Singapore — LICO, a lithium-ion battery recycling company has formally initiated the implementation of the R2 Reuse and Recycling Standard, marking a significant step toward strengthening responsible battery recycling, environmental compliance, and downstream material traceability within the region’s growing energy storage ecosystem.
The move positions LICO to align its recycling operations with one of the most widely recognised global standards for responsible electronics and battery recycling, at a time when Southeast Asia is facing rapid growth in electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics powered by lithium-ion batteries. With Singapore emerging as a regional hub for sustainable technology and advanced recycling infrastructure, the adoption of R2 standards reflects a broader industry shift toward measurable, auditable recycling practices.
LICO’s R2 implementation effort focuses on improving environmental controls, worker safety, data transparency, and downstream accountability across its lithium-ion battery recycling processes. The company confirmed that the initiative covers operational governance, material handling, environmental risk management, and verification of responsible reuse and recycling pathways.
What the R2 Reuse and Recycling Standard Means for Battery Recycling
The R2 Reuse and Recycling Standard is a globally recognised framework developed to ensure responsible handling of used electronics and related materials, including lithium-ion batteries. While originally focused on electronics recycling, R2 has become increasingly relevant for battery recyclers due to its emphasis on environmental protection, health and safety, and material traceability.
Under R2, recyclers are required to demonstrate:
-
Controlled and safe handling of hazardous materials
-
Clear documentation of material flows
-
Verification of downstream recycling and disposal partners
-
Strong environmental, health, and safety management systems
-
Ongoing internal audits and continuous improvement processes
For lithium-ion battery recycling operations, this translates into stricter controls around battery disassembly, storage, transportation, thermal risk mitigation, and chemical processing. It also places responsibility on recyclers to ensure that recovered materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper are processed through legitimate, environmentally sound channels.
By adopting R2, LICO aims to reduce environmental risk while improving transparency across the full battery recycling lifecycle.
Technical Scope of LICO’s R2 Implementation
LICO confirmed that its R2 implementation covers multiple operational layers rather than a single certification milestone. The company is integrating R2 requirements into its internal management systems, operational procedures, and partner verification processes.
From a technical perspective, the implementation includes:
-
Battery intake and classification protocols to ensure safe handling of different lithium-ion chemistries
-
Enhanced storage and fire prevention controls, including segregation of damaged or high-risk batteries
-
Process documentation for mechanical and chemical recycling stages, supporting traceability and audit readiness
-
Downstream due diligence, ensuring recovered materials are sent to verified processors and refiners
-
Worker safety training aligned with hazardous material handling requirements
These measures are designed to address both operational safety and long-term environmental impact, particularly in relation to thermal runaway risks and chemical exposure associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Looking Ahead
LICO stated that the R2 implementation process is part of a broader commitment to strengthening operational governance and sustainability performance. While the company has not disclosed specific timelines for certification completion, it confirmed that internal alignment and process upgrades are already underway.
As regulatory scrutiny increases and customers demand greater accountability from recycling partners, frameworks like R2 are expected to play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of lithium-ion battery recycling.
For Singapore’s recycling ecosystem, the adoption of internationally recognised standards supports the country’s positioning as a leader in sustainable technology and responsible waste management.
About LICO
LICO is a lithium-ion battery recycling company, focused on responsible end-of-life battery management, material recovery, and sustainable recycling practices. The company supports the growing demand for safe and compliant recycling solutions across the electric mobility, energy storage, and electronics sectors.
About Global Quality Services (GQS)
Global Quality Services is an international provider of accreditation and certification support services, helping organizations implement, maintain, and improve management systems in line with global standards. GQS works with clients across industries to strengthen compliance, operational resilience, and audit readiness.