BMW Group and Encory have commissioned the Cell Recycling Competence Center in Salching, Germany, featuring innovative direct recycling technology that mechanically processes battery materials without energy-intensive chemical treatment. The facility will process mid-double-digit tonnes annually when fully operational.
BMW Group and Encory GmbH have officially commissioned the Cell Recycling Competence Center in Salching, Lower Bavaria, marking a significant advancement in battery recycling technology. The facility introduces an innovative direct recycling process developed by BMW that represents a departure from conventional methods.
Unlike traditional approaches that rely on energy-intensive chemical or thermal processing, direct recycling mechanically dismantles residual materials from battery cell production, including complete battery cells. The raw materials are then fed directly back into the cell production cycle without being fully reverted to their original state.
“Our direct recycling process puts us at the forefront of the industry,” said Markus Fallböhmer, senior vice president of battery production at BMW AG. “This technology has tremendous potential to further optimize battery cell production.”
The new facility will scale up the direct recycling methodology in stages. Once fully operational, the center will process annual volumes in the mid-double-digit tonne range. Recovered materials will be reused in pilot production at BMW’s Cell Manufacturing Competence Center in Parsdorf.
The facility occupies an existing hall in the Straubing-Bogen district, featuring approximately 2,100 square meters of production area and warehouse space, plus 350 square meters of offices and break rooms. Rooftop photovoltaic systems provide renewable energy. The center will employ about 20 people.
While Encory will build and operate the facility, BMW retains full ownership of the intellectual property for the recycling method. Encory, a 50-50 joint venture between BMW and Interzero Group, develops logistics and consulting solutions for vehicle component recovery, recycling, and reconditioning.
The facility represents the latest element in BMW’s battery cell strategy, complementing the Battery Cell Competence Center in Munich and the Cell Manufacturing Competence Center in Parsdorf. This integrated network maintains short distances between facilities, preventing valuable raw materials from being lost in the production cycle.
Nearly all contractors for construction and operation are German firms, with almost half located within 100 kilometers of Salching.
