Focus on the Circular Economy of Batteries

June 15, 2026

Cross-technology exchange, concrete points of contact, and a shared vision for the future: At the Bayern Innovativ workshop held at the Cleantech Innovation Park in Hallstadt, it became clear just how much potential lies in networking along the circular economy process chain for battery systems.

How can circular solutions for battery materials and systems be further developed technologically and brought into application more quickly? This was the question addressed at the workshop on the circular economy of battery systems on June 12, 2026, at the Cleantech Innovation Park in Hallstadt. Representatives from industry, research, and the innovation sector came together to discuss technological perspectives, opportunities for collaboration, and next steps for a potential technology center dedicated to the circular economy of battery materials and systems.

Leonard Höcht opened the event, welcoming the more than 50 participants on behalf of Bayern Innovativ’s TechHUB Batterie.

“I’ve seen many of you for the third time in the past three weeks: first at the Bavarian Battery Congress in Munich, then at the Battery Show in Stuttgart, and today here at the workshop in Hallstadt,” said the head of TechHUB Batterie, summarizing the close interconnection of the industry in Bavaria.

Following this, Prof. Dr. Florian Risch, Chair of Manufacturing Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, presented the vision for the technology center dedicated to the circular economy of battery materials and systems, thereby setting the thematic framework for the rest of the day.

A special highlight of the program was the tour of the innovation center led by Peter Keller, Managing Director of the Cleantech Innovation Park, which provided insights into the on-site infrastructure and technological capabilities. Following this, the participants worked together in a simulation exercise to develop perspectives for a Technology Center for the Circular Economy of Battery Materials and Systems.

In the afternoon, the focus was primarily on innovation and cooperation potential. The discussions impressively demonstrated how important cross-technological approaches are for the further development of the circular economy for battery systems. Topics discussed included potential synergies between sorting plants and X-ray technology, the use of laser technology in disassembly, and innovative approaches in the shredding process.

The workshop highlighted the significant potential of open exchange throughout the entire process chain. In particular, the constructive discussion between industry and research opened up new perspectives for joint development steps and concrete collaborations.

The strong commitment shown by the industry representatives was particularly noteworthy. The identified opportunities for collaboration will now be pursued jointly with the participating research institutions. With the agenda item “Visions for the Future and Next Steps,” the focus was clearly set on the future by the end of the day.

We would like to thank Tom Rüther and Gregor Ohnemüller at the University of Bayreuth, Prof. Dr. Florian Risch (FAPS), Andreas Flegler from Fraunhofer ISC and the Cleantech Cluster led by Hubert Würschinger, as well as the Cleantech Innovation Park and Peter Keller for their hospitality.

The next major event is just around the corner: On June 24, 2026, the Cleantech Innovation Summit in Hallstadt will once again bring together key players from the cleantech sector and provide another platform for exchange and networking. We look forward to being represented there once again by TechHUB Batterie.