Munich-based startup Libcycle is setting the course for further growth: The company is bringing Reverse Logistics Group (RLG) on board as a majority shareholder. This investment is part of the international growth strategy of RLG's parent company, Reconomy. For Libcycle, this move primarily means one thing: scaling.
Since its founding in 2021, Libcycle has positioned itself as a specialized provider for the safe transport and handling of defective lithium-ion batteries. With RLG's investment, the startup significantly expands its scope of operations. Going forward, Libcycle will be able to roll out its logistics solutions across Europe and invest more heavily in integrated end-to-end services. These include specialized packaging, transport and storage solutions, and the management of hazardous waste along the entire battery value chain.
RLG contributes a Europe-wide logistics network, regulatory expertise, and established take-back and collection systems. Libcycle complements this structure with its existing partner network of battery manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and recyclers. Together, the companies aim to establish a pan-European platform for the legally compliant take-back and recycling of EV batteries.
Scaling through logistics and platform expertise
Libcycle currently operates more than 30 active cross-docking sites in key European markets. With RLG as its majority partner, the startup can strategically expand this structure and tap into new markets. Reconomy's international presence opens up additional scaling opportunities beyond Europe.
A key lever lies in the connection between logistics and data. By integrating with RLG's data-driven tracking systems, Libcycle strengthens its ability to implement large-scale and legally compliant take-back programs, as new EU battery regulations significantly expand extended producer responsibility for industrial and automotive batteries.
Market pressure is increasing in parallel. The first generation of electric vehicles is increasingly reaching the end of its lifespan. Consequently, the volume of used batteries and new material flows is growing. The European Union anticipates a fourteenfold increase in the use of lithium-ion batteries by 2030. This creates a clear need for scalable, safe, and regulatory-compliant logistics solutions, and thus a gap that Libcycle can capitalize on.
In addition to safe disposal, the recovery of valuable raw materials is also gaining increasing attention. The systems from Libcycle and RLG enable the controlled return of materials like black mass to the circular economy. With this, the Munich-based startup addresses not only logistical but also resource policy challenges of electromobility.
Philip Brunotte, co-founder and CEO of Libcycle, says:
“Our goal is to strengthen the circular economy for defective lithium-ion batteries through integrated logistics solutions. The merger with RLG is the logical next step in this direction.”
Patrick Wiedemann, CEO of RLG and the Comply division of Reconomy, adds:
“Based on our previous collaboration, we will be able to offer manufacturers, traders and recyclers even more efficient and safer solutions for the recovery of lithium-ion batteries in the future.”
RLG's majority stake marks a significant milestone for Libcycle This represents a structural growth step. The startup operates in a highly regulated market with high capital and infrastructure requirements. Access to existing take-back systems, logistics networks, and regulatory expertise facilitates scaling across Europe. Incubators for battery startups They also help to bring momentum to the market.
