The acquisition is intended to strengthen RLG’s advanced logistics infrastructure and data-driven tracking systems, while materially enhancing its take-back and collection capabilities for lithium-ion batteries across Europe.
Commenting on the acquisition, Patrick Wiedemann, Chief Executive, of Reconomy’s Comply division, said: “This acquisition strengthens RLG’s Comply Loop by adding advanced EV battery recycling logistics to our portfolio.
“Building on our successful partnership with LiBCycle, we can now offer producers, retailers and recyclers safe and more efficient recovery solutions for lithium-ion batteries.”
Reconomy acquired RLG, also based in Munich, in 2020.
LiBCycle operates across 30 facilities
Founded in Munich, LiBCycle provides logistics solutions for defective lithium-ion batteries, covering specialist packaging, loading, transportation, storage and hazardous waste handling.
The company currently operates more than 30 active cross-docking facilities across key European markets, enabling the movement of batteries through the recycling and recovery value chain.
Philipp Brunotte, Co-Founder and Managing Director of LiBCycle, commented: “We have made it our mission to make the circular economy of defective lithium-ion batteries more efficient through our all-in-one logistics service.
“This transaction was a logical next step for our business.
“By combining our expertise with RLG’s 30 years of global experience and regulatory know-how advanced logistics, we can strengthen our customer offering and accelerate growth.”
‘Critical moment for the European battery circular economy’
Reconomy said the transaction comes at a critical point for the battery sector, as the first generation of electric vehicles reaches end-of-life, bringing increasing volumes of used batteries and new material streams to market.
At the same time, new EU Battery Regulations are expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements to include industrial and automotive batteries, increasing the need for compliant collection and recovery infrastructure.
With the EU forecasting a 14-fold increase in lithium-ion battery usage by 2030, Reconomy said the acquisition will help ensure that valuable materials are efficiently recovered and returned to the supply chain, supporting both regulatory compliance and circular economy objectives.
Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive of Reconomy, added: “This is an important milestone that comes at a critical moment for the European battery circular economy, with growing volumes of end-of-life batteries coming onto the market and regulation evolving rapidly.
“This transaction positions us well to help more businesses keep valuable materials in circulation, meet compliance requirements, lower costs and emissions, while also strengthening our position in our core international markets.”
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