On 13 February 2026, the European BATMASS project hosted the Second Circular Battery Valley (CBV) Interregional Forum in a hybrid format from Béthune (France) and online. Organised by project partner TEAM2 together with S3PI Artois, the event formed part of the wider conference “Structuring the Battery Value Chain: Regulation & Circular Economy” and was conducted in French.
Bringing together 98 participants (43% from industry), the forum addressed key technical, logistical and regulatory challenges linked to the deployment of circular economy principles in the lithium-ion battery sector. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of building a resilient and fully circular European battery value chain — capable of managing end-of-life batteries, production scrap and second-life applications.
Industry Insights and Regulatory Challenges
A roundtable featuring VoltR, Mecaware, Battri and INERIS explored innovations in recycling technologies, second-life battery manufacturing, blackmass valorisation and safety management.
Regulatory barriers — particularly concerning blackmass transport, battery certification and waste traceability — were repeatedly identified as major obstacles. The need for clearer frameworks, training and alignment across regions emerged as a central theme.
BATMASS Demonstrators in Focus
The forum also showcased progress within BATMASS, including updates from two demonstrators led by Orano and Greenvision.
Orano presented its pilot closing the loop through recycling and synthesis of cathode active materials (CAM and PCAM), focusing on NMC chemistries. Greenvision highlighted its second-life battery solution for small ships, demonstrating the commercial potential of reuse models.
Strengthening Interregional Collaboration
Building on the outcomes of the first edition, this second CBV Interregional Forum reinforced interregional dialogue and gave visibility to early BATMASS results. It also helped identify ecosystem needs — notably regulatory clarification, innovation investment (including Horizon Europe opportunities), and stronger links between recyclers and training institutions to develop a skilled workforce.
By convening industry, public authorities and research actors, the CBV Forum continues to position BATMASS as a catalyst for accelerating Europe’s transition towards a resilient and fully circular battery value chain.
