BASF and TSR Group (a leading European metal recycling company and part of the Remondis Group) have agreed a collaboration to develop electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling capacity in Europe, targeting key steps across the value chain including dismantling, discharge and processing into black mass.
The agreement covers the handling of end-of-life batteries as well as the production of black mass, a key intermediate containing valuable metals recovered from spent lithium-ion cells. The companies are also assessing further joint activities, including processing metal fractions from recycling streams and strengthening logistics for battery collection and transport.
TSR Group: more than 190 sites across Europe
TSR Group will contribute its existing recycling infrastructure and logistics network, including more than 190 sites across Europe, alongside experience in processing complex metal and electronic waste streams. Through its joint venture Battery Lifecycle Company (BLC), formed with Rhenus Automotive, TSR Group will take responsibility for dismantling and discharging end-of-life batteries.
BASF, which operates a black mass production facility at its Schwarzheide site in Germany, said the partnership expands its recycling network and extends its reach into additional markets and upstream services within Europe’s battery recycling chain.
“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. Daniel 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.”
Marc Affüpper, managing director of TSR Group, said: “This collaboration is a concrete step toward building robust structures in battery recycling and ensuring the long-term reintegration of strategically important raw materials.”
The companies said the cooperation is intended to support the development of a more integrated and circular battery value chain in Europe, as volumes of end-of-life EV batteries increase.
PHOTO: Daniel Schönfelder, president of BASF’s battery materials division, and Marc Affüpper, managing director of the TSR Group, sign an agreement to collaborate on the recycling of electric vehicle batteries in Europe
CREDIT: BASF
