Leclanché Enhances Value Proposition with New PFAS-Free and Niobium Oxide
Cells, Enters Testing Phase with Key Partners

Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Sustainability
Leclanché Enhances Value Proposition with New PFAS-Free and Niobium Oxide
Cells, Enters Testing Phase with Key Partners

01.05.2024 / 20:00 CET/CEST

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Leclanché Enhances Value Proposition with New PFAS-Free and Niobium Oxide
Cells, Enters Testing Phase with Key Partners

  * Increased interest in Leclanché's cell technology since the announcement
    of PFAS-free electrodes

  * Delivery of entirely PFAS free cells to key partners for validation to
    take place in the next weeks

  * Increased demand for next generation niobium oxide anode lithium-ion
    cells

YVERDON-LES-BAINS, Switzerland, 1st May, 2024 - Amid growing concerns
surrounding the impacts of PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances, a chemical widely used in the production of lithium-ion
batteries, Europe is setting out plans to restrict its usage. With many
suppliers in the battery industry set to be heavily affected by the plans,
Leclanché SA (SIX: LECN), which has been using a water-based binder process
in its cell production for over 13 years, is prepared for these new
restrictions.

The Swiss company is attracting strong interest from a number of industrial
players, including automotive OEMs, in the water-based electrode
manufacturing and PFAS free technology. Leclanché will be supplying
lithium-ion cells which are entirely PFAS free to a number of partners, with
the first samples planned to be delivered in the coming weeks.

In addition to the traditional graphite-based anode cells for high energy
density applications, Leclanché has developed cells using the same
water-based manufacturing process but with niobium oxide electrodes. These
cells show a lot of promise for high performance and fast charge
capabilities. A growing number of clients and partners are now approaching
Leclanché for the testing of these cells.

The recognition by the market of PFAS free electrode technology and its
ability to address both energy and power applications, is a key milestone in
the current regulatory environment.

PFAS comprises a combination of man-made chemicals that have been
extensively incorporated into a wide variety of industrial and consumer
products since the 1950s. However, concerns surrounding PFAS have gained
significant traction since the early 2000s due to their prolonged
persistence in the environment and the potential adverse impacts on human
health. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with a range of health issues
including cancer, immune system dysfunction, reproductive health and
developmental disorders. Consequently, a substantial shift is underway to
eliminate their usage.

Water-Based Manufacturing Process Without PFAS or Toxic Solvents

For more than 13 years, Leclanché has been a global pioneer in utilising
low-cost, green manufacturing methodology for lithium-ion battery electrodes
using different water-based binder solutions in the mixing and coating
processes. The water-based binder process technology helps to eliminate the
use of PFAS binders and avoids any reliance on highly toxic organic
solvents. This technology enables the company to no longer rely on organic
solvents such as NMP and replace them entirely with water. This choice not
only eliminates the environmental risks, but also ensures the safety of
employees involved in the production process by drastically reducing health
hazards. There is also no solvent recovery system required, and the
emissions are limited to steam that can be released into the atmosphere
without further treatment.

Leclanché has submitted a response to the public consultation conducted by
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) regarding the restriction of PFAS to inform
the European Commission that a viable alternative has been in operation
within Europe for over 13 years at an industrial scale.

Restrictions Expected in European Regulations

ECHA is actively evaluating the potential restriction of over 10,000 types
of PFAS. The proposed measure aims to mitigate PFAS emissions into the
environment, enhancing both the safety of consumer products and industrial
processes. Expected to be enacted through the REACH regulation, this
restriction is scheduled to take effect in 2025. This development is of
particular significance for the European battery industry, as it coincides
with a critical phase requiring substantial investment to establish a
comprehensive European battery value chain.

PFAS in the Battery Industry

Today, PFAS are used prominently in the majority of lithium-ion battery cell
production, particularly as a binder in the electrode manufacturing process,
combined with toxic solvents such as NMP. Notably, PFAS utilised in
batteries can be released back into the environment during the recycling
process of production scraps or batteries at the end of their lifespan.

For more information, write to info@leclanche.com or visit www.leclanche.com.

******

About Leclanché

Leclanché is a world leading provider of low-carbon footprint energy storage
solutions based on lithium-ion cell technology. Established in 1909 in
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, Leclanché's history and heritage is rooted
in battery and energy storage innovation. The company's Swiss culture for
precision and quality, together with its production facilities in Germany,
make Leclanché the partner of choice for companies seeking the very best in
battery performance and who are pioneering positive changes in how energy is
produced, distributed and consumed around the world. Leclanché is organised
into three business units: energy storage solutions, e-Mobility solutions
and specialty battery systems. The company currently employs over 350 people
with representative offices in eight countries around the world. Leclanché
is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX: LECN). SIX Swiss Exchange :
ticker symbol LECN | ISIN CH 011 030 311 9

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to
Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as
"strategic", "proposes", "to introduce", "will", "planned", "expected",
"commitment", "expects", "set", "preparing", "plans", "estimates", "aims",
"would", "potential", "awaiting", "estimated", "proposal", or similar
expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up of
Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing
products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or
potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business
units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding
future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will achieve
any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that
Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular
financial results.

Contacts

Media contacts:

   Switzerland / Europe: Thierry Meyer T:    Germany: Christoph Miller T:
   +41 (0) 79785 35 81 E-mail:               +49 (0) 711 947 670 E-mail:
   (1)tme@dynamicsgroup.ch  1.               (1)leclanche@sympra.de  1.
   mailto:tme@dynamicsgoup.ch                mailto:leclanche@sympra.de
     Investor contacts: Pasquale Foglia /
     Pierre Blanc T: +41 (0) 24 424 65 00
                                  E-mail:
    (1)invest.leclanche@leclanche.com  1.
    mailto:invest.leclanche@leclanche.com

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End of Media Release

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   Language:       English
   Company:        Leclanché SA
                   Av. des Sports 42
                   1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
                   Switzerland
   Phone:          +41 (24) 424 65-00
   Fax:            +41 (24) 424 65-20
   E-mail:         investors@leclanche.com
   Internet:       www.leclanche.com
   ISIN:           CH0110303119, CH0016271550
   Valor:          A1CUUB, 812950
   Listed:         SIX Swiss Exchange
   EQS News ID:    1893709

End of News EQS News Service
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1893709 01.05.2024 CET/CEST