Reconomy acquires majority stake in LiBCycle via its RLG brand to strengthen leadership in European battery circular economy
Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, is delighted to announce that it has acquired a majority stake in LiBCycle through Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) by Reconomy.
Munich-based LiBCycle provides an all-in-one logistics solution for defective lithium-ion batteries, including specialist packaging, loading, transportation, storage and hazardous waste handling. It operates over 30 active cross-docking facilities across key European markets. Its customer base includes leading manufacturers and battery recyclers.
The acquisition of a majority stake in LiBCycle strengthens RLG’s advanced logistics infrastructure and data-driven tracking systems and materially enhances RLG’s take-back and collection capabilities. These take-back schemes ensure that materials such as lithium-ion batteries are properly collected, processed and transported to manufacturers, retailers or third parties for recycling, reuse or disposal.
Take-back schemes are typically operated through Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) and RLG is a trusted operator of PROs across a wide range of regulated product categories in multiple jurisdictions. One such PRO is REBAT, Germany’s largest take-back system for the collection, return and recycling of all types of batteries, with over 65,500 collection points and more than 10,000 producers.
The transaction comes as the first generation of electric vehicles reaches end-of-life, bringing increasing volumes of used batteries and new material streams onto the market. At the same time, new EU Battery Regulations are expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements to industrial and automotive batteries, increasing the need for robust, compliant collection and recovery infrastructure. With the EU forecasting a 14-fold increase in lithium-ion battery usage by 2030, an efficient ecosystem is essential to ensure valuable materials are recovered and returned to the supply chain.
Hear from our leaders
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.
Reconomy
Hear from our leaders
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. As a leading operator of PROs with a global network of over 40 schemes, RLG is uniquely positioned to drive sustainability in the fast-growing e-mobility sector. Together, we become a global leader connecting the automotive industry with the battery downstream processors, cementing our leading position in automotive workshop disposal solutions.”
Reconomy’s Comply division
Hear from our leaders
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.
LiBCycle
About Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) by Reconomy
Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) by Reconomy is a leading provider of circular logistics and compliance solutions, supporting the collection, return and recovery of products and materials across regulated value chains. Operating at the intersection of logistics, data and environmental compliance, RLG works with producers, retailers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to deliver efficient, transparent and compliant take-back systems across multiple jurisdictions.
Through its advanced logistics infrastructure, digital tracking capabilities and regulatory expertise, RLG plays a critical role in ensuring that end-of-life products and materials are safely collected, processed and returned into the circular economy.
Visit RLGAbout LiBCycle
LiBCycle is a specialist logistics provider focused on the safe handling and transportation of defective and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Headquartered in Munich, the company offers a fully integrated service covering specialist packaging, loading, transportation, storage and hazardous waste handling, tailored to the specific risks and regulatory requirements associated with battery logistics.
With a network of more than 30 active cross-docking facilities across Europe, LiBCycle supports manufacturers, recyclers and compliance schemes in managing growing battery volumes safely and efficiently, helping ensure critical materials are recovered and responsibly reintegrated into the supply chain.
Visit LibCycle
