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Battery recycling in East Asia: three strategies, important impetus for Europe

Analysis compares China, South Korea and Japan - different approaches provide pointers for the EU's raw materials strategy

28.04.2026

Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

An analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI on battery recycling in East Asia shows clear differences in the political approaches

While China relies on comprehensive state control along the entire value chain, South Korea uses recycling specifically to ensure industrial competitiveness. Japan, on the other hand, pursues a more research-oriented but less regulated approach.

The analysis sees important impetus for Europe in this: the decisive factor is not so much new regulation as its practical implementation, for example through better traceability, clear rules for secondary raw materials and a stronger link between recycling and industrial policy.

You can read the full analysis on the website of the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI.