Battery Recycler Plans Nine-Figure Expansion in Germany

Redwood CEO Jeffrey Brian Straubel, who served for 15 years as chief technical officer at American electric carmaker Tesla, characterized the move as part of the company’s mission to create a closed-loop battery supply chain in Europe. Straubel told German business newspaper Handelsblatt that Redwood was planning to invest a nine-figure sum in Germany in the years to come.

The acquisition of Redux gives the US company a site with an annual processing capacity of 10,000 tons in Bremerhaven, a major North Sea port. The facility is capable of recycling batteries from devices like mobile phones and laptops and tools such as power drills, as well as electric vehicle and e-bike batteries, making so-called black mass which is then processed further in specialized facilities. It’s Redwood’s first site in Europe.

“Europe continues to be the fastest growing EV market globally, driven by automakers' commitments and strong government support to electrify,” said Redwood when announcing the deal. “This acquisition will provide us with a well-established EU presence to quickly expand operations, increase capacity for battery recycling, and work closely with already-established suppliers, customers and industry partners across Europe.” 

“This move by Redwood will in the medium term strengthen the battery value chain in Germany,” says Germany Trade & Invest sustainability expert Robert Compton. “Battery recycling helps secure the critical raw materials essential for the future of the German automotive industry. This is excellent news for Bremerhaven, Germany and Europe in general.”