Batteries in the circuit

Batteries in the circuit

Clarios is expanding its battery recycling by integrating three plants in Freiberg and Braubach in Germany and in Arnoldstein in Austria. This strategic deal enhances Clarios' ability to recover and reuse battery materials and underlines the company's commitment to circular economy and sustainable production across the EMEA region. The facilities, currently operated by Ecobat, expand the Clarios recycling network with proven technologies and technical expertise in the processing and recovery of lead and polypropylene (Poly). The integration significantly increases the company's internal recycling capacity and supports the company's long-term sustainability goals. At the same time, it helps to meet the increasing expectations of authorities and customers in terms of responsible sourcing and material reuse.

Resilient supply chains

“This expansion is an important milestone for our European activities,” says Werner Benade, President EMEA at Clarios. “It will strengthen our recycling infrastructure in Europe, improve supply chain resilience and support the supply of high-quality secondary materials, particularly for our leading Varta brand.” The benefits for Clarios include an increase in internal lead recycling capacity to support the closed-loop recovery of materials from waste batteries. The expansion of polypropylene recycling is aligned with upcoming EU regulations that require at least 25 percent of plastics used in vehicles to come from recycled sources, including end-of-life vehicles (ELV). The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The integration of these facilities will also support Clarios' ability to supply its product lines with high-quality recycled materials, including Varta branded products.