What Stiftung GRS Batterien (Foundation) does

Stiftung GRS Batterien is a non-profit foundation headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, established in 1998 by leading battery manufacturers together with the German Electrical and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI e.V.). It operates one of five manufacturer-owned take-back systems under the German Battery Act (BattG), providing registration, collection, sorting, and recycling services to more than 11,000 affiliated manufacturers, importers, and distributors of portable batteries across consumer electronics, e-mobility, healthcare, and power tool segments. The foundation is recognized as a competence center under Article 57 of the EU Battery Regulation and has expanded into sector-specific schemes (GRS Consumer, GRS eMobility, GRS Healthcare, GRS Powertools) and operational subsidiaries, with GRS Service GmbH handling day-to-day logistics and customer service.

The foundation's core technology centers on a nationwide collection container network (over 5,470 points) backed by an online self-service portal for manufacturer compliance reporting, supported by research and development into lithium-ion recycling (ReSynBatt, Green Mass), end-of-life battery safety monitoring (LiB-Siko), e-bike battery identification (BikeIdent), and material flow analysis (EuMaBatt). It is financed through non-profit disposal cost contributions (Entsorgungskostenbeiträge) paid by affiliated manufacturers on a subscription basis, with any surpluses returned to users; pricing is not publicly disclosed. The organization is governed by a small team of approximately 15 employees at the foundation level, with Georgios Chryssos serving as Vorstand (Management Board), and is supplemented by extensive research collaborations with academic institutions and EU-funded consortia.

In July 2026, a shareholder restructuring made Saubermacher AG the sole owner of GRS Service GmbH, separating operational service delivery from the foundation while leaving Stiftung GRS Batterien's take-back system operations unaffected. The foundation continues to expand its R&D portfolio into adjacent verticals (e-cigarettes via the LiLA II pilot with Philip Morris Germany) and international markets (BATTPRO in Cambodia and Thailand), and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications valid through November 2028.

Name

Stiftung GRS Batterien (Foundation)

Legal name

Stiftung Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Batterien

Website

https://stiftung-grs.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Stiftung GRS Batterien is a non-profit German foundation operating one of five manufacturer-owned take-back systems under the Battery Act, providing registration, collection, and recycling services to over 11,000 portable battery manufacturers, importers, and distributors nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Battery Recycling and Producer Responsibility Services

NAICS

Other Waste Collection (562119), Waste Collection (56211)

SIC

Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Collection, Logistics & Reverse Supply Chain (Transport, Sorting, Tracking) (EUAFACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Compliance, EPR & Battery Passport Services (Regulatory Reporting, Traceability, Audits) (EUAFACAJ), Battery Recycling & Management (Lithium-ion, Lead-acid) (BPALAIAF), Battery Collection & Logistics (Sorting, Packaging, Transport Compliance) (EUAIAIAE), Battery Dismantling, Discharge & Pre-processing (Safe Handling, Shredding, Black Mass Production) (EUAFACAB), Testing, Grading & State-of-Health (SoH) Diagnostics (EOL Assessment, Certification) (EUAFACAH)

Keywords

• Battery take-back system
• Extended producer responsibility
• Battery recycling compliance
• Circular economy services
• Waste battery management

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Disposal Cost Contributions (Entsorgungskostenbeiträge): Non-profit organization funded through disposal cost contributions (Entsorgungskostenbeiträge) paid by affiliated manufacturers and importers of batteries. These fees cover the cost of collection, transport, sorting, and recycling of waste batteries. The system is not profit-oriented; any surpluses are returned to users.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Stiftung GRS Batterien operates a non-profit, manufacturer-owned take-back system (GRS Basic) for portable and industrial batteries in Germany, providing nationwide collection infrastructure, free pickup, sorting, and recycling under the German Battery Act (BattG). It also runs sector-specific take-back schemes (GRS Consumer, eMobility, Healthcare, Powertools), an online compliance portal for manufacturers, and an R&D program focused on lithium-ion recycling, second-life applications, and circular economy innovation.

