Top 10 Lithium-ion Battery Crushing and Separation Equipment Suppliers in South Korea in 2025

Nestled in Busan’s tech hub, this company has made a name for itself by focusing on one thing: air pollution control systems that make battery recycling safer for workers and the planet. While other suppliers treat pollution control as an "add-on," Busan Green Tech integrates it into the core of their lithium battery recycling plants—because, as their motto says, "A recycler shouldn’t have to choose between profit and clean air."

Their signature system, "EcoShield-3000," combines high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, thermal oxidizers, and scrubbers to tackle the full range of emissions from battery breaking: dust, acidic gases, and even trace heavy metals. A recent installation in Canada’s oil sands region (yes, battery recycling in oil country!) saw the system reduce particulate matter emissions to 0.001 mg/m³—30 times lower than local regulations required.

But Busan Green Tech isn’t just about "clean"—it’s about "smart clean." Their systems come with IoT-enabled monitors that track emissions in real time, sending alerts to operators if levels rise. "We had a client in Southeast Asia where humidity affected filter performance," explains Tae-Young Lee, the company’s environmental compliance director. "Our system detected the issue before it became a problem, adjusted the air flow automatically, and sent a notification to the maintenance team. Downtime avoided, emissions kept in check—that’s the power of connected technology."

Today, Busan Green Tech’s systems are used in over 40 countries, often paired with equipment from other suppliers on this list. "We’re happy to collaborate," Lee says. "At the end of the day, our goal is the same: making battery recycling as green as possible."

For recyclers who need "power with precision," Daegu Precision Machinery (DPM) delivers. This family-owned company, founded in 1995, cut its teeth building industrial shredders before pivoting to battery recycling equipment in 2012. Today, their li-ion battery breaking and separating equipment is known for its rugged durability and ability to handle "tough cases"—like EV battery packs with steel casings or damaged batteries prone to thermal runaway.

DPM’s "Titan Series" shredders are the workhorses of their lineup. Unlike standard shredders that struggle with rigid battery casings, these machines use hardened steel blades and a hydraulically adjustable cutting gap to handle everything from small cylindrical batteries to large prismatic packs. "We tested our Titan-500 on 10,000 EV battery modules over six months," says DPM’s chief engineer, Sung-Ho Kim. "The blades showed minimal wear, and the separation efficiency stayed above 95%. That’s the kind of reliability recyclers need when dealing with high-volume waste streams."

But DPM doesn’t stop at breaking—their downstream separation systems are equally impressive. Take their dry separator, which uses a combination of magnetic separation and air classification to sort metals. A client in Brazil, recycling a mix of EV and consumer electronics batteries, reported recovering 99% of cobalt and nickel using DPM’s equipment—metals that would otherwise end up in landfills or require new mining.

What’s the secret to their durability? "We build machines like we’d build them for ourselves," Kim says. "Our factory in Daegu has an in-house metallurgy lab where we test blade materials and component designs. We don’t cut corners—even the hydraulic systems are sourced from top European suppliers to ensure smooth operation in extreme temperatures, from the deserts of Australia to the cold climates of Scandinavia."

With clients ranging from small scrap yards to automotive giants like Hyundai, DPM has proven that "precision" and "power" don’t have to be mutually exclusive. As Kim puts it: "Battery recycling is a tough job. The equipment should be the last thing you worry about."

Incheon Recycling Systems (IRS) is proof that "small can be mighty." This mid-sized supplier, with a team of just 50 employees, has carved a niche in the market by focusing on portable and modular lithium battery recycling plants —ideal for remote locations or recyclers who need to scale up gradually.

Their bestseller? The "MiniCycle-500," a compact system that fits in a 40-foot container yet can process 500 kg/h of lithium-ion batteries. "We designed it for clients who don’t have the space or budget for a full-scale plant," explains IRS founder, Mi-Sun Park. "A recycler in Kenya, for example, uses two MiniCycle units to handle battery waste from Nairobi’s tech markets. They can load it onto a truck and move it to collection points—no need for expensive infrastructure."

Modularity is another IRS strength. Clients can start with a basic breaking and separating unit, then add components like air pollution control systems or metal refining modules as their business grows. "One of our clients in Vietnam started with just a shredder and separator in 2020," Park recalls. "By 2023, they’d added our air scrubber and briquetting machine, tripling their output and increasing profits by 40%. That’s the beauty of modular design—growth without disruption."

