Orzeł Biały, Poland’s biggest recycler of lead-acid batteries, has decided to start working on a new development strategy that may include recycling lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles and photovoltaic panels. The company announced the move on June 11, 2026, citing global shifts in battery technology and tighter EU circular economy regulations.
The company, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and headquartered in Piekary Śląskie, currently produces refined lead from used automotive and industrial batteries. However, the rapid electrification of transport and the boom in solar energy are creating a growing stream of waste that requires different recycling technologies.
Orzeł Biały’s management board decided to formally launch the process of updating the company’s strategic directions. The main areas under consideration include recycling of batteries other than lead-acid – especially lithium-ion types used in EVs – as well as end-of-life solar panels. The company also plans to explore mergers and acquisitions to enter new markets, invest in environmental technologies, and possibly build a new waste landfill to secure long-term waste management capacity.
New strategic directions
– Taking into account the need to secure production continuity, observed market trends and the current legal environment, including the requirements of EU legislation to achieve the best possible results in the circular economy, the board decided to start work on updating the development strategy and defining new strategic directions – Orzeł Biały informed.
The company sees particular potential in recycling technologies for alternative batteries and in the photovoltaic recycling segment, which is becoming a key element of sustainable development for renewable energy sources. The board also wants to invest in renewable energy projects or related technologies that can be applied in its industrial processes.
Financial foundations for growth
The new activities are to be financed primarily from retained earnings, EU funds and other available sources. In the first quarter of 2026, Orzeł Biały’s consolidated revenue stood at PLN 153.5 million, roughly flat year-on-year, while net profit dropped sharply to PLN 10.8 million from PLN 27.1 million a year earlier.
The decline in profitability underscores the urgency of finding new growth avenues. The company remains the largest Polish entity specialized in recycling spent lead-acid batteries, but the market for traditional batteries is being disrupted by newer technologies. By expanding into lithium-ion and solar panel recycling, Orzeł Biały aims to secure its long-term position in the circular economy value chain.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. EAKARAT BUANOI / Shutterstock
