Ecobat Accelerates Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling with New Plants in Germany, the U.S., and the U.K.

Ecobat, a battery recycler based in Dallas, has announced the successful commissioning of three advanced lithium-ion battery recycling facilities within just 12 months, according to the company’s official website. These facilities—located in Hettstedt, Germany; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Darlaston, England—are now fully operational. Together, they significantly bolster Ecobat’s role in the global shift toward a circular battery economy.

The company revealed that these facilities are capable of processing up to 10,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries annually in total, with plans for future expansion to reach 25,000 tons. A key focus of these new plants is the production of black mass, Ecobat said, a vital material derived from recycled lithium-ion batteries, which contains critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite. This material is essential for the sustainable production of new batteries, reducing reliance on virgin mining resources and supporting the development of circular supply chains.

According to Ecobat, the strategic placement of these plants is designed to meet the growing global demand for sustainable recycling solutions in key markets. The Hettstedt facility, which began operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, processes a diverse range of battery chemistries, including electric vehicle (EV) packs, portable electronics, e-bikes, and power tools. Ecobat notes that the facility supports major automotive OEMs and collection programs throughout Europe. The Casa Grande plant, which became operational in April 2024, is positioned to strengthen the United States’ expanding lithium-ion battery recycling infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in efficiently processing batteries used in various sectors, including electric vehicles and consumer electronics. Meanwhile, the Darlaston facility in the U.K., which has been operational since November 2024, serves as “a critical hub for Ecobat’s operations across the UK and the wider European market”. Ecobat highlights that this facility processes a wide array of lithium-ion battery types, offers diagnostic services, and plays an important role in supporting sustainable material flows within the British supply chain.

The commissioning of these plants highlights Ecobat’s proactive role in advancing the circular battery economy. Brett Horton, Managing Director of Ecobat Solutions, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries. “With EV sales rising and more end-of-life batteries entering the market, our new facilities are well-positioned to meet these challenges, creating value for our partners and stakeholders, while helping to drive the transition to a circular economy,” Horton stated.

As part of its ongoing expansion, Ecobat has ambitious plans to increase the processing capacity of these plants in the coming years, with the goal of reaching 25,000 tons of battery recycling capacity. The company’s efforts align with the global shift towards more sustainable, closed-loop production systems in the battery industry, particularly as the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems continues to rise.

Source: Ecobat