RLG by Reconomy Strengthens European Battery Circular Economy Capabilities with Majority Stake in LiBCycle

14. January 2026
Press

Through RLG, Reconomy accelerates the development of a comprehensive European platform for compliant EV battery take-back and recycling

Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) by Reconomy, is a leading provider of environmental compliance and circular economy solutions and a core brand within Reconomy’s Comply Loop. RLG has strengthened its position in the European battery circular economy by acquiring a majority stake in LiBCycle.

RLG’s parent company, Reconomy, completed the transaction as part of its international growth strategy. Adding LiBCycle strengthens Reconomy’s services for automotive and battery recycling, creating the industry’s most comprehensive suite of circular battery solutions. LiBCycle connects large OEMs with downstream players and strengthens RLG’s capabilities in battery recycling, lithium-ion battery recovery, and compliant take-back and collection programs. RLG will fully leverage its extensive logistics network with LiBCycle’s existing partner network, including inTime Group. , a full-truck-load logistics provider.

Founded in 2021 and based in Munich, LiBCycle specializes in the safe transportation and handling of defective lithium-ion batteries. The Company offers integrated, end-to-end services including specialist packaging, loading, transportation, storage and hazardous waste management. LiBCycle operates more than 30 active cross-docking facilities across key European markets, serving leading manufacturers and battery recyclers.

Strengthening RLG’s Take-Back and Collection Infrastructure

The acquisition boosts RLG’s advanced logistics infrastructure and data-driven tracking capabilities. It further expands RLG’s ability to manage large-scale, compliant take-back and collection programs, as well as recycling services for batteries and other regulated products. With Reconomy’s global footprint and strategic market expansion, LiBCycle will serve as a central, scalable platform to enable global rollouts of these programs and services across both established and emerging markets.

These programs collect, transport and properly dispose of critical materials, such as lithium-ion batteries, for recycling or reuse. They support regulatory compliance and recover valuable materials, such as black mass, returning them to the circular economy.

RLG operates Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) across jurisdictions and regulated product categories. For example, REBAT, Germany’s largest battery take-back system, maintains over 65,500 collection points and registers more than 10,000 producers.

Responding to Market Growth and Regulatory Change

The transaction comes as the first generation of electric vehicles reaches end-of-life. Used batteries and new material streams are entering the market in increasing volumes. At the same time, evolving EU Battery Regulations are expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations to industrial and automotive batteries.

The EU forecasts a fourteen-fold increase in lithium-ion battery usage by 2030. Scalable, compliant and efficient collection and logistics systems must be able to match demand. These systems will enhance battery recycling capacity and strengthen the long-term resilience of the circular economy.

Leadership Perspectives

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Patrick Wiedemann,Chief Executive of RLG and Reconomy’s Comply Loop, 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. 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.”

Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive of Reconomy, commented:

“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 entering 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, and strengthen our position in our core international markets.”

Philip Brunotte, Co-founder and Managing Director of LiBCycle, added:

“We have made it our mission to enhance the circular economy of defective lithium-ion batteries with our comprehensive 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, and advanced logistics, we can strengthen our customer offering and accelerate growth.”