Image: BASFTo recover valuable materials from end-of-life batteries, the process begins with mechanical steps known in the industry as ‘dismantling’ and ‘discharging’. These involve the professional disassembly and safe discharge of the batteries. BASF and the TSR Group aim to combine their expertise in these steps, as well as in the processing of black mass. Additionally, both companies plan to explore further joint activities, such as processing metal fractions from waste streams for black mass production and enhancing cooperation in the logistics of end-of-life batteries.According to TSR, this partnership closes the loop for battery metals. Through its investment company BLC – a joint venture established with its sister company Rhenus Automotive – the company oversees the dismantling and discharging of end-of-life batteries, adding a critical preliminary stage to the existing battery recycling value chain, as stated in an accompanying announcement. TSR Group will contribute established processes for processing various metal fractions and electronic components, along with comprehensive logistics solutions for end-of-life batteries. The service provider already operates a Europe-wide network of over 190 waste-management-licensed sites.For its part, BASF has been operating a recycling plant for the production of black mass at its Schwarzheide site (DE) since last year. Through this collaboration, the chemical group states that it is expanding its recycling network – both to ‘additional markets’ and ‘ssential services along the battery recycling value chain in Europe’, as the company describes it.Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, Head of the Battery Materials division at BASF, emphasises that partnerships are key to establishing 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,” says Schönfelder. “Together, we are expanding our European network by adding a leading recycling service provider and creating integrated solutions that help our customers close their value chains sustainably and reliably.”BASF Battery Materials is primarily known as a provider of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. In addition to producing and supplying these materials, the division also offers solutions for battery recycling. Schwarzheide serves as the hub for BASF’s European battery business. Alongside the battery recycling plant opened there in mid-2025, the site also hosts a fully automated large-scale production plant for cathode materials (DE) and a prototype metal refinery for battery recycling.BASF aims to further strengthen this area through its collaboration with the TSR Group. “The recovery of battery metals is far more than a technical process,” underscores Marc Affüpper, Managing Director of the TSR Group. “It is a strategic prerequisite 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 dependencies. This collaboration is a concrete step toward building robust structures in battery recycling and ensuring the long-term reintegration of strategically important raw materials.”As part of the Remondis Group, the TSR Group operates the aforementioned 190 sites across Europe and employs around 4,600 people. Through the joint venture BLC, the group aims to “support the entire lifecycle of vehicle batteries, with a focus on repair, reuse and recycling”basf.com
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