When most people's memory of the recycling industry still lingers on the scene of workers manually sorting waste materials, Hong Kong's first EV battery processing plant has started a new chapter for the industry. Ms. Kwok Ho Yee, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Envision Greenwise Holdings Limited (“Envision Greenwise”, 01783.HK) pointed out at the interview with Bastille Post that the processing plant will convert spent batteries into "urban minerals" through "echelon utilization" and "black mass recycling" technologies, allowing the value of the circular economy to be realized in Hong Kong.
Ms. Kwok Ho Yee, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Envision Greenwise Holdings Limited, Photo by Bastille Post
Precise Detection Determines the Rebirth of Batteries
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Ms. Kwok Ho Yee, the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Envision Greenwise Holdings Limited, Photo by Bastille Post
The first EV battery processing plant in Hong Kong is expected to be officially put into use in the Eco-Park in Tuen Mun in the first half of 2026. It will be invested, constructed and operated by the subsidiary company of Envision Greenwise. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
The construction of the EV battery recycling facility has been mentioned in the 2025 Policy Address, reflecting the government's stress on the new energy industry as an important development direction. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
Black mass is an intermediate material required for the conversion from used batteries into new ones. Photo source: reference image
The processing plant will become a regional hub for developing new energy, facilitating the marketization of the locally produced products. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
The group "Envision Greenwise", Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
According to Ms. Kwok, after the batteries are transported to the processing plant, a comprehensive assessment of their state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) will be conducted first. If the batteries still have good performance, they will be sent for the "echelon utilization" - after a series of redesign and adjustment, the batteries can be recycled for energy storage systems and backup power supplies, etc., to extend their product longevity. If the batteries' conditions cannot meet the requirements of reusing, they will be sent to the automated recycling production line and extract key material "black mass" through processes such as crushing and sorting.
The first EV battery processing plant in Hong Kong is expected to be officially put into use in the Eco-Park in Tuen Mun in the first half of 2026. It will be invested, constructed and operated by the subsidiary company of Envision Greenwise. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
SOH is not the Only Criterion for Judgment
Whether a battery is suitable for "echelon utilization" does not solely depend on its state of health. Instead, multiple factors need to be considered at the same time, including the battery's type, specification, physical condition, size, and actual usage time, etc. Ms. Kwok explained that since batteries of different brands and models would vary in structural design and durability, and the car owners' habits of charging and discharging would also directly affect the degree of battery degradation, even if the battery is not in an ideal state of health, once its characteristics can meet the requirements of specific usage scenarios, it can still be recycled via "echelon utilization" to extend the product longevity.
The construction of the EV battery recycling facility has been mentioned in the 2025 Policy Address, reflecting the government's stress on the new energy industry as an important development direction. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
Black Mass Far Exceeds Natural Minerals
Black mass is the "essence" of used batteries, with a concentrate of strategic metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, etc. Since these metals would not change their physical properties during the usage of batteries, high-purity raw materials can be directly extracted from the used batteries and recycled for the manufacture of new batteries, realizing a closed-loop recycling of resources.
Black mass is an intermediate material required for the conversion from used batteries into new ones. Photo source: reference image
Compared with traditional ore mining, the extraction and reuse of black mass from used batteries is more environmentally friendly and efficient. Ms. Kwok explained that mining natural ores requires processing a large amount of ore to merely obtain a small amount of metal. Moreover, the process will also bring about the harms of high energy consumption and carbon emissions. In comparison, the recycling of black mass can achieve the goal of "producing as many raw materials as possible if there are enough batteries" instead.
As more and more battery factories around the world are required to utilize a certain proportion of recycled materials, black mass has become a key resource for promoting the circular economy, which helps to reduce reliance on limited minerals and lower environmental load at the same time.
Black Mass will be Delivered Directly
Ms. Kwok stated that the group has established stable cooperative relationships with leading battery and energy storage system manufacturers in the industry, such as Brunp Recycling, Gotion High-tech, JinkoSolar, and Huayou Cobalt, etc. The cooperative enterprises all set up production lines in the Greater Bay Area, and even across China and overseas, which ensures that the black mass recycled and processed in Hong Kong can be directly delivered to downstream producers through the most efficient route to achieve a rapid loop of resource utilization.
Insufficient Land Resources and Shortage of Talents Pose Challenges
The EV battery processing plant started its construction in June of 2024, and its building was completed in October this year, with a construction period of approximately one year. Nevertheless, tracing back to the project development process, the plant once faced the challenge of site selection. Ms. Kwok said that due to the scarce industrial land resources in Hong Kong and the need for the plant to be built far from residential areas, etc., it was extremely difficult for the group to find suitable sites at the beginning. Luckily, with the energetic support of the government, the group was finally approved to obtain about 100,000 square feet of land at EcoPark in Tuen Mun. As for the long-term development of the battery recycling industry, Ms. Kwok emphasized that land resources are still the core restricting factor. Moreover, she also mentioned that the talent pool of local professionals in the new energy industry is insufficient, requiring industry-academia collaboration and the introduction of international experts to fill the gap of talents in need.
The processing plant will become a regional hub for developing new energy, facilitating the marketization of the locally produced products. Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
Why Hong Kong?
