Accurec Recycling GmbH is a German company specializing in battery recycling with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Since its foundation in 1995, the company has been dedicated to environmentally responsible recycling processes, focusing on rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel-based chemistries like Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). Operating from two advanced facilities located in Krefeld and Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, Accurec provides recycling solutions that adhere to stringent environmental standards while recovering valuable raw materials such as lithium and nickel. The company’s expertise spans over two decades, and its ongoing commitment ensures safety, efficiency, and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Accurec not only addresses the growing challenge of battery waste but also plays an active role in conserving limited natural resources. Its recycling processes aim to maximize material recovery, reduce resource dependency on mining, and contribute to a sustainable circular economy. The company’s reputation in the industry is strengthened by its innovative approach and collaborative efforts in several research and development projects aimed at advancing battery recycling technologies.
Battery Technology
Accurec Recycling GmbH has developed advanced recycling processes for a wide range of battery types, with a primary focus on lithium-ion technologies. Central to its mission is the recovery of high-value metals, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are essential for the production of new batteries. Through precision processing steps, including disassembly, sorting, and material recovery, the company achieves industry-leading recovery rates while minimizing environmental impact.
The company’s proprietary hydrometallurgical process, known as HydroLiC (Hydrometallurgical Lithium Carbonate Recovery), is designed to extract high-purity lithium from the “black mass” derived from spent Li-ion batteries. This method achieves a lithium purity level of 98–99%, meeting the quality requirements for reuse in new battery production. The HydroLiC process reduces the energy demand and emissions associated with primary lithium extraction, illustrating how recycled battery materials can re-enter the production cycle sustainably.
In addition to lithium, Accurec’s recycling processes enable the efficient recovery of other critical raw materials, such as nickel and cobalt, from nickel-based batteries like NiCd and NiMH. This effort supports a closed-loop material lifecycle and alleviates raw material shortages in the global supply chain.
The company also actively adapts its recycling processes for advancements in battery chemistries. For instance, the team handles industrial-scale recycling of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, e-scooters, and various consumer electronics. With its lithium recycling plant in Krefeld, the company processes approximately 4,000 tons of discarded batteries annually, providing a powerful solution to the mounting environmental pressures of e-mobility and electronics waste.
Recent Projects
Accurec participates in several forward-looking projects to refine its recycling technologies and contribute to global sustainability efforts. For example:
- EARLI Project: In collaboration with notable partners such as Evonik and RWTH Aachen University, this initiative focuses on an advanced process for recovering lithium hydroxide monohydrate from electromobile Li-ion batteries. This aligns with upcoming European Union regulations mandating lithium recovery beginning in 2026.
- RHINOCEROS: As part of this European Union-funded project, Accurec develops strategies for recovering and reusing cathodic and anodic materials directly from end-of-life batteries while minimizing hazardous waste and energy use.
- SUSTAIN Project: Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics, this project explores diagnostic tools for assessing the condition of outdated battery packs. This ensures safer dismantling and efficient use of recycling facilities without prematurely recycling batteries that still retain value.
- Lithium Recovery Plant: In early 2023, Accurec initiated operations at Europe’s first industrial-scale lithium recovery facility in Krefeld, capable of recovering up to 80% of lithium from spent batteries.
Investors
While Accurec Recycling GmbH operates within a collaborative ecosystem of research organizations and EU-sponsored initiatives, the specifics of private or individual corporate investors remain under-publicized. The company has, however, raised €2 million in non-grant funding as reported by external sources. Additionally, investment in projects like its €10 million lithium recycling plant in Krefeld highlights its strong financial backing for scaling innovation.
The company has also benefited from funding partnerships, including support from the EU’s Horizon 2020 program and contributions from German federal agencies. For example, initiatives like the EARLI and SUSTAIN projects are underwritten by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, underlining the company’s role in advancing battery recycling technologies.
Locations
Accurec Recycling GmbH operates from two facilities in Germany, reflecting its commitment to ensuring accessibility and efficiency in recycling:
- Krefeld, Germany: Bataverstr. 21, 47809 Krefeld
- Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany: Wiehagen 12-14, 45472 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Website: https://accurec.de
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accurec-recycling-gmbh/
