Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 14, Ascend Elements, a Westborough, Massachusetts-based leader in sustainable engineered battery materials and lithium-ion recycling, announced a multi-year off-take agreement with Trafigura Group Pte. Ltd., Singapore, a major global commodities firm. The agreement covers the supply of 15,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.

Under the agreement, Trafigura will provide global marketing and logistics support, while Ascend Elements will produce refined, low-carbon lithium carbonate derived from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap through its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® process. The partnership aims to support Ascend Elements’ supply pipelines in North America and Europe, while allowing Trafigura to expand its portfolio of recycled materials for global customers, helping OEMs achieve circularity and compliance goals.

“Trafigura’s global platform paired with our Hydro-to-Cathode® process turns circularity into supply security,” said Linh Austin, President and CEO of Ascend Elements. “Together we’ll deliver low-carbon, recycled lithium carbonate that is traceable, responsibly sourced, and available where customers build across the U.S. and Europe, reducing carbon, cost, and geopolitical risk while accelerating a resilient battery supply chain.”

Trafigura’s extensive market reach, logistics, and storage infrastructure will enable global distribution of Ascend Elements’ lithium carbonate. Gonzalo De Olazaval, Global Head of Metals and Minerals at Trafigura, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Ascend Elements and supporting the circular economy. Ascend Elements’ patented process, which produces battery-grade lithium carbonate from domestic scrap, is advancing the development of domestic battery supply chains in the US and Europe – a priority to ensure security of supply.”

Ascend Elements specializes in transforming spent lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap into high-performance precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and battery-grade lithium salts at commercial scale. Its Hydro-to-Cathode® process allows production of low-carbon, sustainable lithium products suitable for electric vehicle and stationary storage battery applications.

Trafigura, an employee-owned commodities group founded over 30 years ago, provides expertise in metals and minerals markets, as well as logistics and storage solutions, enabling efficient global delivery of essential materials.

The agreement represents a strategic move to strengthen sustainable battery material supply chains in key markets, supporting circular economy initiatives and reducing environmental impact while ensuring reliable, traceable lithium supply for battery manufacturers. By combining Ascend Elements’ innovative recycling technology with Trafigura’s global distribution capabilities, the collaboration aims to meet rising demand for low-carbon lithium and promote a resilient, sustainable battery industry across the U.S. and Europe.