Product overview

Stiftung GRS Batterien is a non-profit competence center for producer responsibility and circular economy. Its core product is GRS Basic, a manufacturer-owned take-back system for device batteries compliant with the German Battery Act (BattG), providing nationwide collection containers and free take-back, sorting, and recycling of waste batteries for manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized companies. The foundation operates alongside sector-specific take-back solutions under the GRS brand (GRS Consumer, GRS eMobility, GRS Healthcare, GRS Powertools) managed by GRS Service GmbH. The organization also maintains a comprehensive R&D portfolio focused on battery recycling innovation (ReSynBatt, Green Mass, LiB-Siko), material flow analysis (EuMaBatt, BikeIdent), second-life applications (Second Chance), and international cooperation (BATTPRO, ECOSWEEE, FutuRaM), supported by consumer education via the Batterie-zurück platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GRS Basic Take-Back System Non-profit take-back system for device batteries (Gerätebatterien) providing collection containers, free collection, sorting, and recycling services in compliance with the German Battery Act (BattG) for manufacturers and distributors, particularly small and medium-sized companies.
• GRS Consumer Branch-specific take-back system for manufacturers of batteries, private-label products, or small electrical devices with batteries sold through stationary retail channels.
• GRS eMobility Combined branch take-back solution for device and industrial batteries for small electric vehicles including e-bikes, e-scooters, segways, and e-motorcycles, with over 2,700 collection points and a 101.7% collection rate.
• GRS Healthcare Branch-specific take-back system for manufacturers of batteries or devices with batteries for medical, health, and wellness applications, with a 94% collection rate.
• GRS Powertools Branch-specific take-back system for manufacturers of device batteries or battery-powered devices for rechargeable power tools and garden equipment, with a 91.1% collection rate and 100% recycling rate.
• GRS Portal Self-service online portal for manufacturers and distributors to register device batteries placed on the German market, submit compliance reports, order collection services, and manage their producer responsibility obligations.
• Battery Collection Container Service Free provision of collection and transport containers for retail sector, public waste management authorities (Wertstoffhöfe), commercial operations, and public bodies to support the collection, sorting, and disposal of waste batteries.
• Batterie-zurück Consumer Communication Platform Consumer information platform (batterie-zurueck.de) and supporting social media channels informing consumers about proper battery disposal, recycling, and the circular economy, with downloadable materials for collection points.
• LiLA Collection System for Lithium Devices Specialized collection system for small electrical devices with built-in lithium batteries, including e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices, providing safe take-back infrastructure at retail and recycling centers.
• Second Chance Feasibility Study Feasibility research project examining opportunities and limits of lithium-ion batteries in second-life applications, including legal frameworks, service life assessment, and reuse scenarios.
• BikeIdent E-Bike Battery Identification Research project identifying and tracking lithium batteries from e-bikes in the national take-back scheme, including sorting campaigns to understand service life and condition of end-of-life e-bike lithium-ion batteries.
• ReSynBatt Recycling Project Research project improving material cycles for lithium-ion batteries and reutilization in new product production to meet EU Battery Regulation recyclate content requirements for cobalt, nickel, lead, and lithium by 2030.
• Green Mass Lithium Recycling Concept Research project developing a recycling concept for lithium from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, particularly LFP batteries, aimed at producing zero-emission lithium recyclate (green mass) meeting EU Battery Regulation requirements.
• LiB-Siko Safety Concept Safety monitoring and assessment system for end-of-life lithium batteries and waste electrical equipment to reduce fire risks during the take-back process.
• EuMaBatt European Battery Market Analysis Research project analyzing the evolving European battery market, market volumes, take-back quantities, and market assessment for first and second life applications.
• FutuRaM Secondary Raw Materials Project
• ECOSWEEE Collection Enhancement Project
• §7 Matrix Ecological Fee Design Project
• BATTPRO International Take-Back System

