BMW Group partners with SK tes to recover critical minerals from used batteries
The closed-loop battery system is set to expand to the US-Mexico-Canada region as early as 2026

After successfully launching a closed-loop recycling system for the reuse of raw materials from high-voltage batteries in China in 2022, the BMW Group has now launched a pan-European partnership with SK tes, a provider of technology lifecycle solutions. The recycling process recovers cobalt, nickel, and lithium from used batteries, and returns them to the value chain. This closed-loop system is set to expand to the US-Mexico-Canada region as early as 2026.
In the long-term partnership with SK tes, high-voltage batteries from BMW Group development, production, and markets in Europe that are no longer fit for use are to be delivered to SK tes in what is the first step towards an effective and sustainable circular economy for batteries. SK tes then converts the old batteries into high-quality metals that can be reintroduced to battery production.
Increasing efficiency in the circular economy for batteries
The latter process sees the batteries mechanically shredded, during which the metals are concentrated to leave a material called black mass. The nickel, lithium, and cobalt are then recovered in a chemical process called hydrometallurgy. Among other things, these secondary raw materials will be used for BMW's new GEN 6 drive train.
"Partnerships like this increase our efficiency in terms of the circular economy. In the closed-loop process, all partners mutually benefit from their experiences," says Jörg Lederbauer, vice president circular economy, spare parts supply, high voltage battery, and electric powertrain at BMW AG.
SK tes's battery recycling process has won numerous sustainability and innovation awards worldwide - from the Business Intelligence Group's Sustainability Service of the Year to the UN Global Compact's Apex Award.
Developing a circular economy at the BMW Group
"The promotion of a circular economy is an important strategic topic for the BMW Group," says Nadine Philipp, vice president sustainability supplier network at BMW AG. "The development of recyclable products, the increase of secondary materials in our components, and the closing of loops play an equally important role. And by the means of a circular economy we are also increasing our resilience in the supply chains."
The BMW Group follows the principles of "Re:Think, Re:Duce, Re:Use, and Re:Cycle" when conserving resources in a circular economy. From vehicle design and production to recycling and reuse: everything is geared towards ensuring BMW vehicles become a raw materials source for new cars once they reach the end of their useful life, according to the company.
One example is the BMW Group's Recycling and Dismantling Centre. Over a period of 30 years now, the centre has developed processes and put them into practice, making key progress in parts and materials recycling.