DRT is a Start - Up developing a system that recycles waste batteries using pyrolysis technology. It focused on implementing a process that is safer and more eco-friendly than conventional chemical processes. Chief Executive Jeong Cheol-won (photo) founded the company in Sep. 2023.
Based in Saemangeum, North Jeolla, DRT is seeking to enter global markets with technology that safely recycles waste batteries from electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Jeong said, "Waste batteries carry a high risk of explosion, and the current safety standards for domestic recycling processes are inadequate," adding, "We will create a standard process that secures both safety and eco-friendliness."
Jeong was an early member of SungEel HiTech, Korea's largest waste battery recycling corporations, and is an expert with more than 10 years of on-site experience. Jeong emphasized, "Behind the growth of the electric vehicle industry lies a ticking time bomb of handling used batteries," adding, "We must build a system in which they circulate as resources, not as simple waste."
DRT's core technology is a "continuous pyrolysis process." To prevent external oxygen from entering during pyrolysis, it designed an integrated sealed chamber with a precise metering feeder. The technology automates discharge, removal of organics, and gas concentration and recovery to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and drastically reduce the risk of explosion.
Conventional waste battery recycling has mostly relied on chemical wet processes or mechanical crushing. However, secondary pollution from the use of chemical solvents and low metal recovery rates have been cited as problems. In addition, existing recycling facilities often used batch methods that maintained temperatures above 500℃, leading to frequent explosions.
Jeong said, "The conventional approach has severed links between processes, making it difficult to improve productivity," adding, "We applied a continuous pyrolysis architecture to boost process efficiency."
DRT is currently conducting cooperative tests with major domestic corporations including LG Energy Solution, EcoPro, and SungEel HiTech. Overseas, it is pursuing technology demonstrations with Intertek in the United States and Nippon Recycling in Japan.
Since its founding, DRT has raised about 23 billion won in investment. Major investors include Zephyrus Lab and Leading Rainbow New Technology Investment Association.
It has established a plant on a 4,000-pyeong site (2,500 pyeong of buildings) within the Saemangeum secondary battery specialized complex and is preparing for mass production of continuous pyrolysis equipment. Jeong said, "Once the mass-production equipment goes into full operation, annual sales of up to 400 billion won will be possible."
DRT plans to build an integrated recycling system that links pyrolysis technology with metal recovery, separation, and refining. Jeong said, "Process automation based on high-temperature, oxygen-free technology is the key competitive edge," adding, "We will establish a recycling standard that combines eco-friendliness and economic feasibility."
Jeong also noted that standardization related to waste battery recycling is urgent. Jeong said, "The Ministry of Environment currently classifies waste batteries as 'designated waste,' but there are no recycling standards to match," adding, "Because of unreasonable regulations, the permitting system is ambiguous, and corporations operate under unstable standards."
By contrast, Jeong said, "China has already codified quality standards for waste batteries and is pushing resource recovery," adding, "Standardization at the national level is urgent for us as well."
Beyond waste batteries, DRT is expanding its business with pyrolysis technology that recovers oil from waste plastics and biomass. It is jointly developing technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Hyundai Oilbank and the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority (K-Petro), and is also conducting a government research project.