Clarios expands footprint in Europe with acquisition of recycling facilities

Clarios, the manufacturer who produces Varta automotive batteries, has completed the acquisition of three battery recycling centres across Germany and Austria, significantly expanding its recycling footprint in Europe and strengthening its closed‑loop battery supply chain.

With all regulatory approvals now finalised, Clarios said it is integrating recycling operations in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, and Arnoldstein, Austria.

Clarios said the additional facilities substantially increase its ability to recover critical materials, including lead and polypropylene, and reuse them in the production of new low-voltage batteries.

According to Clarios, this strengthens supply security while reducing reliance on primary raw materials and lowering the environmental footprint across the battery lifecycle.

“This acquisition is a strategic step forward for Clarios in Europe,” said Werner Benade, president at Clarios EMEA.

“By expanding our recycling and material recovery capabilities, we are building a more resilient and sustainable supply chain that supports upcoming EU battery regulations and delivers real environmental benefits for customers and communities alike,” he added.