Founded in 1805, Umicore is a global advanced materials and recycling group operating as a circular materials technology company. The company develops and produces materials for reducing vehicle emissions, powering electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced recycling processes that give new life to used metals. Its business model is built around a closed-loop approach, focusing on sustainability and addressing resource scarcity through innovation.
Umicore's technical domains span battery materials, catalysis, recycling, and specialty materials. The company operates 14 R&D and technical centers worldwide and employs nearly 12,000 colleagues across its global operations. Its work supports two broad areas of cleaner mobility: catalytic materials that reduce harmful vehicle emissions, and cathode materials used in electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.
The company's recycling activities process complex waste streams containing precious and specialty metals, extracting and refining them for reuse. This integrated approach - linking material production with end-of-life recovery - positions Umicore at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and the circular economy, serving industries from automotive to electronics.
