Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable technologies, starts recycling fuel cells in China. The company performs two tasks: refining and recycling the platinum group metals present in the membrane-electrode assemblies.
A circular economy
Johnson Matthey plays an important role in the decarbonization of transportation. China is the largest demand in the PGM market, with very limited natural resources. This is why the recycling of fuel cells is essential in the long term.
Simon Wang, The Cost of Platinoids business manager for platinoid services at Johnson Matthey in China says:
“The cost of PGMs is relatively high. So it’s important that we build the capability to recycle fuel cells at the end of their life.”
The company hopes to have the ability and opportunity to create a circular economy. This will allow it to recycle the material for its Chinese customers.
Sustained growth
The secondary supply of PGMs is expected to grow globally by approximately 3-5% per year. Recycled metals cost less and have a lower carbon footprint, up to 98%. In addition, recycling also ensures the security of supply of these scarce resources.
For Johnson Matthey, this is a good deal. The British company improves product performance, function and safety. The group has about 15,000 professionals who work with the network of clients and partners.
