TSR Group and BASF cooperate on the recycling of electric vehicle batteries in Europe

TSR Group, one of the leading metal recycling companies in Europe and part of the REMONDIS Group, and BASF, a leading provider of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) and recycling services for lithium-ion batteries, have agreed to cooperate in order to advance the recycling of electric vehicle batteries in Europe. The collaboration includes services such as the professional dismantling and discharging of end-of-life batteries, as well as the processing of spent batteries into so‑called black mass. In addition, the two companies are evaluating further joint activities to strengthen the circular economy in elec-tromobility. Planned initiatives include the processing of metal fractions from waste streams generated in black mass production and closer cooperation in the field of logistics for end‑of‑life batteries.

With this partnership, TSR is closing its loops for battery metals and strengthening the in-dustrial reintegration of these raw materials in Europe. Through its investment company BLC, a joint venture established together with the globally active logistics service provider Rhenus Automotive, the company assumes responsibility for the dismantling and discharg-ing of end-of-life batteries, thereby adding a key upstream step to the existing value chain in battery recycling. TSR Group contributes established processes for the treatment of var-ious metal fractions and electronic components, comprehensive logistics solutions for end-of-life batteries, a Europe‑wide network of more than 190 waste‑management‑approved sites and many years of experience in handling complex material streams to the collaboration.

BASF operates a recycling facility for the production of black mass at its Schwarzheide site in Germany. Through this collaboration, BASF is now expanding its recycling network to include additional markets and essential services along the battery recycling value chain in Europe.

“The recovery of battery metals is far more than a technical process. It is a strategic prereq-uisite for security of supply and the competitiveness of European industry. If we succeed in consistently keeping these raw materials within the European market and making them available again, we strengthen industrial value creation and reduce geopolitical dependen-cies. This collaboration is a concrete step toward building robust structures in battery recy-cling and ensuring the long-term reintegration of strategically important raw materials,” ex-plained Marc Affüpper, Managing Director of TSR Group.

“Partnerships are key to developing the battery recycling market not only successfully but also more rapidly. The collaboration with TSR demonstrates how important strong partners are for building a long‑term, high‑performance and secure circular economy,” said Dr. Dan-iel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Battery Materials division. “Together, we are expand-ing our European network by adding a leading recycling service provider and creating inte-grated solutions that help our customers close their value chains sustainably and reliably.”

About TSR Group GmbH & Co. KG
The TSR Group gives metals a new life. Again and again. With 190 business locations and around 4,600 employees across Europe, the company, part of the REMONDIS Group, recycles 8.7 million tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous metals every year and is one of the leading international players in the circular economy. The incoming material, in the form of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, is sourced from a wide range of origins. These range from industrial sources to post-consumer material. All metal fractions are processed by TSR into pure grades. The result is a reliable supply of premium quality recycled raw materials for industry. TSR is a highly sought-after partner both for its role as a supplier of raw materials and for its contribution towards sustainability. Thanks to its circular economy products and services, TSR helps conserve natural resources, protect the environment and combat climate change.
BLC, The Battery Lifecycle Company GmbH (BLC), is a joint venture between sister com-panies Rhenus and TSR Group and supports the entire lifecycle of vehicle batteries, with a focus on repair, reuse and recycling. More information is available at www.tsr.eu.

About BASF Battery Materials
BASF’s Battery Materials business is a global leader in advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. We empower the world’s leading cell manufacturers and OEM platforms with high-performance solutions tailored to their needs. Our portfolio includes base metals sourcing and management, as well as various battery recycling solutions. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms and passion for innovation, we develop unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success and support the transition towards electromobility.
Our global production and R&D footprint across key regions ensure a reliable supply of high-quality materials and localized support for our partners. This allows us to better serve our customers world-wide. For more information, visit www.battery-materials.basf.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 108,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Indus-trial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

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