Germany's Accurec Opens Europe's First Lithium Recycling Plant to Reduce Dependence on China

Accurec Recycling GmbH, a family-owned company based in Krefeld, Germany, has launched Europe's first lithium recycling plant designed to reduce the continent's heavy reliance on Chinese lithium supplies. Currently, Europe depends on China for 65-70% of its lithium, crucial for batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, posing significant supply risks.

The company has developed a proprietary recovery process called ‘CLIMA’, which uses thermal pre-treatment and pyrolysis rather than aggressive chemicals to extract lithium from used lithium-ion batteries. This method recovers lithium in a water-soluble form, simplifying extraction and improving sustainability.

As of now, Accurec processes around 5,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries annually. The new facility, which opened in December 2025, aims to increase processing capacity to 20,000 tons and currently recovers about 50% of lithium from the batteries, with plans to raise this recovery rate to 80% by 2027. This expansion is part of Accurec’s strategy to retain raw materials within Europe and strengthen the battery supply chain.

Accurec has also signed a memorandum of understanding with AMG Lithium to integrate recycled lithium directly into the European battery supply chain, supporting the European Commission's goals for strategic autonomy in raw materials. Simon Bremer, Accurec’s development director, highlighted the need for a comprehensive European strategy on battery recycling and raw material sourcing to secure a sustainable and competitive market.

While other discussions around raw material sourcing continue, such as challenges faced by German companies in Kazakhstan waiting on bureaucratic approvals, Accurec's breakthrough demonstrates a critical step in boosting Europe's industrial independence in battery metals, making the continent less vulnerable to geopolitical supply disruptions centered on China.