Recycling+
We recycle used batteries (and upcycle them) to produce new raw material – and we do it all in-house.
Closed-loop recycling – from waste to raw material
We close the loop: From recycling through refining all materials to the finished raw material for new batteries.
Nothing goes to waste with our closed-loop recycling. Batteries, black mass, residual byproducts, and production waste are completely recycled and reintroduced into the production of new batteries. Where other providers stop at mechanical recycling or export materials abroad, we offer an all-inclusive solution from a single source – efficiently, locally, and with the goal of conserving resources. The results are these: raw materials remain in the European circular economy, the raw material market is stronger, and the EU requirements of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) are met.
What does closed-loop recycling mean?
In closed-loop recycling we completely reuse all materials – batteries, black mass, residual byproducts, and production waste – and feed them back directly into the production cycle for new batteries. Since we recycle critical raw materials, there are no waste products. This is only possible thanks to our hydrometallurgical process, which has been refined for centuries.
What materials can be recycled?
Our closed-loop recycling includes batteries and accumulators of all sizes, black mass, and residual byproducts, as well as production waste from cell manufacturing. Everything is professionally treated and fed back into the production cycle.
Why is closed-loop recycling important?
Closed-loop recycling is crucial for sustainable and independent battery production. Returning raw materials to the production cycle makes us less dependent on primary raw materials and supports an independent European value-added chain. Our approach functions without creating any waste materials. As a result, we completely utilize resources, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, we actively contribute to an efficient, environmentally friendly, and future-proof circular economy.
Our closed-loop recycling cycle in 3 steps
Our recycling process consists of three main steps that make possible safe and efficient battery recycling that also conserves resources:
1. Thermal deactivation
At first, the batteries are pre-treated thermally to minimize potential risks and to make them processable. A portion of the energy required for this comes directly from the batteries themselves, supplemented by COsub>2 -neutral waste of high calorific value. We efficiently clean waste gases and use waste heat not only inside the company but by feeding it into Aue-Bad Schlema's district heating network.
2. Mechanical treatment
After thermal treatment, we further process the material mechanically. Here, we separate coarse metal fragments, such as steel, copper, and aluminum, and return them into the recycling cycle as scrap/ waste. At the same time, a concentrate is produced, which is the foundation for subsequent hydrometallurgical refining.
3. Hydrometallurgical follow-up treatment
In the last step, hydrometallurgical treatment, we refine the metal powder obtained through mechanical treatment. High-value products, such as nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium salts are extracted through multiple leaching, cleaning, and crystallization processes. These salts are directly introduced into the new batteries' production cycle.
One-stop solution
All in one place: No long transport routes, just efficient and local recycling.
Experience
We rely on tradition, continuous improvement, and long-term business relationships dating back to 1635.
While residual byproducts without further treatment are often recycled thermally, most recyclers resell black mass – often to non-EU countries. However, thanks to our closed-loop recycling, we can completely recycle and refine both residual streams and black mass, thereby recovering valuable raw materials to produce new batteries and accumulators and contribute to a strong European economy at the same time.
Yes, our closed-loop recycling is particularly environmentally friendly. All valuable raw materials are completely recovered and remain in the European circular economy, which, in turn, significantly reduces both raw material consumption and CO2 emissions.
All our recycling processes are closed-loop. Thus customers benefit from complete recycling without additional costs.
Your personal offer
We promise to find the right solution for you - whether for battery recycling or black mass refinement! Please request a quotation or schedule a consultation now.