BASF, a global chemical company, has recently launched a prototype metal refinery for battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Germany. This innovative plant is focused on developing operational procedures and optimizing battery recycling technology to process end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery production scrap.
The main objective of this project is to recover valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, which are essential components of electric vehicle batteries. This initiative aligns with BASF’s commitment to increasing Europe’s self-sufficiency and complying with the EU Battery Regulation.
The prototype metal refinery marks a significant milestone in BASF’s construction of Europe’s first co-located battery materials production and recycling center in Schwarzheide. This facility will work in conjunction with an existing cathode active materials plant and a recycling plant for black mass production.
Daniel Schoenfelder, President of the Catalysts Division at BASF, emphasized the importance of battery recycling in improving the sustainability of electric vehicles. He highlighted that recycled metals have a significantly lower carbon footprint, contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach to the production of electric vehicle batteries.
BASF is also looking to scale up its metal refining technology and establish a commercial-scale refinery in Europe. This initiative will support the development of a local circular economy for the battery value chain, ensuring sustainable access to critical metals for the growing electric vehicle market. Overall, BASF’s efforts in battery recycling underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
