Retriev Technologies & Battery Solutions plans European expansion

Lithium and cross-chemistry battery management and materials processor, Lancaster, Ohio-based Retriev Technologies and Detroit-based Battery Solutions, which Retriev acquired earlier this year, and Interaktif Cevre (a joint venture between The Heritage Group and Kibar Group), have announced their intention to develop a battery recycling site and a collection network in Turkey. Retriev says the initiative will support the growing needs for electric vehicle, or EV, recycling in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and help the manufacturing industry meet the requirements of the EU Battery Directive.

Retriev describes Turkey as an “emerging as a competitive hub for EV manufacturers,” adding that the need for lithium-ion battery recyclers is critical for manufacturers as they expand their global operations.  

With an emphasis on EVs, this new venture says it aims to provide industry-leading services to the large automotive industry in the region by building a network of best-in-class facilities to support the demand for responsible, scalable and efficient battery recycling and processing across the continent.

“Our strategy is to provide geographic diversification to support a responsible and sustainable battery life cycle where our customers are located and bring critical materials back into the battery supply chain,” says David Klanecky, CEO of Retriev Technologies & Battery Solutions. “The explosive demand for electric vehicles will test the limits of metals supply, and recycling will be the key component of sustained success in the category.”

Retriev Technologies & Battery Solutions’ experience and expertise in lithium-ion battery recycling is complemented by Interaktif Cevre’s service offerings, Retriev says in a news release about the partnership.

“This new initiative is a logical extension to leverage our existing Interaktif Cevre platform via well-established OEM partnerships, strong infrastructure and true expertise in waste services and recycling,” says Haluk Kayabasi, CEO, Kibar Holding, Istanbul. “The Heritage Group’s solid partnerships with the leading OEMs in North America in addition to Kibar and Interaktif’s effective coverage in Turkey will help us be the premier solution provider in the region for battery recycling management and materials processing. Collection and processing of any battery type will support Interaktif’s purpose of creating a sustainability platform that reuses and repurposes the earth’s scarce natural resources.”

Jeff Laborsky, CEO of Indianapolis-based Heritage Environmental Services and director of The Heritage Group, says, “Our expansion in the region demonstrates the commitment to Turkey since 2015 when our Interaktif joint venture was announced.”