Press Release
The Hidden Economic And Environmental Cost Of EV Batteries And How To Create A Sustainable Circular Economy
–News Direct–

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga
The global push towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a pivotal shift in efforts to reduce carbon emissions worldwide. In 2022, transportation was responsible for approximately 50% of greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of air pollutants in California. For Californian lawmakers, the solution was simple a policy to advance carbon neutrality by phasing out the sale of vehicles powered by fossil fuels. While electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help decrease carbon emissions, what many are unaware of is that the battery industry is still a contributor to waste and pollution.
There are some challenges when using EV batteries as a solution to achieving carbon neutrality, due to the environmental impact caused by the mining and refining processes of materials such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium and graphite. The production of anode and cathode active materials also involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
However, while the lifecycle of EV batteries does generate waste, the overall environmental impact is less than that of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Thats why embracing the recycling of batteries is crucial to overall sustainability. However, even the battery recycling industry is facing challenges in achieving sustainability. Some companies, such as Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS), are looking to change that.
Aqua Metals: Addressing Challenges Faced By The Recycling Industry
Traditionally, battery recycling has relied on methods like hydrometallurgy, which, while somewhat effective in recovering valuable metals, comes with significant environmental drawbacks. These methods use large quantities of chemicals that lead to substantial waste production, primarily sodium sulfate.
In response to these challenges, Aqua Metals has pioneered a radically different approach to battery recycling that it says aligns with the principles of a circular economy. By electrifying the recycling process, Aqua Metals patented AquaRefining technology eliminates the need for harsh chemical reactions used in traditional metal recovery. This innovative approach not only reduces the embedded emissions from chemical use but also entirely avoids the production of sodium sulfate waste.
Sodium Sulfate Waste
Aqua Metals shares that in the recycling process of lithium batteries, the main waste material is sodium sulfate, which is a byproduct of the chemical reactions used to separate metals during certain processes. To put it in perspective, Aqua Metals says a typical battery recycler generates around 2 to 2.5 tonnes of sodium sulfate for every tonne of battery material recycled. Considering that only 50% of the battery material contains valuable substances such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, the company reports that this means that the amount of waste produced is four to five times greater than the valuable materials recovered. In other words, the recycling process falls short of true recycling and instead contributes to pollution with a small stream of recovered metals.
While regulators arent yet cracking down on these recycling issues, inefficient and polluting recycling practices are at risk of facing obstacles and threats as regulations do evolve to address these issues. While moving away from fossil fuels is an essential part of staying below the 2 Celsius threshold that scientists around the world are urging leaders and industries to adhere to, its also critical when thinking about how to change existing practices to effectively evolve into sustainable ones.
Can The EV Battery Industry Become More Sustainable?
Recycling batteries is part of the answer, but sustainable recycling is key. Companies like Aqua Metals are at the forefront of this transition, redefining the recycling landscape with innovative technologies that are helping deliver a path to net-zero battery recycling. The companys AquaRefining method significantly enhances the sustainability of the recycling process, offering numerous benefits, such as:
1. Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating chemical waste, AquaRefining drastically cuts down the pollution typically associated with battery recycling, helping to preserve ecosystems and reduce landfill usage.
2. Economic Efficiency: With lower operational costs due to the absence of chemical handling and waste disposal requirements, the company says AquaRefining presents a more cost-effective solution for recycling batteries. This efficiency is particularly advantageous as the global demand for batteries increases, necessitating more robust and economical recycling solutions.
3. Support for Domestic Supply Chains: AquaRefining contributes to building domestic supply chains for critical battery materials. As more countries and companies look to reduce dependencies on foreign mineral sources, having a reliable, domestically produced supply of recycled materials is invaluable.
The environmental and community impacts of sourcing critical minerals for the clean energy economy are well documented. By pioneering advancements in sustainable recycling technology, we are enabling the circular battery economy and decarbonizing large portions of the clean energy supply chain, setting a new paradigm for the industryone that minimizes the environmental impacts of critical minerals and offers equitable economic opportunities to host communities. These principles of a circular economy are essential to achieving our most ambitious goals to combat climate change and provide a blueprint for an inclusive energy transition that respects both the planet and its people, shares Aqua Metals Chief Business Officer, Dave McMurtry.
The company recently received the title of 'Leader in Sustainability' bestowed by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) as part of its Existing Industry Awards. Its sustainable processes have garnered praise from U.S. Congressman Amodei and U.S. Senator Cortez-Masto, as well as accolades from the Office of Nevada Lieutenant Governor Anthony. Aqua Metals' pivotal approach to a sustainable circular supply chain for essential minerals is helping transform recycling as we know it.
Given the increasing reliance on battery technology and the imminent task of recycling millions of tons of lithium-ion batteries in the future, the implementation of eco-friendly recycling practices is critical. As the industry continues to evolve, Aqua Metals' innovative recycling process could not only offer a blueprint for future developments but also demonstrate the practical viability of environmentally friendly technology. By reducing the ecological footprint of battery recycling, Aqua Metals is not just processing materials it is shaping the future of energy and sustainability.
Featured photo by Josh Power on Unsplash.
Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders.
This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.
Contact Details
Benzinga
+1 877-440-9464
Company Website
View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/the-hidden-economic-and-environmental-cost-of-ev-batteries-and-how-to-create-a-sustainable-circular-economy-180439948
Benzinga
COMTEX_453335488/2655/2024-06-04T09:02:02
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Sheryar Shah Predicts Major Decline in Hong Kong Graduate Entry-Level Jobs by 2028
Sheryar Shah, Head of AI Growth at sher.hk, highlights a 55% year-on-year drop in Hong Kong graduate entry-level vacancies — the lowest in five years — as companies adopt AI for routine junior tasks.
Hong Kong S.A.R., 9th Mar 2026 – Sheryar Shah, Head of AI Growth at sher.hk, has drawn attention to a notable trend in Hong Kong’s graduate employment market: full-time entry-level graduate vacancies have fallen by approximately 55% year-on-year — reaching the lowest level recorded in five years — as companies increasingly adopt generative AI and automation tools for routine junior tasks.

“The entry-level pathway that Hong Kong graduates have traditionally relied on is undergoing visible change,” Shah noted. “We are seeing a clear 55% reduction in advertised graduate positions through the public university portals, and AI is already handling many of the basic starter tasks that used to be managed by new hires. Current trends suggest this shift will continue in the coming years.”
Current data indicates ongoing change in the market
Hong Kong’s graduate recruitment environment is showing clear movement:
- Full-time graduate vacancies through the eight public universities declined approximately 55% year-on-year in the most recent reporting period — the lowest figure in five years.
- Generative AI is now commonly used for functions previously assigned to new graduates: basic email drafting, data entry, customer-service responses, simple translation, content generation, junior administrative support, and routine compliance monitoring.
- Surveys of employers from late 2025 into early 2026 show many companies planning continued adjustments to graduate intake, with AI often identified as an alternative for repetitive entry-level work.
Shah points to the 55% drop as evidence of a broader structural shift, supported by international workforce analyses (McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, IMF 2023–2025) that expect continued automation in administrative, clerical, and service-oriented sectors. “When AI reliably performs 70–80% of a junior role’s output at significantly lower cost, the economic rationale for retaining the human equivalent becomes more challenging,” he explained. “Across many Hong Kong businesses, this reasoning is contributing to the changes we observe in traditional graduate entry opportunities.”
A changing job market structure
Shah highlighted an important distinction:
- Overall employment levels in Hong Kong are not expected to decline sharply. New roles will continue to emerge.
- Emerging demand is increasingly focused on positions that require immediate AI fluency combined with specialised human judgment — a combination that most current graduates are not yet fully prepared to meet from day one.
“The graduate entry market is shifting noticeably,” Shah observed. “Premium opportunities now often require AI proficiency from the outset. The large volume of ‘learn-as-you-go’ starter positions that historically served as the bridge is contracting. The middle ground is narrowing.”
This observation comes as Hong Kong experiences a pronounced contraction in graduate employment in recent years, with ongoing youth unemployment pressures and companies placing greater emphasis on AI solutions for routine functions.
(The 55% figure reflects reported year-on-year vacancy data from Hong Kong’s public university job portals. Future developments will depend on upskilling initiatives, economic conditions, and policy responses. The observed direction is consistent with current trends and international analyses.)
Media Contact
Organization: trustbanana
Contact Person: Sher
Website: https://trustbanana.com
Email: Send Email
Country:Hong Kong S.A.R.
Release id:42312
The post Sheryar Shah Predicts Major Decline in Hong Kong Graduate Entry-Level Jobs by 2028 appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Pure Tax Investigations Provides Specialist HMRC Tax Compliance and Disclosure Services Across the UK
Pure Tax Investigations, led by tax specialist Amit Puri, supports individuals and businesses navigating HMRC tax enquiries and voluntary disclosure procedures.

London, United Kingdom, 9th Mar 2026 – Pure Tax Investigations, a specialist firm focused on HMRC tax compliance and voluntary disclosures, continues to assist individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the United Kingdom with tax enquiry and disclosure matters. The firm brings more than two decades of professional experience to each case, helping clients work through complex tax compliance requirements.
Based in the City of London, Pure Tax Investigations regularly contributes commentary and professional insights to leading industry publications. These include Bloomberg Tax, FT Adviser, Accounting Today, AccountingWEB, Tax Insider, Taxation Magazine, and The Negotiator. The firm shares analysis and information to help professionals and the public better understand the tax disclosure and compliance process.
Most recently, Amit Puri authored a piece on crypto tax disclosures, drawing on his experience in the field of tax compliance and voluntary disclosure procedures.
Puri has also been an active speaker at industry events. He previously presented at Accountex in London and is scheduled to present at FAB 2026 at the Birmingham NEC on March 11.
Areas of Practice
Pure Tax Investigations supports clients across several areas of HMRC tax compliance and voluntary disclosure, including:
- HMRC tax enquiry guidance
- Code of Practice 9 (COP9) compliance procedures
- Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) voluntary disclosures
- Complex matters benefiting from prior HMRC inspector experience
The firm’s focus is on helping clients understand their tax position and work through disclosure procedures in a structured and compliant manner.
Expert Perspective
“Many individuals and businesses are simply unaware of their options when it comes to making a voluntary tax disclosure. Our role is to guide people through that process clearly and professionally, so they can resolve their tax position with confidence,” said Amit Puri, Founder, Pure Tax Investigations
Background of Amit Puri
Amit Puri brings more than 21 years of experience in tax investigations and disclosures. He spent over a decade as a senior tax inspector with HMRC, including a period as head of the tax disclosures team.
That background gives Puri a grounded understanding of how HMRC approaches enquiries and disclosures, knowledge he now applies in advising clients. He is regularly sought out by individuals looking to address past tax matters and by professional publications seeking industry perspective on tax compliance trends.
About Pure Tax Investigations
Pure Tax Investigations was established to provide specialist advice on HMRC tax matters. Amit Puri has been working in tax investigations for over 21 years and has spent nearly 12 years in private practice advising clients on compliance and disclosure matters.
The firm operates from the City of London and serves clients across the United Kingdom, including individuals and businesses with overseas connections and UK tax obligations.
To learn more, visit https://pure-tax.com/
For any inquiries, call +44 203 757 5669 or send an email to info@pure-tax.com.
For the latest updates, follow Pure Tax Investigations on social media:
Instagram: @pure.tax.investigations
YouTube @AmitPuri-PureTaxInvestigations
LinkedIn @amitpurigt
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-tax/
Media Contact
Organization: Pure Tax Investigations
Contact Person: Mr. Amit Puri
Website: https://pure-tax.com/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +442037575669
City: London
Country:United Kingdom
Release id:42303
The post Pure Tax Investigations Provides Specialist HMRC Tax Compliance and Disclosure Services Across the UK appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Elmark Sign Company Elevates Brand Visibility with Expert Custom Signage Solutions
West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States, 9th Mar 2026 — Elmark Sign Company, a leading provider of custom signs, office branding, and vehicle graphics, continues to set the standard for high-impact visual communication with industry-trusted craftsmanship and strategic design expertise. With over 40 years in business and a track record of more than 50,000 completed projects, Elmark reinforces its commitment to helping businesses enhance visibility, strengthen branding, and create memorable customer experiences.
At a time when a standout presence matters more than ever, Elmark delivers tailored signage solutions that help organizations of all sizes—from local small businesses to global corporations—bring their brand messages to life. The company’s comprehensive portfolio includes acrylic panel signs, ADA & Braille signs, carved signs, dimensional letters, LED-illuminated signs, exterior and interior signage, plaques, vehicle wraps, wall and window vinyl, and wayfinding systems.
Approaching each project with a “client first” mindset, the Elmark team provides a high quality customer experience from start to finish. They work closely with clients to understand their goals, challenges, and unique brand identities, delivering customized signage that not only looks exceptional but also performs under real-world conditions.
Unlike generic sign providers, Elmark offers end-to-end project management, including site surveys, permit acquisition, engineering, and installation services. This holistic approach ensures that each sign is not only visually striking but also compliant with local regulations and optimized for maximum impact.
Elmark Sign Company’s portfolio spans industries and applications—from enhancing retail storefronts and corporate environments to transforming vehicle fleets into mobile billboards. With decades of experience, Elmark has earned the trust of clients across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, serving markets such as Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and New Castle County.
In addition to custom signage, Elmark’s professional design services support brand development through thoughtful visual strategy and creative execution. Whether a business needs new branding assets or a refresh of existing signage systems, Elmark’s experts guide each client through a seamless process from concept to completion.
With a legacy built on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Elmark Sign Company continues to champion innovative signage solutions that help organizations increase brand recognition and engage their audiences more effectively than ever before.
About Elmark Sign Company
Elmark Sign Company is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier manufacturer of custom signs, vehicle wraps, and branding graphics. With 40+ years of experience and thousands of happy clients, Elmark delivers creative, high-quality signage solutions backed by exceptional service and a commitment to excellence.
Website: https://www.elmark.com/
Media Contact
Organization: Elmark Sign Company
Contact Person: Matthew Bayley
Website: https://www.elmark.com/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +16106920525
Address:307 Westtown Road
City: West Chester
State: Pennsylvania
Country:United States
Release id:42430
The post Elmark Sign Company Elevates Brand Visibility with Expert Custom Signage Solutions appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
-
Press Release1 week ago
Sunshine Jewelries Emphasizes Thoughtful Design With Jewelry Made for Real Life, Real Wear, and Everyday Confidence
-
Press Release7 days ago
DeZero Launches the World’s First AI ‘Second Brain’ for Crypto Traders
-
Press Release7 days ago
Alluring Window Expands Professional Somfy Motorized Shade Installations Across New York City
-
Press Release1 week ago
Context Releases 2025 Luxury Fashion Sustainability Benchmark on ESG Disclosures
-
Press Release1 week ago
Sunshine Jewelries Launches a Line Featuring Everyday Staples for Work, Events, and Gifting
-
Press Release7 days ago
A New Chapter Begins: WeTrade Continues Partnership with Phantom Global Racing
-
Press Release7 days ago
JET IT Services Launches IT Audit to Help Foreign Companies With Microsoft 365 Network and Connectivity Issues in China
-
Press Release6 days ago
Daughter Exposes Family Theft Amid Father’s Alzheimer’s Battle
