BASF has commenced commercial operations at its Black Mass battery recycling plant in Schwarzheide, marking a significant advancement in its circular economy strategy and commitment to sustainable battery materials. The new facility is one of Europe’s largest commercial Black Mass plants, capable of processing up to 15,000 metric tons of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery production scrap annually—equivalent to about 40,000 electric vehicle batteries.

The start of operations at the state-of-the-art plant reinforces BASF’s role in the growing European battery recycling industry. As the region aims to reduce its dependency on primary raw material sources, battery recycling becomes a critical component in meeting circular economy goals and the European Union’s stringent sustainability regulations.

Black Mass production involves the mechanical processing of spent lithium-ion batteries to extract a concentrated material rich in key metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese. These valuable resources can then be chemically recovered and reused to manufacture cathode active materials (CAM), enabling the production of new batteries with a significantly lower carbon footprint than those made from virgin raw materials.

“Our new Black Mass plant is a testament to our commitment to the battery materials and recycling sector, which remains one of the most promising growth areas within the chemical industry,” said Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, president of BASF’s Battery Materials division. “This facility will be a cornerstone of our services to help customers enhance raw material self-sufficiency and comply with the EU Battery Regulation.”

With this development, BASF aims to solidify its position as a leading partner in the battery recycling value chain across Europe. The company’s services span the entire recycling process—from collecting and dismantling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to producing and refining Black Mass—supported by a robust partner network and in-house capabilities.

Beyond the new Black Mass plant, BASF’s Schwarzheide site is also home to several other major initiatives, including Europe’s first fully automated cathode active material production plant, a prototype metal refinery for battery recycling and one of the continent’s largest Black Mass storage facilities.

The new facility underscores BASF’s integrated approach to battery recycling and highlights its ambition to play a central role in supporting Europe’s shift toward sustainable mobility and clean energy technologies.

BASF’s Battery Materials division is a global frontrunner in producing advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. The company delivers high-performance, customized solutions to leading cell manufacturers and OEMs worldwide. Its comprehensive portfolio spans base metal sourcing and management, along with a range of battery recycling technologies. Through its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and strong commitment to innovation, BASF develops proprietary solutions that drive customer success and accelerate the shift toward electromobility.