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Setting the Standard for Safer Lithium-Ion Battery Handling with Kuusakoski

One lithium-ion battery fire can cost a business millions in damages, or even lives. Together, we turned a promising idea into a market-ready innovation that prevents incidents before they start.

Setting the Standard for Safer Lithium-Ion Battery Handling with Kuusakoski
Setting the Standard for Safer Lithium-Ion Battery Handling with Kuusakoski
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Hellon supported Kuusakoski and Olfactomics in developing the Smart Battery Sensor (SBS), an innovation for safe handling of lithium-ion batteries.  Together, we transformed SBS from a promising prototype into a market-ready solution by creating a commercialisation approach that enables Kuusakoski to scale SBS into a new industry standard for safer lithium-ion battery handling.

Tackling a Growing Global Challenge

Lithium-ion batteries are one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. While essential to our everyday devices, they pose significant risks, from daily fire hazards to long-term environmental impact. With over 100 years of experience in recycling, Kuusakoski partnered with advanced sensor developer Olfactomics to create the Smart Battery Sensor (SBS). 

This innovation prevents lithium-ion battery incidents from escalating by giving up to 90 minutes of reaction time. SBS detects critical battery failure before any visible signs like smoke or fire by sensing tiny amounts of battery-specific gases.

To ensure SBS could move beyond the prototype phase, Hellon supported Kuusakoski in developing a comprehensive commercialisation strategy. 

This included

  • Defining the go-to-market positioning
  • Conducting business case validation and developing pricing models
  • Designing the customer journeys for several customer segments
  • Crystallising the unique selling points and creating sales assets
  • Building the operational model and supporting implementation

The approach has been validated with potential customers across three key markets, confirming the need for SBS and demonstrating its fit in real-world conditions to provide confidence and clarity to move toward scaling.

Building a Scalable Model for Growth

As a result of the collaboration, Kuusakoski now has the operational readiness to grow and scale the SBS business. The company has a growing pipeline of customers across multiple sectors and clear operational goals for the near future. The Smart Battery Sensor is no longer just a technical innovation – it is a market-ready solution with a roadmap for adoption and scaling.

"With Hellon, we’ve transformed a promising idea into a scalable solution ready for real-world adoption. They challenged us throughout the process, speaking the truth as it is – not just what we wanted to hear."

- Ben László, Head of ITAD

Kuusakoski

Towards Safer Industry

One lithium-ion battery fire can cost a business millions in destroyed assets, reputational damage, and, at worst, human lives. The Smart Battery Sensor addresses this risk by providing critical early warning and enabling decisive action before an incident escalates.

"It’s been truly inspiring to co-create with such committed partners to unlock a scalable innovation with the power to transform the industry and change how lithium-ion batteries are handled worldwide."

- Salla Erkkilä, Lead Business Strategist & Client Director

Hellon

This collaboration has positioned Kuusakoski to bring a breakthrough technology to market and set a new benchmark for safety and responsibility in lithium-ion battery handling. As the solution moves toward adoption, it opens new business opportunities for Kuusakoski and Olfactomics while paving the way for a safer, more resilient industry.

Want to turn your innovation into a scalable solution that changes the industry? Let’s make it happen together.