URT Umwelt- und Recyclingtechnik GmbH is recognized as a leading company in the field of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) engineering. Established in 1995 in Karlstadt, Bavaria, Germany, the company was founded by Peter Heßler and Thomas Gundersdorf, who continue to serve as its managing directors and owners. URT specializes in the development, manufacturing, and supply of machinery and plants designed for the recycling and appropriate disposal of electronic and cooling equipment.
Since its inception, URT has expanded its operations from a European supplier to a global provider, establishing a presence and completing projects across Europe, South America, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The company has representatives in multiple countries, including Turkey, Spain, France, Brazil, and in Asia. URT’s core services encompass designing and installing complex recycling plants, developing specialized refrigerator disposal systems, and providing extensive engineering support from initial concept to commissioning and ongoing service. Safety is a focus, with integrated explosion prevention measures that meet ATEX standards.
Battery Technology
URT has developed expertise in lithium-ion battery recycling over the past decade. This area has become a significant part of its business. URT’s involvement in battery recycling began in 2011 through collaboration in the LithoRec-2 research project with Volkswagen and TU Braunschweig, focusing on mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries.
The company’s innovations in lithium-ion battery recycling technology include inert mechanical shredding processes conducted in a nitrogen atmosphere to prevent exothermic reactions, which is critical for safely processing high-voltage batteries. Vacuum drying technology is utilized to evaporate and recapture electrolytes, reducing emissions and assisting material recovery. Airlock and plant sealing systems help ensure controlled processing environments. URT employs advanced separation technologies to isolate components like metals, plastics, and black mass, achieving high recovery rates. High levels of automation are incorporated for precise monitoring and efficient operation. URT’s processes comply with European environmental regulations, including TA-Luft and Basel Convention standards for e-plastics recycling.
URT’s thermomechanical recycling technology enables the recovery of over 98% of black mass, which contains valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The process helps conserve lithium within the recovered black mass, facilitating its re-use in new battery production.
Recent projects
Recent projects for URT highlight its activity in the battery recycling sector. Since May 2024, URT has commissioned its seventh industrial lithium-ion battery recycling plant at the Erlos Produktion und Montagen GmbH facility in Zwickau, Germany. This plant is designed to process 3,500 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries annually. Additionally, URT is constructing battery recycling plants globally, including new facilities in Poland for Elemental Strategic Metals Sp. Z o.o., Israel for Mili Recycling in collaboration with Colmobil, and Germany for RE.LION.BAT Circular GmbH in Meppen.
Investors
URT Umwelt- und Recyclingtechnik GmbH remains privately owned by its founders, Peter Heßler and Thomas Gundersdorf. There is no public information indicating involvement from outside investors, venture capital firms, or private equity.
Business Details
Location: Karlstadt, Germany
Website: https://www.urt-recycling.com/seite/en/disposal/04/WB/URT_Umwelt-und_Recyclingtechnik_GmbH.html
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35446517
