Sustainable Innovation in Battery Recycling
The chemical company BASF has taken a significant step towards sustainable development by commissioning a new facility for battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Brandenburg. This facility is specifically designed for the mechanical processing of used batteries and processes up to 15,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries and production scrap each year, which is roughly equivalent to the amount of 40,000 electric vehicle batteries.
Impact on the Electric Vehicle Market
Raw Material Supply: The recovery of metals from used batteries can reduce dependence on primary raw materials, thereby increasing the security of supply for the production of electric vehicle batteries. This could reduce production costs for electric vehicles in the long term and enhance the sustainability of the industry.
Environmental Benefits: Recycling batteries conserves valuable resources and reduces the environmental burden from the disposal of battery waste. This supports the EU Battery Regulation and contributes to the reduction of environmental damage.
Impact on Raw Material Prices
Market Stability: The recovery of metals from used batteries could stabilize price fluctuations in the raw materials market, as the availability of secondary raw materials is increased. This could be particularly effective for metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Cost Reduction: By utilizing recycled materials, production costs for new batteries could decrease, which could positively impact the prices of electric vehicles.
Further Developments in Schwarzheide
BASF has not only commissioned the battery recycling facility in Schwarzheide, but it is also operating a facility for the production of cathode materials. This facility was commissioned in June 2023 and supports BASF’s strategic positioning in the field of electromobility.
Overall, the commissioning of the battery recycling facility in Schwarzheide shows that BASF is actively participating in the development of a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry. These measures contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts and support the long-term availability of critical raw materials for electromobility.