BASF Launches Major Black Mass Battery Recycling Plant in Schwarzheide, Germany

BASF Begins Commercial Operations at Black Mass Battery Recycling Plant in Schwarzheide, Germany

BASF has officially launched the commercial operations of its Black Mass plant in Schwarzheide, Germany. This advanced facility marks a pivotal moment for BASF’s battery recycling efforts. It stands out as one of the largest commercial Black Mass plants in Europe, with an impressive annual processing capacity of up to 15,000 tons of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and production scrap. This volume is equivalent to approximately 40,000 electric vehicle batteries each year. The initiation of commercial operations at this plant is a significant advancement for the European battery industry.

Battery recycling plays a crucial role in minimizing reliance on primary raw material sources and achieving the ambitious goals set by circular economy policies. The production of Black Mass is a vital step in the battery recycling process, involving the mechanical treatment of batteries. This Black Mass is rich in essential metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, which are necessary for manufacturing cathode active materials (CAM). These valuable metals can be recovered through chemical processes and reused to create new CAM, thereby promoting sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint compared to using solely primary raw materials.

“Our new Black Mass plant demonstrates our commitment to the Battery Materials and Recycling sector, which continues to represent one of the most significant growth opportunities in the chemical industry and for BASF Battery Materials,” stated Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Battery Materials division. “This facility will be a cornerstone of our offerings, enhancing raw material self-sufficiency for our customers and ensuring compliance with the EU Battery Regulation. With this new plant, we reinforce our position as the preferred partner for battery recycling across the entire value chain in Europe.”

BASF’s operations in Europe encompass all aspects of the battery recycling value chain, including the collection of end-of-life batteries and production scrap, discharging and dismantling, as well as Black Mass production and refining. This is supported by a robust partner network in addition to BASF’s own Black Mass production facility. Alongside the new Black Mass production, BASF also operates Europe’s first fully automated CAM production facility in Schwarzheide, a prototype metal refinery for battery recycling, and one of the largest Black Mass storage facilities in the region.

### About BASF Battery Materials

BASF’s Battery Materials division is a global leader in advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. We empower leading cell manufacturers and OEM platforms with high-performance solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our portfolio includes base metals sourcing and management, as well as various battery recycling solutions. By harnessing our industry-leading R&D platforms and commitment to innovation, we develop unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success and support the transition towards electromobility. Our global production and R&D presence across key regions ensures a reliable supply of high-quality materials and localized support for our partners, enabling us to serve our customers effectively worldwide.

For more information, please visit [www.battery-materials.basf.com](http://www.battery-materials.basf.com).

### About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our goal is to be the preferred chemical company that facilitates our customers’ green transformations. We integrate economic success with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. With around 112,000 employees, the BASF Group contributes to the success of our customers across nearly all sectors and countries worldwide. Our core businesses include Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care, while our standalone businesses are organized under Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. In 2024, BASF reported sales of €65.3 billion. BASF shares are traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. For additional details, visit [www.basf.com](http://www.basf.com).