Clarios Fast-Tracks U.S. Battery Recycling Expansion to Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains

According to Clarios, a leader in advanced energy storage solutions, the company is accelerating plans to expand its U.S. battery recycling and critical mineral processing capacity. The initiative aims to reinforce national supply chains, support U.S. energy independence, and advance the circular economy within the battery manufacturing sector.

It is reported that Clarios will fast-track the reactivation of its currently idled facility in Florence, South Carolina. The site will be upgraded to expand recycling operations and add mineral processing capabilities, positioning it as one of the fastest routes to scale domestic recycling capacity. With much of the core infrastructure already in place, the Florence site offers a strategic advantage for meeting the country’s growing demand for recycled battery materials.

In parallel, Clarios is in the site selection and engineering phase for a new state-of-the-art battery recycling and critical mineral processing plant in the United States. Once completed, the greenfield facility will serve as a cornerstone for national recovery and refining efforts, ensuring a more resilient domestic supply chain and contributing to long-term U.S. energy independence.

At the same time, the company is upgrading its existing facilities in Mexico by integrating AI, automation, and expanded processing capabilities. These improvements are expected to boost throughput and efficiency, ensuring a steady flow of recycled materials to U.S. manufacturing sites. Altogether, Clarios’ initiatives could add up to 400,000 metric tons of additional annual recycling capacity across North America.

Analysts note that Clarios’ expansion aligns with growing federal priorities to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Energy has repeatedly emphasized the need to secure access to key battery materials such as lithium and lead, while the Inflation Reduction Act has introduced tax incentives and sourcing requirements to boost U.S.-based production and processing of critical minerals. As electric vehicle adoption and energy storage demand accelerate, the ability to recover and reuse essential materials is becoming a central pillar of America’s energy security and industrial resilience.

Industry experts point out that the circular economy model—where batteries are recycled to recover metals like lead, lithium, and nickel—can significantly reduce environmental impact while creating sustainable jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Clarios’ latest initiatives are part of its $6 billion American Energy Manufacturing Strategy announced earlier this year, which focuses on expanding operations, developing new facilities, and driving innovation in battery recycling and supply chain resilience to advance U.S. energy and critical mineral independence.

Source: Clarios

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Clarios is taking a pragmatic step toward rebuilding the U.S. battery value chain, turning recycling into a strategic pillar for energy independence rather than an afterthought of production.