Top 10 Companies in the Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Industry (2025): Market Leaders Driving the Circular Economy

In Business Insights
June 10, 2025

The Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Market was valued at US$ 1.85 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 4.25 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being driven by stringent EU battery regulations, exponential growth in electric vehicle adoption, and the urgent need for sustainable raw material recovery across industries.

As Europe transitions toward a circular battery economy, we examine the key recycling players developing innovative, efficient closed-loop solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Industry – market leaders transforming end-of-life batteries into high-value materials.


🔟 1. Umicore

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Full circular battery recycling solutions

Umicore operates Europe’s largest battery recycling facility in Hoboken, Belgium, with proprietary hydrometallurgical processes recovering over 95% of battery metals. The company serves major automotive OEMs across Europe with integrated recycling services.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 35,000 metric ton annual recycling capacity target by 2026

  • Strategic partnerships with BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen Group

  • Industry-leading black mass refining technologies

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Glencore

Headquarters: Baar, Switzerland
Key Offering: Battery recycling network across 7 European nations

Glencore’s specialized recycling subsidiary operates one of Europe’s most extensive battery recycling networks, focusing on cobalt, nickel, and lithium recovery from spent batteries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 25,000+ metric tons/year recycling capacity

  • Zero-waste processing commitment across all facilities


8️⃣ 3. Fortum

Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Key Offering: Low-emission hydrometallurgical recycling

Fortum’s Harjavalta facility employs proprietary low-CO₂ processes to recover 80% of battery materials while partnering with BASF and Nornickel to establish a Nordic battery recycling hub.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 90% lower carbon footprint compared to virgin material production

  • 100% renewable energy-powered operations


7️⃣ 4. SNAM S.A.S.

Headquarters: Viviez, France
Key Offering: Extensive EV battery collection infrastructure

SNAM operates Europe’s largest battery collection network spanning France, Germany, and Belgium, processing over 10,000 metric tons annually.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 7,300+ collection points across key European markets

  • Partnerships with Renault, STELLANTIS, and Mercedes-Benz

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. ACCUREC Recycling GmbH

Headquarters: Krefeld, Germany
Key Offering: Hybrid mechanical-hydrometallurgical processes

ACCUREC specializes in lithium recovery through its patented LiRec technology, achieving industry-leading 95% lithium recovery rates from spent batteries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Fully automated, zero-emission recycling lines

  • Comprehensive zero landfill policy at all sites


5️⃣ 6. Duesenfeld GmbH

Headquarters: Wendeburg, Germany
Key Offering: Innovative low-temperature recycling

Duesenfeld’s patented room-temperature process reduces energy consumption by 80% versus conventional methods while maintaining 98% material recovery efficiency.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 98% overall material recovery rate

  • TÜV-certified sustainable process


4️⃣ 7. LithoRec

Headquarters: Lünen, Germany
Key Offering: Automated battery dismantling solutions

LithoRec pioneered industrial-scale automated battery disassembly technologies now used by multiple European recyclers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Modular plant designs for flexible capacity expansion

  • 40+ robotic systems in operation


3️⃣ 8. Recupyl

Headquarters: Grenoble, France
Key Offering: Direct cathode material recovery

Recupyl’s Valibat technology recovers cathode materials without complete breakdown, significantly reducing processing steps and energy requirements.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Proprietary ion-exchange purification system

  • Strategic partnership with ACC for scale-up


2️⃣ 9. Battery Recycling Solutions SL

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
Key Offering: Southern Europe’s largest recycling network

Spain’s dominant battery recycler operates facilities in Barcelona and Madrid serving Mediterranean automotive markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expanding to 15,000 metric tons annual capacity

  • Approved supplier for Seat and Volkswagen Group


1️⃣ 10. SITRASA

Headquarters: Villatuerta, Spain
Key Offering: Hybrid lead-acid/Li-ion recycling

SITRASA maximizes infrastructure utilization through simultaneous processing of traditional and lithium-ion battery chemistries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Closed-loop water recycling systems

  • On-site wastewater treatment

Get Full Report Here: Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Battery Recycling Revolution

The European lithium-ion battery recycling sector is undergoing rapid transformation. While collection networks continue expanding, the industry is investing billions in automated sorting, direct recycling technologies, and closed-loop material recovery systems.

📈 Market-Shaping Trends:

  • EU Battery Regulation mandating 70% recycling efficiency by 2030

  • Automotive OEMs implementing comprehensive battery take-back programs

  • AI-powered sorting systems improving material separation accuracy

  • Strategic co-location of recycling facilities near battery gigafactories

Get Full Report Here: Europe Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report

These industry leaders aren’t just processing battery waste—they’re building the infrastructure for Europe’s sustainable energy future.