The BMW Group is establishing a Cell Recycling Competence Centre (CRCC) in Kirchroth, Lower Bavaria, to implement a groundbreaking “direct recycling” process. This innovative method mechanically dismantles both residual materials from battery cell production and entire battery cells into valuable components, allowing recovered materials to be reused directly in battery cell pilot production.
Markus Fallböhmer, Senior Vice President of Battery Production at BMW AG, states, “The new Cell Recycling Competence Centre adds to our expertise by creating a closed loop for battery cells.” The BMW Group is investing around 10 million euros in the CRCC, which will be installed in the second half of 2025.
Direct recycling focuses on recovering key raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, significantly impacting production costs. This process avoids traditional energy-intensive methods, as materials are reused directly in the production cycle. The CRCC will allow for the recycling of mid-double-digit tonnes of battery material annually after its completion.
The new centre will be integrated into an existing facility in the Kirchroth-Nord industrial park, enhancing the BMW Group’s battery expertise alongside its existing Competence Centres in Munich and Parsdorf. Energy from discharged cells will be used to operate the recycling systems, with additional support from rooftop photovoltaic systems.
Operated by Encory GmbH—a joint venture between the BMW Group and Interzero Group—the CRCC will employ around 20 people. This initiative contributes to BMW’s commitment to the circular economy, ensuring vehicles can serve as raw material sources at the end of their lifecycle by focusing on efficient recycling methods for high-voltage batteries.
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