In Europe, approximately 200 thousand tons of „old-type” batteries are used and about 80 thousand tons are collected which are converted into 40 thousand tons of black mass in processing plants (sorting, milling, separation) containing about 25% Zn and 25% Mn. Thanks to the subsidy provided under the Intelligent Development Operational Program 2014-2020 and in cooperation with Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals an efficient recycling technology was developed (roasting in a rotary kiln at a temperature of 1,1000 C combined with separation of evaporated zinc from manganese which remains in the slag).

TECHNIKA RECYKLING sp. z o.o. was established to commercialize the project results. The company already purchased a plot of land in the Kędzierzyn-Koźle Industrial Park belonging to the KSEZ, Gliwice subzone, acquired environmental and legal permits, a building permit, and a permit to operate in the KSEZ. The company also prepared a design for construction of the plant for recycling of zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries.