Possible Buyout Note: I wrote this earlier today for another post, sorry if it runs on.
You are almost correct about AMY having the only patent. Li-cyclo has one also, but there is no documented verification of the results they say they can achieve. If you do not document your process, they are probably not achieving the results they claim. in the CNBC video JB said Redwood was getting up to 95% cathode recovery and 80% lithium recovery. No documentation and a lot less than AMY is achieving.
Larry has been put through the ringer by the tier 1 companies. Why??? Because they know once they start working with a recycler they have to stay with them.
It would screw up their whole battery manufacturing process to change. The battery process is regulated by all forms of regulations. Local, State and Federal. No room for error. That is why Larry was so diligent in the beginning to ensure that their patent processes could not be disputed and it's credibility would withstand any testing.
Someone mentioned previously that Li-cycle and Lithion already have recycling contracts. I research that and they do. For batteries used in portable devices. Scrap batteries, very labor intensive. Lithion has not even started a pilot plan to use and practice on. Li-cycle is making up their spoke and hub method. Batteries are taken to the spokes and dismantled for shipment to the hub where it is broken down. They claim up to 95% of total recovery. This includes the case and supports. Total cathode recovery will be smaller perentage.
EU has set a basis for recovery regulations for EV batteries (it is in one of my previous post).
Canada and the USA have not done so but it is not far off. Any battery maker will not send their EV battery material off site for processing. They are going to have to maintain control of them. Test them, secure them and trace the material from start to final disposition in a certified new battery. That is why Larry's concept would fit the big battery makers. If you try to ship these batteries to a remote site for processing you will have to content with new regulations from DOT, DOE and OSHA and more (these are not Dewalt tool batteries).
They need to keep the recycling process on site. Here is the part that Larry does not like, they want to use they own people, but liability wise that is what makes sense.