Ascend Elements Caps Transformational 2025 with Commercial-Scale Circular Battery Material Production
Ascend Elements, the global leader in circular battery materials, today announced a series of year-end milestones that mark a transformational 2025 and position the company for accelerated growth in 2026 and beyond. The company is uniquely positioned as the proven, US- and EU-based solution for delivering circularity and supply chain security—from core battery material recycling to engineered-component production at commercial scale. This comes at a critical time, as global awareness grows regarding the vulnerabilities of non-domestic, high-emissions supply chains.
“2025 was the year we proved circularity works at commercial scale,” said Linh Austin, President and CEO of Ascend Elements. “We have established ourselves as North America’s most advanced platform for integrated, domestic production of essential battery ingredients, with industry-leading reductions in both cost and carbon footprint. Our momentum demonstrates the confidence global partners have in our advanced recovery and manufacturing technologies, as well as our ability to supply high-quality materials with transparency and reliability.”
European Expansion Backed by Government Support
One of Ascend Elements’ most notable achievements in 2025 is the company’s expansion into Europe, supported by government backing. In May, the Republic of Poland committed a $340 million non-dilutive grant to support the development of advanced cathode-active material (pCAM) and lithium processing capacity. This strategic investment strengthens Ascend’s European presence and aligns with the growing demand for domestically sourced, low-carbon battery materials across the continent.
The Poland project reflects Ascend Elements’ commitment to global scale while maintaining environmental responsibility and operational transparency. By establishing advanced production capabilities in Europe, Ascend is able to serve EU-based automakers and battery manufacturers with a reliable, high-quality supply of recycled and engineered battery materials.
Industry First: Commercial-Scale Recycled Lithium Carbonate
In September 2025, Ascend Elements achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first U.S. company to produce recycled lithium carbonate at commercial scale, achieving purity levels exceeding 99%. Production commenced in Georgia, with near-term expansion planned for Poland.
This breakthrough addresses a critical gap in the supply of essential battery materials in North America and Europe. Ascend plans to produce over 15,000 metric tons of recycled lithium carbonate annually by 2027, reducing dependency on imported lithium and helping to stabilize the battery supply chain in key global markets.
By achieving this milestone, Ascend proves that circularity is not only technologically feasible but commercially viable, setting a new standard for sustainable lithium supply in the industry.
Major Offtake Agreement with Trafigura
In November 2025, Ascend Elements further solidified its market position by executing a 15,000 metric ton take-or-pay lithium carbonate agreement with global commodity trading firm Trafigura.
This agreement ensures multi-year revenue for Ascend and underscores market confidence in the company’s lithium-first strategy. By securing offtake contracts with leading players, Ascend demonstrates both its operational reliability and its ability to meet growing demand for high-quality, domestically produced lithium carbonate.
Strategic Multi-Year Customer Contract
Adding to its momentum, Ascend Elements signed a nearly $1 billion multi-year supply contract with a leading global automaker. This contract highlights the growing preference among OEMs for certified, circular, domestic supply chains.
Automakers increasingly seek partners who can provide transparency, sustainability, and long-term reliability in battery material sourcing. Ascend Elements’ ability to deliver on all three fronts positions the company as the preferred partner for major players in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.
Why Automotive OEMs and Battery Manufacturers Choose Ascend
Ascend Elements’ unique capabilities distinguish it from competitors in the battery materials market. Key advantages include:
1. The True “One-of-One” Platform
Ascend Elements is the only Western company delivering full commercial-scale vertical integration today—from recycling to cathode-active pCAM and battery-grade lithium carbonate. Unlike other companies still in pilot stages, Ascend’s facilities are fully operational, offering verified, reliable supply at scale.
2. Patented Hydro-to-Cathode® Process
The company’s patented Hydro-to-Cathode® technology enables direct upgrading of recycled feedstock into high-value components, including lithium carbonate and pCAM. This process eliminates multiple production steps, reduces costs, and cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional mining-based approaches.
3. First Commercial Recycled Lithium Carbonate Production
With operational commercial-scale production in the U.S., Ascend eliminates reliance on imported, high-emission lithium. This positions the company as a resilient, domestic alternative for manufacturers seeking sustainable supply chains.
4. Resilient and Scalable Supply
Active sites in both the U.S. and EU, coupled with rapid expansion plans and long-term offtake agreements, ensure locally sourced, clean, and transparent supply for electric vehicles and grid storage. Ascend’s approach mitigates risk in global supply chains and guarantees manufacturers consistent access to critical materials.
Environmental and Strategic Impact
Ascend Elements’ achievements in 2025 demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability, domestic manufacturing, and supply chain security. By producing circular, low-carbon battery materials, Ascend contributes to the decarbonization of the electric vehicle industry and supports global efforts to reduce reliance on environmentally intensive mining operations.
The company’s commercial-scale operations provide a proof-of-concept for the viability of circular battery material systems, setting a precedent for the broader industry. With a strong foundation established in North America and Europe, Ascend is strategically positioned to expand further, meet growing demand, and continue reducing carbon footprints across the battery supply chain.
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