An exploratory study on the End-Of-Life Batteries Supply Chain: the automotive sector perspective

Demand for batteries is increasing at unprecedented rates, driven by the electrification of transport sector. As a consequence of this, supply chains of companies all over the world will face challenges related to raw material supply chain, production and End-Of-Life (EOL) waste management. In this regard, the thesis discusses all aspects involved in the EOL management of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), analyzing current and future perspectives. Starting from raw materials demand and supply, the work will try to determine the impact of remanufacture, reuse and recycle on batteries supply chain, providing also a complete picture of actors active in these fields in EU and US regions. Collection, transportation and disassembling are also an important part of the work. Closed Loop Supply Chain models and Reverse Logistics processes are reviewed, corresponding research review related to these aspects and including future research directions. Furthermore, a Closed Loop Supply Chain processes model is theorized.