hungary adds 100,000 tonnes of annual capacity, using ball milling and flotation to recover 88 per cent aluminium-around 15,000 tonnes per year-from black dross and scrap. The plant also repurposes 75 per cent of tailings into roadbase materials, supporting regional recycling growth amid EU scrap export constraints.

Together, these facilities-totalling 540,000 tonnes per year, recover over 80,000 tonnes of aluminium annually from black dross, representing an estimated EUR 380 million in value, while contributing to EU targets of 70 per cent by-product recovery and generating additional revenue streams of around EUR 50 per tonne from secondary non-metallic products.

What defines the value of dross?

Dross is not uniform in composition. Black dross accounts for 73 per cent of global generation, while white dross makes up the remainder. White dross contains between 40 -80 per cent, whereas black dross typically holds 5 - 25 per cent.

Despite its lower metal content, black dross-primarily generated during recycled aluminium production-remains a valuable secondary resource. Produced at roughly 7 per cent of input feedstock, it can yield around 15-20 per cent recoverable aluminium, which is used in secondary alloys for applications such as automotive castings and extrusions. The remaining 75-95 per cent non-metallic fraction is increasingly utilised in construction aggregates, supporting broader material efficiency goals.

In Europe, as aluminium recycling expands, dross volumes rise in tandem while maintaining a stable share of output, strengthening its position as a valuable and reusable component of the circular aluminium value chain.

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Novelis advances manufacturing discipline as 10 plants secure first-level NOS certification

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:04:00 +0530

Novelis Inc. has moved to standardise its global operations, with 10 of its manufacturing plants achieving the first level of certification under the Novelis Operating System (NOS) by the end of fiscal year 2026.

The milestone marks the first tier in a four-level certification framework designed to embed uniformity across the company’s aluminium rolling and recycling footprint. The NOS, built on established manufacturing operating system principles, has been tailored specifically for the operational complexities of aluminium processing, signalling a shift from decentralised improvement practices to a standardised global model.

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"Having world-class operations is fundamental to our business and is essential to our ability to exceed our customers' expectations," said Emilio Braghi, Chief Operating Officer, Novelis Inc. "Reaching the first level of NOS certification reflects our commitment to safe and consistent execution, operational reliability, and continuous improvement and innovation."

While Novelis has historically emphasised continuous improvement, the NOS introduces a unified operational framework across its manufacturing base, aimed at enhancing consistency, reliability and performance across regions.

The plants that have secured first-level certification span North America, South America, Europe and Asia, including facilities in Berea (United States), Changzhou (China), Göttingen and multiple sites in Germany, Pindamonhangaba and Santo Andre (Brazil), Sierre (Switzerland), and Yeongju (South Korea).

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In the near future, Novelis plans to extend NOS certification across all 29 of its manufacturing facilities, progressing each through the four defined maturity levels. The phased approach is expected to further strengthen operational performance, improve reliability and elevate service delivery to customers globally.

As a global leader in flat-rolled aluminium products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminium, Novelis continues to align operational discipline with its broader objective of delivering consistent, high-performance and sustainable solutions across its value chain.

BIR World Recycling Convention 2026 in Gothenburg: Join the most international gathering of the recycling industry!

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:42:00 +0530

The next BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition from (31 May) 1–3 June 2026 will be held at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre (Gothia Towers) in Gothenburg (Sweden), building on the organisation’s record-breaking momentum from 2025.

For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026"

Last year’s Conventions saw unprecedented registration numbers, and at the same time, BIR’s overall membership surpassed the milestone of 1,000 active members worldwide. In May 2026, the global recycling community will gather once again to strengthen international business relationships, analyse market developments and showcase practical circular economy solutions.

Also Read: Toyota feeds recycled aluminium into UK Corolla engine production

BIR Gothenburg 2026 will feature high-level plenary sessions, an expanded exhibition space and unparalleled networking opportunities, bringing together recyclers, traders, processors, consumers and policymakers from across the globe.

