Kreisel Electric, an Austrian battery technology company, has entered into a partnership with BASF to recycle batteries using hydrometallurgical processes in Europe. The aim of the collaboration is to retain valuable secondary raw materials for the production of new batteries within the region.
Recycling plays a significant role in Kreisel Electric’s battery strategy, with the company achieving a recycling rate of 79% for its battery systems, exceeding the required 50%. “Our recycled batteries are not only meeting today’s standards but are designed to support the sustainability benchmarks of the next decade. In fact, we are already meeting the ambitious EU 2030 targets,” the company stated.
The partnership with BASF is focused on further closing the battery cycle, from recycling to reprocessing and reuse. By retaining valuable materials, such as the ‘black mass,’ within Europe, Kreisel Electric aims to reduce reliance on external resources and support the region’s sustainability goals. Specific details of the cooperation were not disclosed.
Founded in 2014, Kreisel Electric serves a diverse range of industries, including commercial and off-highway vehicles, marine, and electric motorsports. In 2021, U.S. agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere acquired a majority stake in the company, although Kreisel continues to operate under its own name.