Hensel Recycling GmbH and Mastermelt Ltd Announce Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Fuel Cell and Electrolyser Recycling in Europe
Since 2025, Hensel Recycling GmbH and Mastermelt Ltd have been combining their expertise in the recycling of platinum-group-metal-containing materials from fuel cells and electrolysers. Over this period, the partnership has proven to be both robust and practice-driven, resulting in a wide range of successfully delivered customer projects across Europe.
At the Hydrogen Technology World Expo, both companies are appearing together to showcase their integrated approach across the entire value chain for critical raw materials in the hydrogen sector.
A Partnership of Equals
The collaboration is built on clearly complementary strengths. Hensel Recycling is responsible for the collection, dismantling and mechanical processing of end-of-life systems as well as production residues. This service portfolio is complemented by the Hy4Cycle technology – a specialised recovery approach for critical raw materials from hydrogen applications that supports efficient and scalable material recovery routes.
Mastermelt contributes its proven expertise in the processing and refining of complex PGM-bearing fractions, in particular membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) as well as production and development waste.
This close integration enables end-to-end recycling solutions that are both technically reliable and economically scalable. Customers benefit from aligned processes, streamlined decision-making and a high level of transparency across the entire material flow.
Proven Solutions for Real-World Customer Requirements
Over the past eighteen months, numerous joint projects have been successfully realised – ranging from the safe handling of sensitive prototype materials to the industrial recovery of valuable precious metals from series applications.
Key focus areas include:
• the reliable return of critical raw materials into the circular economy
• reproducible processes for different system generations
• solutions that meet regulatory, environmental and economic requirements alike
In a market characterised by increasing raw-material scarcity and rising sustainability pressure, this collaborative approach has clearly demonstrated its value in practice.
Hydrogen Recycling as an Integrated Service Element
The joint service offering includes specialised recycling and analytical processes for hydrogen applications. These are seamlessly integrated into ongoing projects – for example during process design, scaling from pilot projects to industrial implementation, or through the early consideration of recyclability at the development stage.
The recycling of critical raw materials is not treated as a standalone solution, but as a functional element within a comprehensive service portfolio that supports customers holistically – from early development through to the end-of-life phase of their systems.
Looking Ahead Together
With their joint appearance at the trade fair, Hensel Recycling and Mastermelt reaffirm their commitment to further developing the partnership over the long term. Their shared objective is to continue providing robust, future-proof recycling solutions for the hydrogen industry.
“The past eighteen months have shown that our collaboration goes far beyond a traditional partnership,” says Oliver Krestin, Managing Director of Hensel Recycling. “We work closely together at an operational level and develop solutions that stand up to the realities of our customers’ day-to-day business.”
Michael Zendel, General Manager of Mastermelt GmbH, adds: “In the hydrogen sector, recycling must be considered from the very beginning – not at end of life. Our partnership with Hensel allows us to integrate recycling into the entire value chain and deliver solutions that set a benchmark for technical and operational excellence while maximising value for our customers.”
About Hensel Recycling
Headquartered in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the Hensel Recycling Group has been one of the leading international providers of precious-metal and raw-material recycling services since 1998. The company supports industrial customers across the entire value chain – from analysis and processing to the recovery of valuable metals.
About Mastermelt
Founded in 1985, Mastermelt is a globally active specialist in the refining and recovery of precious metals from complex industrial material streams. The company supports customers across a wide range of industries with efficient and responsible recycling solutions. Recognised with an EcoVadis Platinum rating and an associate member of the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM), Mastermelt operates to the highest standards of sustainability, governance and precious metals integrity.
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