This study proposes a Tai Chi modelTai Chi model for the sustainabilitySustainability of spent lithium-ion batteriesSpent Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) (LIBs)Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) recyclingLithium-ion battery recycling, integratingRecycling engineering systems thinking with philosophical perspectivesPhilosophical perspective. The model consists of five hierarchical layers: one goal (sustainability), two technological pathways (direct regeneration and metallurgical recoveryRecovery), four societal roles (governments, enterprises, researchers, and consumers), eight influencing factors (resource, energy, environment, policy, application, technology, supply and demand, and economy), and all lifecycle participants. It emphasizes multi-pathway synergy, multi-role collaboration, and multi-factor coupling to enhance resource recoveryRecovery and industrial sustainabilitySustainability. This framework systematically reveals the dynamic interrelationships and synergistic mechanisms shaping recyclingRecycling systemsRecycling system. The model not only offers theoretical guidance for achieving closed-loop resource utilizationResource utilization and green industrial transformation but also provides a culturally informed systems approach that can be extended to the recyclingRecycling of other strategic materials.