TSR Group (Lünen, Germany), one of the leading metal recycling companies in Europe and part of the REMONDIS Group, and BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany), a leading provider of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) and recycling services for lithium-ion batteries, have agreed to cooperate in order to advance the recycling of electric vehicle batteries in Europe. The collaboration includes services such as the professional dismantling and discharging of end-of-life batteries, as well as the processing of spent batteries into so‑called black mass. In addition, the two companies are evaluating further joint activities to strengthen the circular economy in elec-tromobility. Planned initiatives include the processing of metal fractions from waste streams generated in black mass production and closer cooperation in the field of logistics for end‑of‑life batteries.
With this partnership, TSR is closing its loops for battery metals and strengthening the in-dustrial reintegration of these raw materials in Europe. Through its investment company BLC, a joint venture established together with the globally active logistics service provider Rhenus Automotive, the company assumes responsibility for the dismantling and discharg-ing of end-of-life batteries, thereby adding a key upstream step to the existing value chain in battery recycling. TSR Group contributes established processes for the treatment of var-ious metal fractions and electronic components, comprehensive logistics solutions for end-of-life batteries, a Europe‑wide network of more than 190 waste‑management‑approved sites and many years of experience in handling complex material streams to the collaboration.
BASF operates a recycling facility for the production of black mass at its Schwarzheide site in Germany. Through this collaboration, BASF is now expanding its recycling network to include additional markets and essential services along the battery recycling value chain in Europe.
“The recovery of battery metals is far more than a technical process. It is a strategic prereq-uisite for security of supply and the competitiveness of European industry. If we succeed in consistently keeping these raw materials within the European market and making them available again, we strengthen industrial value creation and reduce geopolitical dependen-cies. This collaboration is a concrete step toward building robust structures in battery recy-cling and ensuring the long-term reintegration of strategically important raw materials,” ex-plained Marc Affüpper, Managing Director of TSR Group.
“Partnerships are key to developing the battery recycling market not only successfully but also more rapidly. The collaboration with TSR demonstrates how important strong partners are for building a long‑term, high‑performance and secure circular economy,” said Dr. Dan-iel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Battery Materials division. “Together, we are expand-ing our European network by adding a leading recycling service provider and creating inte-grated solutions that help our customers close their value chains sustainably and reliably.”