#Germany #Energy Storage #Clarios #VARTA #Freiberg

Clarios Boosts European Recycling Efforts

Clarios, known as a leading global provider of energy storage solutions, is taking a major step in the sustainable manufacturing domain by significantly enlarging its European battery recycling capabilities. This expansion, announced on August 18, 2025, involves the integration of three key facilities located in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, and Arnoldstein, Austria. This strategic move will enhance the company’s ability to reclaim and reuse battery materials, supporting their commitment to the circular economy framework that is becoming increasingly vital for sustainable manufacturing.

A Major Milestone

The acquisition of these facilities, previously operated by Ecobat, marks a significant milestone for Clarios in strengthening its European operations. By incorporating these sites, which have a proven track record of advanced technologies and substantial expertise in processing lead and polypropylene recovery, Clarios significantly boosts its in-house recycling capacity. The benefits of this expansion align seamlessly with progressively stringent regulatory demands and rising consumer expectations for responsible sourcing and material reusability in the battery industry.

Werner Benade, President EMEA at Clarios, expressed enthusiasm over this expansion, emphasizing its role in fortifying the company’s European recycling infrastructure. He remarked, “This milestone not only fortifies our recycling network, enhancing supply chain resilience, but also equips us to supply high-quality secondary materials used in our renowned VARTA brand. This is particularly crucial as we cater to the mounting demand for advanced low-voltage batteries and drive the energy transition in the automotive sector.”

Benefits of the Expansion

The strategic integration brings additional benefits including:

1. Increased Lead Recycling Capacity: The enhancement allows for a closed-loop recovery of materials from end-of-life batteries, promoting sustainability in the waste lifecycle.
2. Expanded Polypropylene Recycling: This includes Clarios’ inaugural in-house poly compounding capability, essential for meeting upcoming EU regulations. The EU mandates that a minimum of 25% of plastics in vehicles must be derived from recycled sources, thereby aligning with Clarios’s goals.
3. Enhanced European Capabilities: These capabilities will ensure a more robust supply chain, bolstering sustainable manufacturing across the continent.

Expecting the transaction to finalize by early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, Clarios aims to reinforce its commitment to sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of the market.

Delivering Quality and Sustainability

The integration of these facilities is not merely an expansion but a pivotal enhancement of Clarios' infrastructure. It ensures they can integrate high-quality recycled materials into their product lines. This initiative particularly benefits consumers who trust VARTA batteries, utilized by millions of drivers across Europe.

About Clarios

Clarios stands as a global leader specializing in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies, with the VARTA brand leading in the automotive sector. Their batteries power nearly every type of vehicle, being present in one out of every three cars on today's roads. With approximately 18,000 employees across more than 100 countries, Clarios brings unparalleled expertise to OEM and aftermarket partners, while also focusing on sustainability and the circular economy. The company prides itself on its commitment to recycling, currently processing an impressive 8,000 batteries per hour within its network, thus ensuring that 100% of products sold are recyclable.