EcoPro BM Hungary Zrt. develops its Debrecen plant with technological innovation and heightened environmental awareness
A new IPPC amendment, lithium reuse and a new type of cathode active material — EcoPro BM Hungary makes its Debrecen plant even more sustainable.
Debrecen, 29 April 2026 — With new technological steps, the operation of its Debrecen plant is being made even more sustainable and environmentally friendly byEcoPro BM Hungary Zrt., which recently launched the third amendment of its integrated environmental permit in cooperation with local authorities. The plant increases thelithium-reuse efficiency needed for production, thereby reducing its raw-material demand and waste generation. Using even more modern technology, it will also begin manufacturing a new type of cathode active material, and emissions will be monitored with modern control systems, involving an accredited specialist company.
Third permit amendment launched
South Korea’s EcoPro, a leading player in the cathode-material manufacturing market and a key supplier to the global electric-vehicle industry, launched on 22 April 2026 the third amendment of the integrated environmental permit (IPPC) for its Debrecen site. The procedure aims to prepare for the manufacturing of a new type of cathode active material, planned from summer 2026, for a new, more modern technological development in theNCA1 production unit..
The Safety Report related to the amendment has already been accepted, establishing that the changes under preparation do not result in additional risk from an industrial-safety perspective. Accordingly, the ongoing permitting procedure aims to refine operation in line with environmental regulations.
Continuous monitoring, independent measurements
Beyond manufacturing the new product, the IPPC amendment also covers the installation of further separation equipment, the appearance of new point sources and the presentation of their environmental impacts, as well as the determination of updated air-quality- and noise-protection impact areas. To minimise environmental load, EcoPro is committed to continuous monitoring: it monitors emissions with modern control systems and commissions an independent, accredited specialist company to carry out measurements, verifying strict compliance with the limit values. To clearly record the actual operating parameters, the documentation includes a comparison of the solutions previously presented as implementation plans with the realised state.
As part of the planned amendment, new technological steps will also be introduced in the LHM plant, increasing the efficiency of lithium recirculation.
“These developments contribute to reducing raw-material use, lowering waste generation and improving resource efficiency, in line with the principles of the circular economy and the ESG goals of the EcoPro group. Applying sustainability considerations not only serves to minimise our environmental footprint but also reinforces our commitment to long-term community value creation in the region.”
Dr. Aladár Kuun — Legal and External Relations Manager, EcoPro BM Hungary Zrt.Fire station and transparent operation
The permit-amendment documentation also presents the preliminary plans of thefire station — to be realised this autumn as a later investment — which serve to further strengthen the site’s operational safety, protect employees and ensure rapid, effective intervention capability in emergencies.
The IPPC-amendment procedure is an integral part of responsible and transparent corporate operation based on cooperation with the authorities. EcoPro BM Hungary Zrt. will continue to pay particular attention to ensuring that its activities fully comply with the relevant environmental, industrial-safety and occupational-safety regulations.
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