Mercedes-Benz has officially opened its first battery recycling facility in Europe, located in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. This state-of-the-art plant stands out for its pioneering use of a mechanical-hydrometallurgical process, achieving an impressive 96% recovery rate for valuable raw materials. This process enables the efficient extraction and repurposing of critical materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are then reused in the production of new batteries for Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.
The company has invested over 10 million euros in the Kuppenheim facility, positioning it as a key player in advancing circular economy practices within the automotive industry. The plant has an annual recycling capacity of 2,500 tons of materials, enough to produce more than 50,000 battery modules for Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation electric models. By developing this facility, Mercedes-Benz underscores its commitment to reducing reliance on primary resources and minimizing environmental impact.
In realizing this ambitious project, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Primobius, a joint venture specializing in battery recycling, established by German engineering firm SMS Group and Australian process technology innovator Neometals. The Kuppenheim site also benefits from funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs as part of a broader scientific research project involving three German universities. This collaboration supports further innovation in the battery recycling process, from logistics to material reintegration, aiming to strengthen Germany’s position as a leader in sustainable battery technology.
The recycling process at Kuppenheim is both comprehensive and innovative, covering every step from dismantling battery modules to drying and processing the extracted active materials. The initial mechanical phase involves separating plastics, copper, aluminum, and iron through a multi-stage process designed to maximize material recovery. The downstream hydrometallurgical process then targets the “black mass,” or the active materials within the battery cells, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Unlike traditional pyrometallurgical recycling methods commonly used in Europe, the hydrometallurgical process at Kuppenheim is more energy-efficient, operating at lower temperatures and generating less material waste. This makes it a lower-carbon solution, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s sustainability goals.
The Kuppenheim plant is designed not only as a cutting-edge recycling facility but also as an industry benchmark for responsible production, contributing to long-term sustainability goals. By recycling and reusing valuable materials, Mercedes-Benz aims to support its vision of a circular economy, setting new standards in the automotive sector for sustainable manufacturing practices.
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