Last Update: 18.07.2025
 

Munich, 18 July 2025: tozero is pleased to announce that tozero has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JGC JAPAN CORPORATION (JGC JAPAN), a Japanese engineering company specializing in construction of large-scale energy and industrial projects, on June 5th, 2025, to establish a collaboration in lithium-ion battery recycling business in Japan. This MoU marks a strategic partnership to set up recycling plants all over the globe, combining tozero's innovative recycling technology with JGC JAPAN’s extensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities.

 

The purpose of this MoU is to identify both companies' intention for collaboration in the lithium-ion battery recycling business. As a starting point, both parties intend to explore the possibility of setting up battery recycling operations in Japan, including a hydrometallurgical recycling facility. “Bringing lithium-ion battery waste to zero requires partners who share our commitment. JGC JAPAN combines global reach with deep technical expertise to help realize that vision,” said Sarah Fleischer, CEO and Co-founder of tozero. “With nearly a century of experience delivering complex engineering projects, JGC JAPAN is uniquely positioned to support our global scale-up and strengthen supply chain resilience for critical battery materials.”

 

The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of battery recycling infrastructure in Japan. This partnership also positions both companies to explore opportunities for expanding recycling operations globally as demand for sustainable battery materials continues to grow.

 

Supported by substantial government investments and industry giants, Japan's lithium-ion battery sector remains a pivotal force in the global market. While the domestic EV industry is still scaling compared to other regions and holds significant long-term potential. In parallel, momentum is building around battery recycling, with new facilities emerging to enable the recovery of critical raw materials. Japan’s investments in next-generation battery technologies reflect a strategic commitment to sustainability and its ambition to lead the future of the global energy ecosystem.

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​About tozero

tozero specializes in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, including the extraction of lithium and graphite from the recycling process. As the first company in Europe to complete a battery cell test using 100% recycled graphite, tozero is positioned to transform old batteries into valuable raw materials for the supply chain. tozero's proprietary process is battery type agnostic and waste-free, enabling sustainable recovery of critical materials from all types of lithium-ion batteries. The company is currently building their first-of-a-kind commercial demonstration plant in Germany, bringing them one step closer to their 2027 goal of producing over 2,000 tonnes of recycled graphite and over 1,500 tonnes of recycled lithium annually.

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With backing from Honda, JGC Mirai Innovation Fund L. P. and the Japanese-European VC Fund NordicNinja, among other international investors, tozero has established strategic alignment with key Japanese industry leaders that recognize the disruptive potential of tozero’s technology and the importance of battery waste recycling for critical raw material recovery. This Japanese investor support reflects a shared understanding that sustainable recycling solutions are fundamental to addressing the growing global demand for battery materials.

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​About JGC JAPAN CORPORATION

JGC JAPAN CORPORATION, a subsidiary of JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION, is a leading engineering company responsible for domestic operations in Japan. Specializing in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of plants in sectors such as oil, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental infrastructure, the company leverages advanced technical expertise and extensive project experience to support industrial development. Under a holding company structure, JGC JAPAN CORPORATION operates in clear coordination with its global counterpart, ensuring strategic focus and operational efficiency.​