Circular Economy Strategy Could Slash Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Emissions, but Global Cooperation Is Key

Circular economy strategy could slash lithium-ion battery supply chain emissions, but global cooperation is key

Carbon emissions from the lithium-ion battery supply chain could be cut by up to around 35% using a circular economy strategy that encompasses global cooperation, according to a paper published in Nature. The study analyzes the carbon emissions of each step of the battery supply chain to identify points that could potentially cut emissions.

A circular economy approach for the global lithium-ion battery supply chain

The lithium-ion battery supply chain is critical for global decarbonization1,2, yet its geographically dispersed production stages pose substantial challenges for carbon management3,4. Here we developed a lithium cycle computable general equilibrium (LCCGE) model, integrating life-cycle thinking with global economic dynamics to systematically assess decarbonization pathways. Our analysis reveals a notable ‘value–emission paradox’ across the supp…