Though Envision Greenwise has established over 70 sites in Europe and America, it still chooses Hong Kong as a key node for the layout of its integrated development of global battery processing. As for the underlying reason, it's based on Hong Kong's unique advantage - its diverse and flexible handling capabilities. Ms. Kwok pointed out that, unlike the Mainland's mode of scale-up processing a single type of battery, the Hong Kong market has accumulated numerous domestic and foreign electric vehicle brands, leading to the flexible ability of the local production line to deal with batteries of different shapes, states, and types. Such experience not only helps to build Hong Kong into a hub of battery recycling, but also an important geographical node that can connect the markets of the Chinese mainland, Europe, America, and Southeast Asia, to foster synergy for the group and provide significant support for global battery processing and recycling.
The group "Envision Greenwise", Photo offered by Envision Greenwise
Let the Value of the Circular Economy be Realized in Hong Kong
The establishment of the processing plant marks a new stage for the new energy industry in Hong Kong to possess local processing capability. Ms. Kwok pointed out that the previous reliance on overseas disposal of used batteries has been reversed, driving the development of the local new energy economy and related industrial chains, and manifesting significant environmental and economic benefits.
Compared with cross-boundary processing, each ton of battery processed in Hong Kong can reduce the emission of approximately 1.44 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. If advanced technologies can be introduced, carbon emissions can be further reduced by 30%. As for the consideration of cost-effectiveness, the localized processing can save a series of costs such as international transportation, insurance, and overseas licenses. Ms. Kwok emphasized, "Only by processing resource materials in Hong Kong, can the value of the circular economy be truly realized."
HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and rejects report of US Congressional-Executive Commission on China
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) yesterday (December 11) strongly disapproved and opposed the so-called "2025 Annual Report" issued by the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made biased, slandering and smearing remarks against the situation in the HKSAR.
A HKSAR Government spokesperson said, "The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and opposes the CECC's repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR through the so-called annual report, and make slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where 'one country, two systems' is successfully implemented. The US is once again overriding the rule of law with politics and making unfounded and fact-twisting remarks. Such attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and interfere in Hong Kong's law-based governance is doomed to fail."
The spokesperson reiterated, "The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of 'one country, two systems'. It will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst maintaining the common law system, adhering to the principle of the rule of law and upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs."
Regarding the slandering remarks in the US' so-called report and the relevant statement about the HKSAR, the Government solemnly rejects them in the ensuing paragraphs.
Safeguarding National Security
The HKSAR Government spokesperson said, "The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the HKSAR contained in the US' so-called report. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security."
"As the HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. It also better safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents of the HKSAR and other people in the city.
"Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world (including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and member states of the European Union). The Police have the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected of committing offences endangering national security outside Hong Kong.
"As regards the offenses related to seditious intention, the courts of the HKSAR have ruled in different cases that the provisions relating to sedition are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech. The offence is not meant to silence the expression of any opinion that is only genuine criticisms against the Government based on objective facts.
"The so-called US report mentioning the custodial arrangements for Jimmy Chee-ying is completely baseless. The HKSAR Government has also publicly stated on numerous occasions that the medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. The Correctional Services Department (CSD) attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs). Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, as well as timely medical support. During an earlier public court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court commended the CSD. As for the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying's removal from association from other PICs (i.e. the so-called 'solitary confinement'), it has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law."
Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
The HKSAR Government emphasised that all judicial cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL and the SNSO) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The so-called report specifically mentioned cases on offences endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying, wantonly smearing the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial organs of the HKSAR regarding the handling of the relevant cases. Their ulterior motives are obvious, namely, to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power in order to procure a defendant's evasion of the criminal justice process. The HKSAR Government strongly condemned these blatant attempting to undermine the rule of law of the HKSAR.
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, makes independent prosecutorial decisions in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Prosecutions would be instituted by the Department of Justice only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so."
"The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. All cases concerning offence endangering national security will be handled by the prosecution and judicial authorities of the HKSAR in a fair and timely manner in strict compliance with Article 42(1) of the HKNSL, with the procedural rights of defendants exercised in accordance with the law fully respected throughout the process. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."
Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The HKNSL and the SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Indeed, Article 19 of the ICCPR specifically requires that journalists must observe and discharge 'special duties and responsibilities' including protection of national security or public order.
"In fact, since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, the so-called '2025 Annual Report' deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. Like all other places in the world, freedom of the press and speech are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, has an obligation to abide by all the laws. The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law. The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism' in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom. The US Government does not hesitate to take action against misleading and biased news reporting. Recently, it has set up a webpage to list such misleading and biased reporting of the media, and even described some of such media reports as 'subversive'. The US CECC's smearing of the HKSAR with double-standard is purely a shameful political maneuver."
As for the so-called annual report's claim that women in Hong Kong faced discrimination and harassment in the workplace, this is an absurd accusation. The Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects women from discrimination, sexual harassment, and victimization in the prescribed area of employment."
Maintaining long-term prosperity and stability
Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world. With such unparalleled connectivity, Hong Kong will continue to play its dual role as "super-connector" and "super value-adder". Hong Kong will also continue to leverage its strengths to enhance its role as international financial, maritime and trade centres, among others, whilst proactively integrating into the overall development of our nation, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, etc.. The HKSAR Government will continue to identify new areas for economic development and proactively compete for enterprises and talents with a view to promoting the sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong. As a matter of fact, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy by the Fraser Institute. On the other hand, the US enjoys significant economic benefits in Hong Kong and has realised a trade surplus of more than US$270 billion with Hong Kong over the past 10 years, the largest among US global trading partners. There are about 1 390 US companies with their businesses in Hong Kong. All these demonstrate the close and long-standing economic ties between Hong Kong and the US, as well as the vast business interests of the US in Hong Kong. A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is certainly of mutual benefits to Hong Kong and the US.