Set in Scandinavia’s leading conference venue, the Convention offers three days of business insight, strategic dialogue and collaboration across all of BIR’s recycling commodities.

Join the international recycling industry in Gothenburg and be part of shaping the future of global recycling and circularity.

More information and registration details: https://www.bir.org/bir-gothenburg-2026

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Note: This article has been issued by BIR and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Weak demand, ADC12 spot cargo continued to decline

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:58:00 +0530

Futures: The most-traded aluminium alloy 2606 contract closed at RMB 23,595 per tonne overnight, down RMB 55 from the previous trading day's close, a decline of 0.23per cent. Trading volume was 1,340 lots, down 2,647 lots from the previous value, with a notable contraction in volume. Open interest stood at 12,896 lots, up 100 lots from the previous value, indicating slight capital inflow and divergence between bulls and bears. Sufficient volume during the rally phase and continued volume contraction during the pullback phase suggest limited selling pressure from bears and that bulls have not fully exited, characteristic of a healthy high-level shakeout structure.

Spot-futures price spread daily report: According to SMM data, on April 7, the SMM ADC12 spot price was at a theoretical premium of RMB 870 per tonne over the most-traded cast aluminium alloy contract (AD2606) closing price at 10:15 AM.

Warrant daily report: SHFE data showed that on April 7, total registered warrants for cast aluminium alloy were 31,183 tonne, down 453 tonne from the previous trading day. By region: Shanghai 1,912 tonne (down 30 tonne), Guangdong 12,358 tonne (down 121 tonne), Jiangsu 3,602 tonne (down 30 tonne), Zhejiang 8,471 tonne (down 272 tonne), Chongqing 3,634 tonne (unchanged), and Sichuan 1,206 tonne (unchanged).

Aluminium scrap: Spot primary aluminium fell RMB 30 per tonne from the previous trading day, while the aluminium scrap market saw mixed changes. On the price difference side, the price difference between A00 aluminium and mixed aluminium extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan was recorded at RMB 3,115 per tonne, and the price difference between A00 aluminium and shredded aluminium tense scrap was RMB 1,825 per tonne.

The aluminium scrap market was expected to continue consolidating at highs this week, with shredded aluminium tense scrap (priced based on aluminium content) mainstream range operating around RMB 19,800-20,500 per tonne (tax exclusive). In the short term, close attention should still be paid to the impact of geopolitical conflicts on primary aluminium price fluctuations, the actual recovery of end-user orders, and the actual implementation progress of supply-side policies, with vigilance against the risk of wild swings in prices.

Silicon metal: Spot silicon metal prices trended weaker yesterday. SMM east China oxygen-blown #553 silicon was at RMB 8,900-9,100 per tonne, down RMB 100 per tonne from the previous day, and #441 silicon was at RMB 9,200-9,300 per tonne, down RMB 100 per tonne from the previous day. The SI2605 contract closed at RMB 8,260 per tonne yesterday. The decline in silicon prices stimulated the release of some rigid demand orders from downstream and traders, while weak supply and demand left silicon prices consolidating at lows.

Markets outside china: Ex-China ADC12 quotes remained in the range of USD 330-3,330per tonne, with instant import losses continuing at around RMB 2,000, and the theoretical import window remained closed.

Summary: Spot side, the ADC12 market continued to be in the doldrums yesterday. Affected by aluminium prices being in the doldrums and lacklustre demand-side performance, market sentiment turned cautious, with most participants slightly lowering offers while a few enterprises held firm and took a wait-and-see approach. As low-priced resources increased, the transaction centre shifted downward, and prices showed passive pullback characteristics. In the short term, against the backdrop of weakening marginal cost support and limited demand improvement, ADC12 prices were expected to remain in the doldrums.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

GM to invest $150M in Saginaw plant for next-gen V-8 engine production

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:11:00 +0530

Detroit-based General Motors (GM) will invest over USD 150 million in its Saginaw Metal Casting Operations (SCMO) in Michigan for the production of the sixth generation of V-8 engine blocks and cylinder heads used in full-size pickup trucks.

