Japan’s lead battery recycling landscape has undergone significant changes over the past three years.

The most notable shift has been the entry of Chinese secondary lead manufacturers into the market. While not all ventures have been successful, two to three companies are already in operation.

The number of Japanese lead battery recycling companies has remained stable, neither increasing nor decreasing. However, as the volume of lead battery scrap is expected to decline in the future, the growing number of market players has intensified the competition to secure scrap materials.

Amid worsening conditions for purchasing lead ore, Japan’s primary lead smelters are increasing their reliance on recycled materials (lead battery scrap).

In other words, Japan’s lead battery scrap, as a limited and valuable source of lead, continues to be in a state of constant shortage.

Meanwhile, among Japan’s lead battery manufacturers, three major players remain: GS Yuasa, Energywith, and Furukawa Battery. However, domestic production is likely to be consolidated going forward.

This presentation will explore these ongoing transformations in Japan’s lead battery and recycling industries.