14 April 2026, Münster, Germany – The RECIRCULATE project presents a key technological advancement in the safe transportation of lithium batteries, addressing one of the most critical challenges in scaling circular battery value chains: the secure handling of damaged and high-risk battery units. The technology will be showcased at Advanced Battery Power 2026, taking place in Münster, Germany, from the 14-16th of April.
Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials and are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Significant risks arise during transport and storage, particularly when batteries are damaged, unstable, or improperly handled. This makes safe logistics a critical bottleneck for both recycling and second-life markets.
Under the RECIRCULATE project, GelKoh has been working together with DHL Supply Chain on ADR-compliant (1) transport solutions. A part of the joint solution is the LiBaBox, developed for the storage and transportation of lithium batteries. The system features a spill containment tray, fire-resistant inner packaging, fire detection, and a fire suppression system designed to extinguish fires and treat exhaust gases from ruptured batteries. Combined with the appropriate inner packaging, it offers a comprehensive solution for safer battery transport and storage.
Visitors will be able to explore the solution in practice, including the LiBaBox transport system, at GelKoh’s booth (Hall 3, Stand 3.07), and meet experts from GelKoh and DHL Supply Chain Turkey R&D Team.
The demonstrated solution directly supports the RECIRCULATE project’s broader goal of enabling safe, scalable, and efficient battery lifecycle management, particularly in the transition from first use to second-life applications or recycling.
“Safe transport is a foundational requirement for any circular battery system. Without it, neither second-life applications nor recycling can scale,” said Markus Kohten, Founder of GelKoh.
“The biggest challenge in battery transportation lies mainly in ensuring the safety and efficiency parameters especially with End-of-Life batteries”, commented Yavuz Yildiz R&D and Innovation Executive, DHL Supply Chain Turkey.
Through this work, the RECIRCULATE consortium continues to advance practical, scalable solutions that enable a safe and trusted circular battery economy in Europe.
Media Contact:
Anastasia Popova, anastasia@minespider.com
About RECIRCULATE
The RECIRCULATE project is an EU and Swiss-funded collaborative effort among leading industry and academic partners to develop more efficient technologies for batteries second-life and end-of-life. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI and blockchain, RECIRCULATE aims to make second-life battery solutions cheaper, safer, and more efficient.
About Gelkoh
GelKoh has been a specialist in the safe handling of lithium batteries since 2012. The company develops and offers customized solutions for the transport of lithium batteries, their proper storage, and safe handling of damaged lithium batteries—all compliant with standards, proven in practice, and ready for immediate use. Having significant experience built on over 30 years in fire protection, Gelkoh provides customized solutions for the battery industry.
About DHL Supply Chain
The R&D and Innovation Team at DHL Supply Chain Turkey develops advanced logistics solutions with a focus on sustainable and next-generation transport systems. The team is actively involved in Horizon Europe projects, working on electrified and hydrogen-powered vehicles (HDVs and LCVs), as well as innovative logistics solutions across transport, storage, and warehousing.
As part of DHL Supply Chain, a global leader in contract logistics, the team contributes to building efficient, resilient, and future-ready supply chains.
https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/supply-chain.html
1.ADR compliant means that vehicles, packaging, and personnel involved in transporting dangerous goods by road adhere to the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.