Aurelius Environmental and Aurelius Technologies are UK-based waste management and recycling technology sister companies aiming to change the way we recycle batteries and use waste.
They take their focus from sustainability in the local community, and foster a complementary fairness for businesses and consumers alike. Lower transportation costs and more local recycling facilities are just some of the methods used to realise their vision.
With the aim of linking waste streams from one business to in-feeds in another, a zero-polluting, zero-waste and energy efficient practice also forms part of this vision.
Through collaborations with science and academia, they are developing technologies that enable innovation in lead-acid and Li-ion battery recycling.
In partnership with the University of Cambridge, UK, the sister companies are introducing a hydrometallurgical process as a potential alternative to waste battery paste de-sulphurisation and/or smelting – a zero-emission, low-carbon, energy-yielding process providing an industrial step-change in the recycling of lead.
The history of Aurelius
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius often looked to Nature for guidance and, unlike many of his peers and predecessors, stood up for the needs of his public. Inspired by the emperor’s humility and moral values, Aurelius Environmental’s founder and CEO Miles Freeman named his company after him and based it upon four similar pillars:
- Pride – in its work;
- Passion – for the environment and community;
- Perfection – in the quality of its goods and services; and
- Profiteering on behalf of communities’ collective and sustainable success.
In this booklet, Aurelius’ chief technology and innovation officer, Athan Fox, describes how the idea merged into action and inspired interest from Cambridge scientists and the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
He continues to introduce his and Freeman’s work alongside a comprehensive overview of the lead-acid battery recycling industry and how it can complement a circular economy, as well as local and regional environments, public health and sustainability.
