August 21, 2025: Clarios has confirmed it will acquire three lead battery recycling plants in Europe from Ecobat as predicted by Batteries International at the end of June.
Batteries International also announced then that Ecobat was about to sell its operations in Italy and this was confirmed on July 3.
The US-based battery giant said on August 18 it will take over Ecobat’s Freiberg and Braubach facilities in Germany and the Arnoldstein plant in Austria.
A Clarios spokesperson told Batteries International on August 19 the company intended to continue operating the facilities, which would bolster the firm’s EMEA presence with advanced recycling technologies and deep technical expertise including in lead and polypropylene processing.
“The three sites will enable us to recover high-value materials more efficiently and sustainably,” the spokesperson said.
Individual plant recycling capacity figures are not being disclosed, but the spokesperson said Clarios recycles around 8,000 vehicle batteries globally per hour.
Financial details of the Germany and Austria deal were not revealed, however, Werner Benade, president EMEA at Clarios, said the deal is expected to be finalized by early next year.
He said the move will strengthen the firm’s European recycling infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience and support the delivery of high-quality secondary materials — including those used in Clarios’ VARTA battery brand.
This will meet growing demand for advanced low-voltage batteries, support the energy transition in the automotive industry, and reinforce our leadership in the circular economy.
Clarios operates one of the most advanced closed-loop recycling systems for vehicle batteries globally.
In Europe, including the UK, the company collects nearly 100% of used lead acid batteries through certified take-back systems and partnerships with garages, scrapyards, and retailers.
Ecobat has been steadily stripping lead processing plants from its portfolio in recent weeks.
In May, Ecobat said it had received a binding, undisclosed offer for its French battery recycling and speciality lead manufacturing operations from Belgium-based Campine. This would mark Ecobat’s exit from the French market — with the exception of its lithium ion battery collection business and its new lead acid battery distribution and sales.
In July, Ecobat also confirmed the sale of its lead battery and polypropylene recycling operations in Italy.
Meanwhile, UK private equity firm Endless has acquired Ecobat Battery, which has a network of 23 distribution hubs in the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
