DREV: supporting cleaner, more sustainable manufacturing processes

DREV is a cleantech startup based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specialising in contamination control and material recovery solutions for the battery manufacturing, recycling, and refining industries. Their technology addresses a critical challenge in battery production: the safe and efficient removal of battery scrap metals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, from production environments. As the battery sector grows rapidly, DREV’s Vault System provides a tailored solution to recover valuable materials, reduce waste, and enhance safety- helping to support a more sustainable circular economy.

A tailored solution to industry challenges

The Vault System sets DREV apart from other solutions by addressing contamination control, material recovery, and operational efficiency in battery manufacturing. Traditional cleaning methods are ineffective and require harmful chemicals and water, often posing safety risks. DREV’s approach is both safe and efficient, removing fine metal particles while enhancing supply chain resilience and minimising worker exposure. The system is especially valuable as manufacturers increasingly scale operations in response to growing demand.

DREV mobile cleaning solution for gigafactory surfaces 

A vision for safer, more sustainable manufacturing

DREV’s journey began with CEO and co-founder Arelys Sosa, who recognised a gap in the industry for effective contamination control while working at Tesla’s Gigafactory 1. Her vision was to create a technology that improves both safety and sustainability within battery manufacturing and beyond. Today, DREV is extending its solutions to other sectors like solar panel manufacturing and semiconductors, as well as continuing to evolve in the rapidly growing battery market.

Strategic support and partnerships

EIT Manufacturing has provided valuable support to DREV through its investment programmes, including the Venture Building Programme, Leading Lights, and Access2Finance. These initiatives have helped the company refine its market strategy, build industry connections, and navigate the challenges of scaling a hardware startup.

Looking to 2025 and beyond

The year 2025 is set to be a turning point for DREV. The company plans to launch its first commercial products, starting with the Vault Mobile system, at lead customer facilities in both the United States and European Union. In addition, DREV is expanding its production capacity and developing a new workshop to support small-scale manufacturing while ensuring quality control and efficiency.

A sustanaible future in manufacturing

DREV’s work highlights the role of innovation in improving sustainability within battery production. By tackling contamination control, the company contributes to safer and more efficient manufacturing processes. With ongoing collaboration through initiatives such as EIT Manufacturing, DREV continues to develop its solutions while engaging with industry partners to support cleaner production practices.