Switzerland is setting a strong example in the circular economy: the first high-tech factory for e‑car batteries has opened in Biberist (SO). The Swiss company Librec AG is behind this pioneering project. The aim of the new plant is to recover valuable raw materials from old batteries — efficiently, sustainably and locally.
High-tech factory for e‑car batteries: pioneering project for Switzerland
The new plant in Biberist, which has now celebrated its opening, is the first of its kind in Switzerland. In future, it will process around 1,500 tonnes of batteries per year, which corresponds to around 3,000 vehicle batteries. The focus is on lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in both electric cars and other electrical devices. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, it is possible to recover up to 92 per cent of the raw materials from the batteries. This includes valuable materials such as nickel, copper, lithium and cobalt, which are then returned to the production cycle.
Battery recycling protects the environment and conserves resources
The recovery of these raw materials ultimately makes economic sense and contributes to environmental protection. This is because recycling batteries consumes less energy than mining new raw materials. It also significantly reduces the amount of waste produced when batteries are disposed of.
Librec relies on a closed system: from the receipt of used batteries to the separation and recovery of the materials, the entire process takes place in the Biberis factory.
Close cooperation with industry partners
The company works closely with partners from the automotive industry to further optimise the recycling of vehicle batteries. The fact that the first high-tech factory for recycling e‑car batteries has now been opened in Biberist is also thanks to the collaboration with partners. Car importers, garages and waste disposal companies have formed a network that works together to better control the entire life cycle of the batteries. By working together, they not only improve the recycling process, but also promote the transition to more sustainable electromobility. In this way, Librec is actively shaping the future of electromobility and contributing to the environmentally friendly transformation of the industry.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries: an important step towards a circular economy
With the factory in Biberist, Switzerland is showing what a sustainable industry could look like. It combines environmental protection, modern technology and economic efficiency. For Librec, however, the opening of the first high-tech factory for e‑car batteries is just the beginning: the company plans to double the factory’s capacity in the coming years. The company is committed to continuous innovation and wants to secure a leading role for Switzerland in the field of battery recycling. In a world that is increasingly focussing on electric vehicles, Switzerland is taking a pioneering role in the global recycling market with this step. The project has international appeal and could serve as a model for other countries.
