Market research reports lacking robust reference support can often mislead decision-making processes. This issue has several facets:
1) Market research reports tend to only scratch the surface, focusing on superficial numbers without conducting thorough due diligence. Consequently, they fail to grasp the true quality and reality underlying these figures.
2) Consider the context of the US shredding capacity, estimated at roughly 200,000 MTs. The pertinent questions then become: What percentage of this capacity actually translates into output? How many companies with such capacities are transparent about their actual operational hours compared to the planned 7,200 hours? Are they willing to disclose the actual yield of black mass, its compositional analysis, or the real annual output relative to capacity?
3) When it comes to recycling companies producing battery-grade materials, only the battery OEMs and pCAM/CAM OEMs know the truth. Decisions should not be based solely on PR news, especially from non-listed companies, which bear less legal liability for their claims compared to the listed companies.
4) It's important to note that the US sources feedstocks not just domestically, but also from various regions outside the country.
5) The US is in need of responsible recyclers who not only deliver qualified products but also maintain controllable costs and minimize non-productive time.
6) There's a parallel to be drawn with Aesop's Fables in the recycling industry: the need for more responsible recyclers who share authentic data rather than resorting to PR news designed merely to attract attention or mislead the public.
Improving the integrity and transparency of market research in the recycling sector is essential for making informed decisions that reflect the true state of the industry.
