EcoLead Expands Export Markets to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands
SIA EcoLead, the only lead-acid battery recycling facility in Latvia, has begun exporting refined lead to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. This strategic step opens up new opportunities for the company to grow export volumes and develop higher value-added production across Europe.
“Entering new export markets is a significant milestone in EcoLead’s development,” says Kaspars Fogelmanis, CEO of EcoLead. “Until now, our primary export destinations were Germany and Poland, and in March this year we also launched cooperation with Israel. Expanding our export markets strengthens our position in the European circular economy and demonstrates that high-quality recycling operations can thrive in Latvia and compete internationally. Our strategic goal is to continue developing value-added products that contribute more broadly to the Latvian economy.”
EcoLead currently processes approximately 10,000 tonnes of used lead-acid batteries annually, with a consistent growth trend of about 7% per year. The facility’s full technical capacity reaches 15,000 tonnes, enabling it to handle all lead-acid batteries collected in Latvia while maintaining capacity for export production.
The company’s recycling process is based on pyrometallurgy – a high-temperature method that enables the recovery of lead and other materials from used batteries while maintaining strict control over emissions and hazardous substances. This approach ensures high efficiency and material purity, making it possible to produce high-quality secondary lead for use in industries ranging from construction and energy to medical technology.
EcoLead’s recycling process yields not only lead ingots but also gypsum, polypropylene flakes, and polyethylene (PE) – all of which are 100% exported to international markets.
Sustainable Use of Lead
Lead plays a vital role in many aspects of modern life. Its use in roofing, façades, medical applications, and protective engineering has been proven over centuries – and its importance continues to grow. Due to its high density and durability, lead is among the most effective materials for radiation shielding.
At the same time, lead is also one of the most recyclable metals used in construction. Its recovery rate in Europe is nearly 100%, and more than 90% of the lead used by EcoLead is recycled. Rolled lead products used in the construction sector are made entirely from recycled material and are awarded the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), issued by the German Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU).
About EcoLead
SIA EcoLead is Latvia’s only lead-acid battery recycling facility, operating since April 2023. The company currently employs 43 people, 40% of whom are residents of Kalnciems. EcoLead provides a complete battery recycling cycle, processing all end-of-life lead-acid batteries collected in Latvia. The company’s ambition is to become the most efficient battery recycler in the Baltic Sea region, offering sustainable, technologically advanced recycling solutions.