Munich, March 27, 2026 – In a significant move towards European independence from critical raw material imports, Munich-based startup Tozero has officially opened a new battery recycling plant in Gendorf, Upper Bavaria. The facility will focus on recovering valuable materials from discarded lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial components in electric vehicles and smartphones.
Tozero’s Mission: Reducing Dependency and Recovering Critical Raw Materials
Europe’s industrial firms are heavily reliant on China for a substantial portion of critical raw materials, including lithium, graphite, cobalt, and nickel. Tozero, founded by Ksenija Milicevic Neumann and Sarah Fleischer, aims to mitigate this dependency by establishing a robust domestic recycling infrastructure.
The plant will process “Black Mass,” a shredded material derived from end-of-life batteries. Through a chemical process, Tozero can extract lithium, graphite, and a mixture of nickel and cobalt from this mass, making these materials available for reuse in new battery production.
Industrial-Scale Demonstration and Ambitious Recovery Targets
Tozero’s new facility is designed to process 1,500 tons of battery waste annually. The company expects to recover 80 percent of the lithium contained within this waste, which could amount to approximately 80 tons of lithium carbonate, depending on the battery composition. This quantity of recovered lithium is sufficient for the battery materials of around 6,000 electric vehicles.
Co-founder Sarah Fleischer stated, “Our new site is a demonstration plant on an industrial scale.” The company managed to construct the facility within six months, highlighting their rapid development and commitment to addressing the urgent need for battery recycling solutions.
The Broader Context: European Independence and Sustainability
Tozero’s initiative aligns with broader European efforts to enhance self-sufficiency in critical raw materials and promote a circular economy. The political relevance of this endeavor is significant, as it directly addresses the strategic challenge of reducing reliance on external suppliers, particularly from regions like China, for essential industrial inputs.
The recovery of these materials not only offers economic benefits but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for new mining operations and minimizing waste. The process of recycling batteries helps to close the loop on valuable resources, ensuring a more sustainable future for the battery industry.
Future Outlook and Impact
The successful operation of Tozero’s Gendorf plant could serve as a blueprint for further expansion and development of battery recycling infrastructure across Europe. By demonstrating the viability and efficiency of industrial-scale battery recycling, Tozero is paving the way for a more secure and sustainable supply chain for the burgeoning electric vehicle and portable electronics markets.
The company’s focus on high recovery rates for critical materials such as lithium is particularly important, given the increasing global demand for these resources. As the world transitions towards greener technologies, the ability to efficiently recycle and reuse battery components will be paramount.
Tozero’s efforts are a testament to the innovative spirit within the European startup ecosystem, addressing complex industrial and environmental challenges with practical, scalable solutions. The Gendorf plant represents a tangible step towards a more circular and independent European economy.