Today, IRS systems are operating in over 20 countries, from rural South Africa to island nations in the Pacific. "We’re not trying to compete with the big players on volume," Park adds. "We’re competing on accessibility. Everyone should have the chance to turn battery waste into resources—no matter how small their operation."

When it comes to "next-gen" technology, Gyeonggi Advanced Recycling (GAR) is leading the pack. This supplier, based in the tech hub of Gyeonggi Province, is pioneering the use of AI and machine learning in lithium-ion battery recycling equipment—making the process faster, more efficient, and less dependent on manual labor.

Their "SmartCycle" system is a game-changer. Equipped with cameras and sensors, it can identify battery types (lithium-ion vs. nickel-metal hydride, for example) and adjust processing parameters in real time. "Imagine a conveyor belt of mixed batteries," says GAR’s AI research lead, Dr. Joon-woo Choi. "Our system scans each battery, determines its chemistry, and tells the shredder how fast to spin and the separator what air flow to use. It’s like having a master recycler operating every machine at once."

The results? A client in Germany reported a 25% increase in throughput and a 15% reduction in energy use after installing SmartCycle. "The AI learns from every battery it processes," Dr. Choi adds. "Over time, it gets better at predicting separation patterns, which means even higher recovery rates. It’s not just automation—it’s intelligent automation."

GAR is also pushing the boundaries in material recovery. Their latest innovation, a "nano-ceramic ball mill," uses specially designed ceramic balls to grind battery sludge into ultra-fine particles, making it easier to extract lithium. Early tests show a lithium recovery rate of 98%—a significant jump from the industry average of 85-90%. "Lithium is the most valuable metal in these batteries, but it’s also the hardest to extract," Dr. Choi explains. "Our ball mill changes that by breaking down the crystalline structure of lithium compounds without damaging the metal itself."

While GAR’s technology comes with a higher price tag, clients say the ROI is worth it. "Yes, SmartCycle costs more upfront," says a recycling plant manager in the U.S. "But in two years, we’ve saved enough on labor and energy, and recovered enough extra metal, to pay for the system. Plus, the data it collects helps us optimize our entire operation—from sourcing batteries to selling recycled metals."

Suwon Environmental Engineering (SEE) has a simple mission: "Make battery recycling accessible to everyone." Since 2010, this supplier has focused on designing cost-effective lithium battery recycling plant systems that don’t compromise on quality—perfect for startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to enter the recycling industry without breaking the bank.

Their "EcoStart" series is tailored for first-time recyclers. Starting at under $100,000, these turnkey systems include a shredder, separator, and basic air filtration—everything needed to start processing small batches of batteries. "We remember what it’s like to be a startup," says SEE’s founder, Hana Kim. "You have a great idea, but capital is tight. Our goal is to give you a system that works reliably, meets environmental standards, and grows with you."

Don’t let the "budget-friendly" label fool you—SEE’s equipment is built to last. Their shredders use reinforced steel frames to handle daily use, and their separators are designed for easy maintenance (no special tools required). "We train our clients to do basic repairs themselves," Kim adds. "A lot of small recyclers don’t have on-site engineers, so we make sure the manual is clear and our support team is a phone call away."

Today, SEE has helped launch over 200 recycling startups across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. "Our proudest moments aren’t when we sell a machine," Kim reflects, "but when we get a call six months later and hear, ‘We’re profitable, and we’re planning to expand with another SEE system.’ That’s when we know we’ve done our job."

For large-scale operations, Ulsan Heavy Industries (UHI) is the go-to name. This supplier specializes in high-capacity lithium battery recycling plants that can process 2,000 kg/h or more—think automotive OEMs recycling end-of-life EV batteries or industrial facilities handling bulk battery waste.

Their flagship "MegaCycle-2500" plant is a marvel of engineering. Spanning the size of a basketball court, it combines shredders, separators, air pollution control systems, and metal refining modules into a single, integrated line. "We designed it for clients who need to process entire EV battery packs—casings, wires, and all," says UHI’s project manager, Jung-Hoon Park. "The system first removes the plastic casings, then shreds the battery modules, separates the metals, and even briquettes the metal powder for easy transport to refineries."

