Lithium-Ion Batteries and Defence: Meeting the Growing Demand with Responsible Recycling

Innovation has always followed necessity, and in recent years, batteries have quietly become a critical component in modern defence technologies. From drones to electrified tactical vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly powering advanced systems across land, sea, and air. As demand grows, the focus is shifting not only to supply but to what happens when these batteries reach their end-of-life.

Rising Demand Across Military Applications

Historically, defence battery use was limited to submarines and other niche applications, primarily using lead-acid technology. Today, lithium-ion batteries are taking centre stage. Modern defence systems, from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to marine and land platforms, require high-performance, reliable energy storage.

Drones, in particular, have demonstrated the operational advantages of lightweight, high-capacity batteries. Militaries around the world are now investing in fleets of UAVs, while electrified and hybrid tactical vehicles are entering research and development pipelines. Even unmanned marine platforms, increasingly deployed for surveillance and operational tasks, rely on lithium-ion batteries for extended missions.

This evolution is driving a step-change in battery volumes and creating a parallel need for secure, efficient, and responsible end-of-life management.

Recycling at Scale with LiBatt

At Recyclus Group, we are meeting rising demand with LiBatt, our dedicated recycling facility in Wolverhampton, operational since July 2023. As the UK’s first industrial-scale plant for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, LiBatt is purpose-built to process high volumes safely and efficiently. We recover critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, ensuring these valuable resources are returned to the supply chain rather than lost to landfill or exported to less regulated markets.

Capable of handling a wide range of battery chemistries and formats, we’re supporting both commercial and sensitive applications. By converting retired lithium-ion batteries into reusable raw materials, we help create a circular economy that aligns with both environmental and operational imperatives.

Safe Handling with LiBox

Safety is paramount in all battery operations. To address the risks that come before recycling, we developed the LiBox, a proprietary, modular steel container engineered to the highest global safety standards. It is UN-certified and ADR-compliant, meeting Packing Group I and ADR P911 regulations for transporting hazardous goods. LiBox technology provides secure storage and transportation for lithium-ion batteries, including those at risk of thermal runaway.

By safely venting gases to prevent pressure build-up and containing flames or projectiles, LiBox ensures that even high-risk or end-of-life batteries can be handled responsibly, protecting personnel and the environment while enabling materials to be recycled efficiently.

Preparing for a Sustainable Future

The trajectory of battery demand is clear: volumes are increasing, applications are diversifying, and the need for responsible recycling is more urgent than ever.

By combining industrial-scale recovery with secure handling solutions, Recyclus Group is helping to meet this challenge head-on.