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The investment adds to GM’s approximately USD 5.5 billion spent in 2025 and supports the Saginaw facility and its workforce. It also follows the USD 500 million announced in January 2023 for the Flint Engine plant tied to the same next-generation V-8 programme.

Also Read: Toyota feeds recycled aluminium into UK Corolla engine production

“This significant investment of over USD 150 million is a clear commitment to the plant and our people,” says John Lancaster, SCMO plant director. “By enabling the production of next-generation engine blocks and cylinder heads for full-size trucks, the plant is well-positioned for the future. This not only secures existing jobs but also strengthens the local economy and ensures the plant continues to be an integral part of the automotive supply chain.”

The funding will go toward installing new equipment and tooling at SMCO as the plant gets ready to produce the next-generation engines, with production expected to start in 2027. In the meantime, the facility will continue manufacturing fifth-generation V-8 engine blocks.

Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics

Image source credit: gm News

Columbia Falls community launches aluminium recycling drive during Earth Month

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:37:00 +0530

The Columbia Falls Community Market has launched an aluminium recycling campaign in April as part of Earth Month initiatives, encouraging residents and businesses to collect and recycle aluminium cans.

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Community members can drop off aluminium cans at the market’s location on Veteran Drive, where a dedicated recycling trailer has been set up. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with local resident Ryan Ellis.

Also Read: GACC: China Jan-Feb aluminium scrap imports rise 1.8% Y-o-Y

Once the trailer is filled, it is transported to Pacific Steel and Recycling in Kalispell for processing. According to organisers, the material is carefully sorted to ensure only aluminium is recycled, avoiding contamination from other waste materials.

This programme also supports local causes. A portion of their earnings from the recycled aluminium goes towards nonprofit organisations in the Flathead region. Organisers described the initiative as a simple way for the community to contribute to both sustainability and local development.

The campaign has also received backing from Weyerhaeuser, who earlier provided a grant of USD 3,000 to support and expand the recycling programme. Aluminium cans can be dropped off at the recycling trailer throughout the day, with access available on a 24/7 basis. The community market’s new season is scheduled to begin on May 14.

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Weak aluminium prices weighed on the market, and ADC12 remained in the doldrums

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:28:00 +0530

Futures: Overnight, the most-traded cast aluminium alloy ad2606 contract closed at RMB 23,585 per tonne, down RMB 40 from the previous trading day's close, or 0.17 per cent. The night session formed a small bearish candlestick, with an extremely narrow body and short upper and lower shadows, a typical high-level sideways candlestick pattern with no clear directional guidance. The current VR value was 89.74, in the strong range of 80-150, indicating that overall market activity remained in place, but had pulled back sharply from the previous overbought zone above 200. Trading volume diverged from prices, and upward momentum was insufficient.

Spot-futures price spread daily: According to SMM data, on April 3, the theoretical premium of the SMM ADC12 spot price over the 10:15 closing price of the most-traded cast aluminium alloy contract (AD2606) was RMB 950 per tonne.

Warrant daily: SHFE data showed that on April 3, the total registered volume of cast aluminium alloy warrants was 31,636 tonnes, down 1,087 tonnes from the previous trading day. Of this, Shanghai totalled 1,942 tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; Guangdong totalled 12,479 tonne, down 1,087 tonne; Jiangsu totalled 3,632 tonne, up 301 tonne; Zhejiang totalled 8,743 tonne, down 301 tonne; Chongqing totalled 3,634 tonne, unchanged; and Sichuan totalled 1,206 tonne, unchanged.

