BASF and WHW Recycling Forge Partnership to Enhance Battery Recycling in Europe

BASF and WHW Recycling Forge Partnership to Enhance Battery Recycling in Europe

(IN BRIEF) BASF and WHW Recycling have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the sustainability of battery cell production in Europe. WHW Recycling will operate two new separation plants in Baudenbach, Germany, by year-end to process cathode and anode foil waste from electric vehicle batteries. Their innovative recycling process, focusing on high-purity extraction of materials like aluminum and copper, complements BASF’s efforts to integrate recycled raw materials back into the battery supply chain. This collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering a circular economy in the European battery industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN/BAUDENBACH, 18-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF, a global leader in battery materials and recycling, has teamed up with WHW Recycling GmbH (WHW Recycling) to advance sustainable battery cell production in Europe. WHW Recycling, a joint venture between Walch Holding and Fecupral owner Štefan Hanigovský, specializes in recycling electrode foils, particularly from electric vehicle battery cell production. This collaboration aims to recover valuable raw materials from cathode and anode foil waste, feeding them back into various value chains.

By the end of the year, WHW Recycling plans to launch two state-of-the-art separation plants in Baudenbach, Germany. These plants will utilize an innovative, patented process to achieve high-purity separation of materials from cathode and anode foils. The aluminum in cathode foils and copper in anode foils will be efficiently extracted and reused, contributing to BASF’s expanded recycling service offerings.

Christine Grosse Lembeck, Vice President Business Management Battery Recycling at BASF Battery Materials, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing a circular economy for batteries in Europe. She emphasized the importance of partnering with WHW Recycling, praising their expertise in recycling solutions that complement BASF’s efforts.

Kevin Walch, Managing Director of WHW Recycling, expressed pride in their advanced recycling processes, developed over 15 years, now scaled up in collaboration with BASF. Štefan Hanigovský, joint venture partner of WHW Recycling, underscored their commitment to becoming leaders in battery recycling technologies alongside BASF, aiming to bolster Europe’s battery recycling infrastructure.

For further details on BASF and WHW Recycling’s partnership and their contributions to sustainable battery production, visit BASF’s website.

About BASF Battery Materials

BASF is a leading global supplier of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for the lithium-ion batteries market, providing high-performance CAM to the world’s largest cell producers and for leading OEM platforms. We complement our portfolio with base metals sourcing and management, as well as various battery recycling solutions, including closed loop offerings. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms and passion for innovation, BASF Battery Materials develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information is available on the internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About WHW Recycling

WHW Recycling is a joint venture between Walch Holding, led by Kevin Walch, and the Slovakian company Fecupral, led by Managing Director Štefan Hanigovský. This partnership combines the strengths and expertise of both companies for innovative recycling solutions in the field of battery cell production. By developing a sustainable process for the recycling of electrode foils, they are making a significant contribution to the circular economy and environmental protection.

Media Contacts:

BASF:
Sarah Katharina Müller
Global Media Relations Manager
+49 173 3099 741
sarah-katharina.mueller@basf.com

WHW Recycling:
Matthias Walch
Responsible for R&D
matthias.walch@walch-recycling.de
+49 9164 99 81 0

SOURCE: BASF