Mercedes-Benz has opened Europe’s first battery recycling plant utilizing an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process in Kuppenheim. The facility is aimed at enhancing the company’s efforts to create a circular economy by recovering more than 96% of essential raw materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
The plant is expected to produce enough recycled materials for over 50,000 new battery modules annually, operating under net carbon-neutral conditions with power sourced entirely from green electricity. A company representative emphasized the investment as part of Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
By employing this mechanical-hydrometallurgical approach, the facility seeks to improve the efficiency of raw material recovery while reducing the consumption of primary resources. This method is considered less energy-intensive and operates at lower temperatures compared to traditional pyrometallurgy, potentially lowering the environmental impact of the recycling process.
The project involves a multi-million euro investment and is expected to contribute to local economic growth. Mercedes-Benz has partnered with technology provider Primobius and various German research institutions to support the plant’s development and operations. The facility’s annual capacity of 2,500 tonnes is intended to bolster the company’s battery production capabilities, especially as it expands its electric vehicle offerings.
As part of its broader strategy, Mercedes-Benz is integrating sustainability initiatives across its operations, including the Design for Circularity approach at the Mercedes-Benz eCampus in Stuttgart. The new battery recycling plant reflects the company’s focus on resource conservation and its role in advancing sustainability within the automotive industry.