Quantifiable outcome

• Collection rate of 55.2% exceeds statutory 50% requirement
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Saubermacher AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2026Saubermacher AG became sole shareholder of GRS Service GmbH following restructuring of shareholding structure. Saubermacher is an international waste and recycling company based in Feldkirchen bei Graz, Austria, founded in 1979 by Hans and Margret Roth. The company employs around 4,000 people in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and North Macedonia, serving approximately 1,600 municipalities and 42,000 companies. The foundation's operations remain fully unaffected by this change.
• Philip Morris GermanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2026LiLA II pilot project for take-back of electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating devices in retail. Philip Morris Germany, Stiftung GRS Batterien, and GRS Service GmbH collaborating to test new take-back systems in the Munich area. Project duration 12 months with scientific monitoring by bifa Umweltinstitut.
• bifa Umweltinstitut GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScientific monitoring partner for LiLA II pilot project. bifa Umweltinstitut provides reliable data on collection quantities, composition, and condition of returned devices. Results are regularly evaluated and published to inform system development and potential expansion to additional collection points.
• GRS Service GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperational services company that handles day-to-day business operations including customer service, collection logistics, and compliance services. Previously jointly owned with foundation, now wholly owned by Saubermacher AG. Provides efficient and safe solutions for battery take-back.
• TU BraunschweigminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in ReSynBatt project focusing on improving material cycles for lithium-ion batteries and reutilization in new product production.
• Fraunhofer ISTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in ReSynBatt project for lithium battery recycling and material cycle improvement.
• TU ClausthalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in ReSynBatt project for battery recycling technology development.
• TU DresdenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in Green Mass project for lithium recycling and LFP battery processing. Also partner in BikeIdent e-bike battery identification project.
• DLI (Deep Lithium Institute)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Mass project for zero-emission lithium recyclate production.
• Hatch LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Mass project for lithium recycling concept development.
• Lithium AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Mass project for lithium recyclate development and production processes.
• HSA (Hydrogen Systems Australia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Mass project for lithium recycling technology.
• NeoMetalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Mass project for lithium recyclate production and market development.
• ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in BikeIdent project for identification of e-bike lithium batteries in material flow, providing industry association perspective.
• TU Dresden (additional)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in BikeIdent project for e-bike battery identification and lifecycle tracking research.
• Macrom – Market Research and ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in EuMaBatt project for European battery market analysis and prognosis of market development.
• Multiple EU Partners (ECOSWEEE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIFE-funded project with partners including Appliances Recycling SA, ECOSWEE, ECOTIC, eletrao, ERION, RAMBOLL, SPI, Stichting Open, UNITAR, WEEE Ireland, ZEOS. Focus on enhancing collection of small WEEE and batteries in EU.
• Multiple EU Partners (FutuRaM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject with 20+ partners including BGR, BRGM, Chalmers, Duncan Kushnir, Ecosystem, EMPA, EMR, ErionWEE, FutuRaM Consortium, GeoZS, GTK, LMU, Lovisagruvan, MACE, New Boliden, Oanatmaeki, ReCharge, REPIC, SGU, SPI, TU Berlin, UCL, Uni Leiden, Uni Belgrade, UNITAR, VITO, WEEEcycling, WEEE Forum. Focus on future availability of secondary raw materials.
• ECOLOGICON GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational project partner in BATTPRO project for battery take-back professionalization in Cambodia and Thailand. Project funded by German Federal Ministry for Environment with support from ZUG (Zukunft Umwelt Gesellschaft).
• ZUG (Zukunft Umwelt Gesellschaft)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal company supporting BATTPRO international battery recycling project in Cambodia and Thailand. Project part of Export Initiative Environmental Protection funded by German Federal Ministry for Environment.
• Becker Büttner Held (BBH)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal counsel that produced short study on effective implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) through industry-run Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in battery and textile sectors.
• ZVEI e.V. (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founding partner of Stiftung GRS Batterien in 1998. The German Electrical and Digital Industry Association represents battery manufacturers and has been instrumental in establishing producer responsibility systems.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ecobatt: One of the five approved manufacturer-owned take-back systems for portable batteries in Germany under BattG, offering identical PRO services to the same customer base as GRS Basic.
• CCR Rebat: One of the four other manufacturer-owned battery take-back systems in Germany operating under BattG alongside GRS Basic. Directly competes for the same battery manufacturer and importer customers by offering registration, collection, and recycling services.
• ÖkoReCell: German manufacturer-owned battery take-back system under BattG, directly competing with GRS for portable battery EPR compliance customers across Germany.
• DS Entsorgung: Direct competitor take-back system for portable batteries in Germany under BattG, providing the same core PRO services (registration, collection, recycling) that GRS Basic offers to manufacturers and importers.

Broad incumbents

• ERP (European Recycling Platform): Pan-European WEEE and battery PRO operating across multiple EU member states, providing comparable collection and recycling services to manufacturers, including in Germany where it overlaps with GRS's market.
• Call2Recycle: North America's largest consumer battery stewardship organisation, operating a comparable PRO model for battery collection and recycling. Comparable in operational scope and PRO function, though it operates across the US and Canada rather than Germany.
• Stiftung EAR: Elektro-Altgeräte Register (EAR) is the German federal register for WEEE and battery compliance. While GRS operates a take-back scheme, EAR is the registration authority with which all manufacturers must register, making it an upstream regulatory and administrative peer.

Regional players

• SCRELEC: French producer responsibility organisation for battery and accumulator collection and recycling, comparable in PRO function to GRS but operating in France under French EPR regulations.
• Recup: French battery collection and recycling PRO providing services comparable to GRS Basic but operating in France under French environmental regulations. Similar function and PRO model in a different geography.

Others

• Saubermacher AG: International waste and recycling company that became sole shareholder of GRS Service GmbH in July 2026. Operates the day-to-day collection logistics that support GRS's take-back scheme, making it a closely linked operational partner and former joint owner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stiftung-grs-batterien
• Instagraminstagram.com/batterie.zurueck

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Stiftung GRS Batterien (Foundation)