What’s impressive isn’t just the capacity—it’s the consistency. A European automaker using the MegaCycle-2500 reports that the plant maintains a metal recovery rate of 97% even when processing mixed battery types (different chemistries, sizes, and brands). "In large-scale recycling, variability is the enemy," Park explains. "Our system uses automated sorting and adjustable processing parameters to ensure every battery is treated optimally, no matter what comes down the line."

UHI also excels in "turnkey projects"—handling everything from facility design to installation to staff training. For a recent project in China, they oversaw the construction of a greenfield recycling plant, complete with UHI equipment and custom software to track materials from intake to final product. "We don’t just deliver machines—we deliver a fully functional recycling ecosystem," Park says. "Our clients tell us the seamless integration saves them months of startup time."

With clients like Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution, UHI has proven it can handle the demands of the world’s largest battery manufacturers. "When you’re processing tens of thousands of batteries a day, you need equipment you can trust," Park adds. "That’s what UHI delivers—day in, day out."

Daejeon Green Machines (DGM) is on a mission to make battery recycling "energy-positive"—meaning the energy produced from recovered metals is greater than the energy used to process the batteries. Their secret? Ultra-efficient equipment designs and a focus on "circular energy" systems.

Take their "EcoPower" series of separators, which use solar-powered auxiliary systems to reduce grid electricity use by up to 30%. "We installed solar panels on the roof of a client’s facility in Spain," explains DGM’s sustainability director, Soo-Jin Lee. "The panels power the conveyor belts and air pollution control fans, cutting their energy bills by €2,000 a month. Over the plant’s lifetime, that’s a massive saving—and a huge reduction in carbon footprint."

DGM’s equipment also minimizes waste in other ways. Their shredders are designed to produce uniform particle sizes, reducing the need for reprocessing. Their separators use magnetic and electrostatic forces instead of water (a boon for water-scarce regions), and their air pollution control systems capture not just emissions, but also fine metal particles that can be recycled. "We calculate the ‘total resource efficiency’ of every system we build," Lee adds. "It’s not enough to recover metals—we need to recover them with as little energy and resources as possible."

While DGM’s focus on sustainability has earned them certifications like ISO 14001 and the EU’s Ecolabel, their clients love the bottom-line benefits too. "Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business," Lee says. "Consumers and investors are increasingly demanding green practices, and our equipment helps recyclers meet those demands while staying profitable."

Rounding out our list is Sejong Tech Innovations (STI), a rising star known for its "out-of-the-box" solutions to tough recycling challenges. From lithium battery recycling plant systems that handle damaged or swollen batteries to custom separators for rare earth metals, STI thrives where other suppliers see roadblocks.

Their "SafeCycle" system is a lifesaver for recyclers dealing with "problem batteries"—those that are swollen, leaking, or damaged (a common issue in post-consumer waste). The system uses a nitrogen-purged shredding chamber to prevent thermal runaway, along with specialized sensors that detect off-gases and automatically shut down operations if needed. "We tested it with 500 damaged EV batteries," says STI’s R&D head, Dr. Kyung-Mo Kang. "Not a single fire, not a single gas leak. That’s peace of mind for recyclers who handle unpredictable waste streams."

STI also leads in "niche recycling"—equipment for batteries used in specialized industries, like medical devices or aerospace. Their "MicroCycle" system, for example, can process small, high-value batteries used in pacemakers and hearing aids, extracting tiny amounts of precious metals with pinpoint accuracy. "These batteries are often overlooked, but they contain gold-plated components and high-purity lithium," Dr. Kang explains. "Our system treats them with the precision they deserve, ensuring nothing is wasted."

What’s next for STI? They’re currently developing a "mobile recycling unit"—a truck-mounted system that can process batteries on-site, reducing transportation costs and emissions. "Imagine a battery collection event at a shopping mall," Dr. Kang says. "Our mobile unit could shred and separate the batteries right there, turning waste into metal pellets ready for refining. It’s recycling on the go."

With a focus on innovation and problem-solving, STI is proof that even in a mature industry, there’s always room for new ideas. "Battery technology evolves every year," Dr. Kang adds. "Recycling equipment needs to evolve with it. At STI, we’re not just keeping up—we’re trying to stay one step ahead."