Aluminium scrap: Last Friday, spot primary aluminium fell RMB 120 per tonne from the previous trading day, and the aluminium scrap market generally followed lower and corrected. In terms of the price difference between A00 aluminium and aluminium scrap, on April 3, the price difference between A00 aluminium and mixed aluminium extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan was RMB 3,155 per tonne, and the price difference between A00 aluminium and shredded aluminium tensile scrap was RMB 1,865 per tonne. The aluminium scrap market is expected to maintain its pace of consolidation at highs this week, with the mainstream range for shredded aluminium tensile scrap (priced based on aluminium content) hovering at RMB 19,800-20,500 per tonne (ex-tax).

In the short term, close attention still needs to be paid to the impact of geopolitical conflicts on primary aluminium price fluctuations, the actual recovery of end-user orders, and the actual implementation progress of supply-side policies, with vigilance against the risk of wild swings in prices.

Silicon metal: On April 3, SMM east China non-oxygen blown #553 was unchanged from the previous day; oxygen-blown #553 was unchanged; #521 was unchanged; #441 was unchanged; #421 was unchanged; #421 for silicone use was unchanged; and #3303 was unchanged. Silicon prices in Kunming, Tianjin, the northwest, Sichuan, Shanghai, Xinjiang, and Huangpu Port were stable.

Summary: Spot side, the ADC12 market continued to fluctuate downward. Affected by the widening decline in aluminium prices, market sentiment turned cautious, and most enterprises lowered their offers; a few held prices steady and stayed on the sidelines with support from costs.

Ahead of the Qingming Festival, downstream stocking demand fell short of expectations, with procurement still mainly driven by rigid demand, and transaction performance showed no obvious improvement. Coupled with market expectations of weakening demand in April, ADC12 prices still faced some downward pressure in the short term, and the market remained in the doldrums.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

China pushes stricter lithium battery recycling to support EV lifecycle management

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:47:00 +0530

China is taking further steps to bring order to lithium-ion battery recycling, with a new policy issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology together with the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives. Published on April 3 and reported by IT-Home, the guidance builds on a growing body of regulation that now covers much of the electric vehicle (EV) battery lifecycle.

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The document sets out several priorities: expanding collection networks, supporting larger recycling firms, and improving oversight through digital systems. In tone and structure, it follows recent policy developments seen in the EV battery space.

One of the central ideas is to tie recycling more closely to manufacturers. Lithium batteries and electric bicycle producers are being encouraged to work directly with the recycling companies to produce networks for collection and short-term storage.

Also Read: Malvern includes aluminium in recycling list for green bins

This reflects a broader direction in China’s EV industry, where manufacturers and battery suppliers are increasingly expected to take responsibility for batteries once they reach the end of their usable life. The role of major recycling companies is also given importance. This policy highlights China Recycling Group as a model, urging it to increase its processing capacity while tailoring its approach to suit varying regional conditions.

This aligns with an ongoing shift in the EV sector, where large, centralised players are taking on a greater share of battery recovery and processing.

Alongside these physical systems, the authorities are placing emphasis on digital tracking. Platforms are to be used to record where batteries come from, how many are handled, and where they go at each stage of the recycling process.

This sits alongside a wider effort to build a full lifecycle management system. On April 1, a national traceability platform for power batteries was introduced, requiring companies to upload data covering production, use, and recycling. Each battery is given a unique digital identity, allowing it to be tracked throughout its lifespan within a central system. The platform establishes a closed-loop system for oversight by bringing together battery manufacturers, EV producers, maintenance providers, and recycling companies.

The latest recycling policy effectively adds the on-the-ground infrastructure needed to support that system, particularly by expanding collection points and bringing greater consistency to recycling channels.

Responsibility for putting these measures into practice will be shared. Local authorities are tasked with implementing uniform technical standards and creating scalable models, while oversight of progress will rest with central government bodies. These reflect a familiar pattern in China’s EV regulation, where coordination between regulators and industry is a key feature.

The changes also sit within a broader push towards closed-loop battery management. China has already signalled tougher rules coming into force in 2026, which will require automakers and battery producers to take greater responsibility for used batteries and to establish proper recycling networks. These rules are intended to strengthen formal recycling systems and improve oversight, particularly as the number of retired batteries continues to grow.

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