As we all know, lead-acid batteries contain heavy metal lead, which brings many environmental problems. If discarded lead-acid batteries are not carefully recycled, it will seriously affect human health. Although many governments have very strict restrictions and requirements on the use and recycling of lead, manufacturers have also introduced many safe and environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, lead-acid batteries are replaced by lithium batteries, especially lithium iron phosphate batteries that are close to zero pollution. But it is undeniable that lead is still needed in many occasions.

　　(Control room of a plasma fumer installation)

　　Lead is a non-ferrous metal and it is infinitely recyclable, which makes the European metal recycling industry a key participant in the European circular economy. With the real implementation of the concept of environmental protection, the ability to effectively recycle metals has become more and more important. Lead is of great significance in the recovery and recycling of electronic waste, lead-acid batteries, and other complex products.

　　Lead is a key driver of the recycling economy-it can dissolve and carry a variety of important metals, and then these important metals are extracted from lead, in which lead acts as a carrier. Of course, this is based on more and more advanced metallurgical processes. Therefore, other metal recycling industries also rely on lead.

　　(Lead plays an essential part in recovering other critical metals from electronics waste)

　　The demand for non-ferrous metals has grown exponentially, which is consistent with the demand for batteries, electric vehicles and solar panels. The World Bank predicts that by 2050, the world’s wind turbines will require more than 300% of metal, solar panels will require more than 200% of metal, and batteries will require more than 1,000% of metal.

　　Since a quarter of the world's recycled metal is already produced in Europe, recycling lead metal can ensure the supply of these high-demand raw materials and continue to maintain Europe's global leadership in the circular economy.

　　Lithium-ion battery (LIB) has become the main energy storage solution in modern social life. Among them, lithium iron phosphate batteries are a perfect substitute for lead-acid batteries, and are the first choice for grid-connected peak shaving, off-grid energy storage, photovoltaic energy storage, UPS, data center and other industries.