Recycling

With world-renowned laboratories and decades of industry experience, BASF offers dependable partnership at every stage of the recycling process. We provide unmatched resources, state-of-the-art assets, expert knowledge — and the best value for your material.

As your trusted partners in lithium ion battery recycling, chemical catalysts recycling, automotive catalysts converters and precious metal scrap, BASF is here to help you succeed in a sustainable circular economy.

That’s why we deliver the highest level of transparency in sample, assay and processing, as well as global trading and hedging services. A partnership with us means a guarantee of exceptional customer service, consistency and integrity. All that translates to complete peace of mind throughout the process.

Offering a global network of resources to maintain a circular economy

As one of BASF’s core values, sustainability has a significant influence on the way we develop our products and design our service offerings. Recycling is a significant source of the world’s precious metals, which makes it all the more important to “close the loop” and maintain a circular economy.

With that in mind, BASF will always keep an eye on the future. The recycling industry is in a state of continuous growth. We maintain a strong position in the market by virtue of our global network, resources, consistent R&D investments and extensive knowledge derived from 100 years in the business.

For our customers, that means endless opportunities to work efficiently, get higher returns and participate in environmentally sound processes.

Responsible sourcing of precious metals and minerals

As BASF, we seek to live our corporate purpose “We create chemistry for a sustainable future” by sourcing and producing responsibly, acting as a fair and reliable partner, and connecting creative minds to find the best solutions for market needs. As one of the world’s leading supplier of catalysts, BASF is implementing circular solutions for its Platinum/Palladium demand with the recycling of secondary Platinum/Palladium material (e.g. spent automotive catalysts). In 2011, the OECD issued the “OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from CAHRA” (The OECD Guidance), which was elaborated through a multi-stakeholder process that engaged civil society, industry and states, including African states from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Since then, the OECD Guidance has become the key reference for stakeholders asking for responsible sourcing practices in minerals sourcing. Subsequently, Good Delivery market places such as LPPM, London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), and the London Metal Exchange (LME) adopted responsible sourcing certification schemes as part of their requirements for Good Delivery Status. The management process, required to achieve responsible sourcing certification status, includes a policy and a dedicated management process with clear accountabilities, roles and responsibilities that screens each counterparty delivering platinum group metals (PGM) containing scrap to BASF regarding responsible sourcing risks (country risk, company risk) as well as each lot received. Through its management process BASF seeks to address such risks. This management process is ongoing, and requires regular re-assessment and follow-up. BASF expects its suppliers to acknowledge and respect its commitments and requirements related to responsible sourcing practices and to join BASF in meeting those through collaboration and due diligence.

London Platinum Palladium Market (LPPM) Responsible Sourcing certification of Seneca Refiner recycling business successfully achieved

LPPM responsible sourcing certification requires annual re-auditing within three months following the completion of the annual financial reporting period.

BASF Responsible Platinum/Palladium Sourcing Policy

Responsible Platinum and Palladium Certificate

London Platinum and Palladium Market – Responsible Platinum/Palladium Guidance Summary Audit Report

Areas of Recycling

BASF provides a world-class recycling program in four key industries.

Choose your industry to learn more about our offerings and expertise in that area.

Automotive Catalytic Converter Recycling

When working with BASF as your catalytic converter recycler, you can expect outstanding transparency, integrity and robust capabilities — all of which translates to exceptional value for your metals.

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Chemical Catalysts Recycling

BASF is highly specialized in this industry, as we both produce and recycle chemical catalysts. We are well-versed in every stage of a catalyst’s lifecycle and are dedicated to providing our customers with that expertise.

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Precious Metal Scrap Recycling

When working with BASF as your precious metal recycler, you can expect outstanding transparency, integrity and robust capabilities — all of which translates to exceptional value for your metals.

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Lithium-ion Battery Recycling

Our ambition is to “close the loop” with lithium-ion battery recycling for the automotive industry globally. To that end, we provide in-depth chemical and process engineering experience to ensure sustainable and cost-competitive solutions for metals extraction.

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