Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated Europe's first battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, southern Germany, marking a milestone in its commitment to a circular economy. The project aims to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and enhance resource sustainability.
The plant will recover scarce materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, ensuring they can be reused in the production of new batteries for future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. With this initiative, the company aims to set a new standard in sustainable automotive manufacturing, investing millions of euros to establish the facility as part of its value creation efforts in Germany.
At the plant’s opening, Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated, 'This recycling factory marks a crucial step in Mercedes-Benz's vision to build desirable cars sustainably. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable electric mobility and innovation in Europe.”
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who attended the opening, applauded Mercedes-Benz’s efforts. He remarked, “The future of the automobile is electric, and sustainable battery production and recycling are key to achieving our climate targets. This initiative exemplifies Germany’s strength in developing cutting-edge technologies.”
Mercedes-Benz's technology partner for this venture, Primobius, collaborates with SMS Group and Neometals to develop and operate the plant. Supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the project also involves three German universities, focusing on the entire recycling process, logistics, and reintegration.
The Kuppenheim facility’s holistic recycling approach spans all stages, from shredding battery modules to processing active materials through mechanical and hydrometallurgical techniques. Unlike the traditional pyrometallurgical process, this new approach is energy-efficient, operating at temperatures up to 80°C, and uses 100% green electricity.
With a capacity of 2,500 tonne annually, the plant can produce recycled materials for over 50,000 battery modules. Mercedes-Benz plans to scale up production in the future, using the knowledge gained to boost recycling capacity.
The company’s strategy focuses on circular design, value retention, and closing the material loop, with its “Design for Circularity” approach embedded in battery development. Additionally, reconditioned batteries are provided as spare parts, while used batteries are repurposed for large-scale energy storage by the company’s subsidiary, Mercedes-Benz Energy.
Jörg Burzer, Board Member of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, highlighted the plant's impact: “We are closing the raw materials loop, turning today’s batteries into tomorrow’s sustainable mine. The new plant strengthens our production network in Europe.”
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