#Germany #circular economy #Clarios #Hanover #VARTA

Clarios Expands European Recycling Capacity

Clarios, a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions, has unveiled plans for a major enhancement of its European battery recycling network. This strategic initiative involves the integration of three existing facilities located in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, as well as Arnoldstein in Austria. This expansion underscores Clarios' long-term commitment to sustainability and the circular economy within the EMEA region.

The facilities, currently operated by Ecobat, bring proven technologies and extensive expertise in lead and polypropylene recovery to Clarios' recycling network. By strengthening its internal recycling capabilities, Clarios is poised to meet rising regulatory expectations and customer demands for responsible sourcing and material reuse. Werner Benade, President of Clarios EMEA, emphasized that this expansion represents a significant milestone in the company's European operations. It enhances their recycling infrastructure, improving supply chain resilience, and facilitates the supply of high-quality secondary materials, particularly for their leading VARTA brand, to meet the growing demand for advanced low-voltage batteries.

Key Advantages of Clarios' Expansion

The recent strategic move offers several important benefits:

1. Enhanced Lead Recycling Capacity: With a bolstered internal capacity for lead recycling, Clarios can now recover battery materials at the end of their lifecycle more efficiently.
2. Expansion of Polypropylene Recycling: This initiative includes Clarios' first internal capacity for manufacturing polypropylene compounds. This aligns with upcoming EU regulations that mandate at least 25% of plastics used in vehicles must come from recycled sources, including end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
3. Strengthened European Capabilities: This integration enhances Clarios' operational capabilities, promoting resilience in its supply chain and championing sustainable manufacturing practices across Europe.

The company anticipates finalizing the transaction by early 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The integration of these facilities will further empower Clarios to deliver high-quality recycled materials across its product lines, including the VARTA brand, widely trusted by motorists throughout Europe.

About Clarios

Clarios leads globally in advanced low-voltage battery technologies for mobility and owns the VARTA brand within the automotive sector. Their battery solutions power virtually any vehicle type, found in one out of every three cars on the road today. With approximately 18,000 employees across over 100 countries, Clarios offers deep expertise to its aftermarket partners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company is dedicated to sustainability, striving to ensure that 100% of its sold products are recyclable and currently recycles about 8,000 batteries per hour within its network.

Clarios exemplifies its commitment to the environment by driving sustainability best practices throughout the industry.