Clarios has finalised the acquisition of three battery recycling centres from Ecobat, located in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, and Arnoldstein, Austria. The move expands the company’s European recycling footprint and supports the recovery of critical materials for new low-voltage battery production.
The integration of these facilities allows for the large-scale recovery of lead and polypropylene. Notably, the acquisition establishes the first in-house polypropylene compounding capability for Clarios, aligning with European Union requirements regarding recycled plastic content in automotive applications. By reusing these materials, the company aims to reduce reliance on primary raw materials and lower the environmental footprint of the battery lifecycle.
Werner Benade, President at Clarios EMEA, stated:
“This acquisition is a strategic step forward for Clarios in Europe. By expanding our recycling and material recovery capabilities, we are building a more resilient and sustainable supply chain that supports upcoming EU battery regulations and delivers real environmental benefits for customers and communities alike.”
The expanded network is intended to enhance regional supply chain resilience and meet increasing demand for sustainable battery solutions. This development ensures a fully integrated business model where materials from end-of-life batteries are recovered and repurposed for the European automotive market.
Further information on the company’s circular economy initiatives and energy storage solutions can be found on the official Clarios website.