Growing global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are raising concerns about the reverse logistics challenge of transporting damaged, defective and waste lithium ion battery (LIB) packs. The European Union Battery Directive stipulates that 50% of LIBs must be recycled and EV manufacturers are responsible for collection, treatment and recycling. The International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road requirement to transport damaged or defective LIB packs in approved explosion proof steel containers imposes expensive certification. Further, the physical weight and volume of LIB packaging increases transport costs of damaged or defective packs as part of a complete recycling or repurposing strategy. Cryogenic flash freezing (CFF) removes the possibility of thermal runaway in LIBs even in extreme abuse conditions. Meaning damaged or defective LIBs may be transported safely whilst cryogenically frozen. Herein, LIBs are cycled until 20% capacity fade to establish that CFF does not affect electrical performance (energy capacity and impedance) during ageing. This is demonstrated on two different cell chemistries and form factors. The potential to remanufacture or reuse cells/modules subjected to CFF supports circular economy principles through extending useful life and reducing raw material usage. Thereby improving the environmental sustainability of transitioning from internal combustion engines to EVs.