Junior researcher Laura Torkkeli feels both relieved and joyful. Behind her lies an intense work period of data collection through interviews and analysis of the complete battery value chain, with a focus on lifecycle extension, together with her colleagues. Torkkeli is part of the EU-funded REINFORCE project, which aims to find ways to extend the lifespan of old vehicle batteries and enhance the recycling of battery materials. It is one of many projects in LUT University’s SCI-MAT multidisciplinary research platform, dedicated to circular economy of inorganic materials.
“Our research shows that electric vehicle manufacturers play a key role in a battery’s lifecycle, throughout the whole value chain. Batteries that are currently on the market have not been designed with repair, reuse or remanufacturing in mind. Disassembly is often complex, even for recycling,” says Laura Torkkeli.
Longer Lifespans or Rapid Material Recycling?
While battery recycling is most topical, the reality is that current efforts remain relatively limited, particularly when it comes to reuse. However, the EU’s new battery regulation is slowly changing the landscape. By the end of 2027, for instance, 90 % of cobalt must be recovered, and within eight years, raw materials in new batteries must partly come from secondary sources. The new regulation also encourages lifecycle extension of batteries, through repair and reuse, requiring manufacturers to provide detailed data on each battery through the battery passport. Nevertheless, focus is still heavily on recycling, throughout the whole industry.
In her work, Torkkeli has observed that seemingly sound policies can have a flipside:
“The goal of our project somewhat contradicts the objectives of both the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the Battery Regulation, which primarily focus on increasing recycling. Our project aims to extend battery lifespans by finding new uses for end-of life batteries before recycling their materials. A ‘second-life’ market for batteries, where used batteries are repurposed for applications such as energy storage, is expected to emerge."
“On the other hand, it might be better to recycle valuable materials quickly, as new technologies could enable producing multiple efficient batteries from the same materials needed to manufacture one. We simply don’t know yet, as the metrics are still missing. However, batteries are so long-lasting that Europe may not have enough recycled materials to meet the regulation’s requirements. There are a lot of uncertainties on how this market will develop.”
Embrace Opportunities
Torkkeli finds challenges inspiring and wants to work on solving significant problems. Legislation lays the foundation for action and change. The battery value chain mapping she conducted serves as a basis for understanding the field, and further research. The work feels meaningful:
“I am definitely in the right place now, working on a project with experts from different fields. Previously, I worked in a large company, advancing sustainability issues for that single organization. I quickly realized the limited impact I could have, even though the work was important and there was a lot of it. During parental leave, I began to consider how I wanted to continue my career.”
Torkkeli laughs as she recalls the enormous effort that her master’s thesis in business studies—far more extensive than initially planned—required. After that, pursuing a doctorate seemed unappealing. Over time, though, her perspective shifted. Her aunt’s example of earning a PhD showed Torkkeli that such a degree could be an attainable goal and a logical next step in her career.
Close Collaboration Across Disciplines is Key
“I completed my master’s thesis as part of a SCI-MAT research platform project, so returning when the junior researcher position opened felt natural. I was already familiar with Professor Laura Albareda and Postdoctoral Researcher Minttu Laukkanen, who now supervise my doctoral work. After a few months of research, I am beginning to appreciate the unique strengths of this multidisciplinary platform,” Torkkeli says, adding:
“It’s great to know exactly which expert to turn to and confirm that I’ve understood things correctly.”
“My motto is ‘seize opportunities.’ That’s what I recommend to anyone considering doctoral studies. It might feel intimidating and like a big decision, but based on my experience, I can say the working environment at LUT is relaxed and supportive. The work is demanding, but it also brings a sense of freedom to daily life.”
As we navigate the complexities of the circular economy, platforms like SCI-MAT demonstrate that collaboration across disciplines is essential for tackling global sustainability challenges. Multidisciplinary SCI-MAT research platform connects researchers from various fields and international projects, developing socially, economically, and technically sustainable solutions for the circular economy of inorganic materials.
Text: Jaana Ryynänen
Photo: Laura Torkkeli, REINFORCE Project General Assembly November 2024 at Comau Factory in Torino, Italy
Find open positions: Open positions | LUT University
Read more about batteries:
Reinforce: transforming the life cycle of batteries
How to loop used batteries into a new life | LUT University
Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) Critical Raw Materials Act - European Commission
EU Battery Regulation: Batteries - European Commission