Accurec specializes in recycling batteries with major chemical systems, such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), and nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA), excluding lead batteries. The company’s multi-step recycling process begins with thermal treatment through pyrolysis, followed by mechanical processing and raw material extraction. The recovered materials are then provided to either pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical facilities, depending on the cell chemistry.
“We have witnessed the shifts in the battery waste stream with the years” stated Reiner. Currently, Accurec’s primary intake consists of consumer device batteries, which comprise 85% of their recycling stream, while automotive batteries for example from Dutch cars supplied by ARN make up only about 15%. Of these automotive batteries, 40% are warranty returns or damaged units, another 40% are test and pre-series batteries, and 20% are production scrap. End-of-life automotive batteries are still rare in the battery recycling market, as most electric vehicles are relatively new. In addition to vehicle batteries, the company has observed a significant return of industrial and home storage systems, often due to large recall actions. Accurec believes that these stationary systems will continue to represent a growing segment in battery recycling.

The Current Battery Recycling Market: Trends and Challenges
The battery recycling market is rapidly expanding, but it is very untransparent. A vast disparity (of about ten times) exists between recycling capacity announcements and what is actually installed. Driven largely by the automotive industry, battery recycling has recently gained more attention and investment. Companies like Accurec have experienced a surge in demand for sustainable battery disposal solutions, although the industry itself remains in its early stages.
Reiner highlights that companies with a higher product quality will have the competitive edge, as high-quality outputs are increasingly valued over lower-quality products. While pyrometallurgical processes are established, advancements in hydrometallurgical techniques are shaping the future of high-quality recycling but require significant investments.

Complex battery designs
Accurec mentions challenges posed by cell-to-pack designs and encapsulated systems. These tightly packed battery structures make it difficult to disassemble batteries without specialized techniques. Other recycling companies stated using a pack-shredding approach, Accurec prefers robust pyrometallurgical solutions that enable them to efficiently handle complex battery designs.
Regulatory Impact: Navigating the EU Battery Directive
Europe’s regulatory environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the battery recycling industry. The new EU Battery Regulation, which introduces stringent recovery rate requirements for individual raw materials, represents a significant opportunity for recyclers such as Accurec. The company sees the regulation’s emphasis on specific recovery rates as beneficial to the industry, as it encourages higher recycling standards and quality.

Importance of public engagement
The mandated quote of recycled content in the battery cell, intended to promote European cell manufacturing to use recycled material in the cell production, is considered counterproductive due to Europe’s limited hydrometallurgical infrastructure. European manufacturers struggle to meet these standards compared to their Chinese counterparts, who have greater access to secondary raw materials and established recycling capabilities.
Reiner emphasizes the importance of policy support and public engagement in promoting battery recycling. The highly competitive system in Germany discourages extensive battery collection, as companies aim to minimize expenses. Accurec advocates for a more centralized collection system like the one in the Netherlands that prioritizes environmental goals over market competition. Public awareness campaigns are essential for fostering a recycling mindset, not only among consumers of portable batteries but also for other battery categories.
Despite these concerns, the regulation is regarded as a net positive, as it fosters a circular economy within the battery sector. The company anticipates that the new rules will increase market stability and transparency, benefiting recyclers who are already committed to high-quality processes.
Outlook: A Changing Landscape in Battery Recycling
Looking ahead, Reiner expects the battery recycling market to transition from a medium-sized industry to one dominated by major corporations. While the automotive battery segment is highly competitive, Accurec has chosen, for now, to focus its expertise on consumer device batteries and exploring opportunities in stationary battery systems, enabling the company to improve its profit margins and financial performance.
Accurec’s experience in the battery recycling industry highlights both the potential and the challenges of this rapidly evolving sector. With a focus on advanced technologies and a commitment to regulatory compliance, Accurec is prepared to navigate the shifting landscape of battery recycling. As demand for sustainable battery solutions grows, companies like Accurec will play an increasingly vital role in managing Europe’s battery waste and contributing to a circular economy.
Through strategic investments and policy support, Europe can strengthen its battery recycling infrastructure, reducing reliance on primary raw materials, and mitigating environmental impacts. Accurec’s journey is a testament to the importance of innovation and resilience in the pursuit of a sustainable future for battery recycling.