1. Korea Eco-Recycling Tech: Pioneers of Automated Breaking Systems
Founded in 2005, Korea Eco-Recycling Tech (KERT) has grown from a small startup to a global leader in recycling machinery. What sets them apart? Their lead acid battery breaking and separation system is a game-changer for facilities aiming for high throughput and minimal manual labor.
Imagine a system that can handle 500 to 2000 kilograms of batteries per hour—no human hands needed to split open casings or sort materials. KERT’s system uses a combination of hydraulic cutters and vibrating separators to first crack the battery外壳 (shell), then separate lead grids, plastic chunks, and acid residue. The acid is neutralized on-site, and the plastic is shredded into pellets for reuse in new battery cases or other products. What really impresses clients is the dust-free operation: a built-in air filtration system captures 99% of particles, keeping workers safe and meeting strict global air quality standards.
Take their partnership with Hyundai Motors’ recycling division, for example. Before using KERT’s system, Hyundai’s plant struggled with inconsistent separation, leading to 15% of lead being lost with plastic waste. After installation, that loss dropped to less than 2%, and their processing speed doubled. “It’s like night and day,” said a Hyundai facility manager in a recent interview. “We’re not just saving money—we’re actually turning more profit from recycled materials now.”
KERT holds ISO 9001 for quality management and CE certification, making their equipment easy to import to Europe and North America. Plus, their after-sales support is top-tier: 24/7 technical hotline, on-site training, and even custom modifications for unique facility layouts. If you’re serious about scaling up, KERT should be at the top of your list.
2. Seoul Battery Solutions: Precision in ULAB Processing
ULAB—short for Used Lead-Acid Battery—might sound like just another industry acronym, but processing ULABs requires a delicate touch to maximize material recovery. Seoul Battery Solutions (SBS) has made this their specialty with their ULAB breaking and separating equipment .
Founded in 2010, SBS started by solving a common problem: many recycling systems either crush batteries too roughly (damaging lead grids) or are too slow (killing productivity). Their solution? A two-step process: first, a gentle cutter scores the battery外壳 to prevent shattering, then a rotating drum separator uses centrifugal force to separate lead grids from plastic. The result? Lead grids that are 95% intact, which means less melting time later, and plastic that’s clean enough to be sold as high-grade recyclate.
One of their standout clients is a mid-sized recycler in Busan that processes 300-500 kg/hour. Before SBS, they spent hours picking lead fragments out of plastic waste. Now, the system does the work, and their plastic is so pure they’ve secured a contract with a local toy manufacturer. “We used to see plastic as a side product,” the owner told us. “Now it’s a main revenue stream.”
SBS prides itself on energy efficiency, too. Their equipment uses 30% less electricity than comparable models, thanks to variable-speed motors and heat recovery technology. They’re also big on compliance: their systems meet ISO 14001 (environmental management) and KOSHA (Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency) standards, so you can trust they’re safe for workers and the planet. If your focus is on precision and sustainability, SBS delivers.
3. Busan Green Machinery: Melting Furnaces That Keep Emissions Low
Once you’ve separated the lead grids and paste from a battery, you need to melt them down to reuse the lead. That’s where Busan Green Machinery (BGM) shines with their furnace for paste reduction melting equipment .Lead melting might sound simple, but traditional furnaces are energy hogs and often release toxic fumes. BGM’s furnace changes the game with a medium-frequency induction heating system that heats lead paste directly, cutting energy use by 40% compared to old-style gas furnaces. Even better, their “closed-loop” design captures 99% of emissions, which are then treated to remove heavy metals before release.
Take their largest model, the BGM-2500, which can melt 2500 kg of lead paste per hour. A recycling plant in Incheon that switched to this furnace saw their monthly energy bill drop by $12,000. “We were skeptical at first—how could something melt faster and use less energy?” the plant engineer laughed. “But the numbers don’t lie. And the emissions? Our local environmental agency did an audit and said we’re the cleanest lead melter in the region.”
BGM also offers customization. Need a smaller furnace for a startup? Their BGM-800 (800 kg/hour) fits in tight spaces. Working with high-sulfur paste? They’ll add a de-sulfurization unit to remove sulfur before melting, ensuring the lead is pure enough for new batteries. With certifications like ISO 45001 (occupational health) and EU Ecolabel, BGM is a favorite for facilities that want to go green without sacrificing performance.
4. Incheon Recycling Systems: All-in-One Lines for Small to Medium Operations
Not every recycler needs a massive, multi-million-dollar setup. Incheon Recycling Systems (IRS) specializes in turnkey lines that combine crushing, separation, and even initial melting—perfect for small to medium facilities (100-1000 kg/hour).
Their most popular package, the IRS-1000, includes a battery crusher, separator, acid neutralization unit, and a small melting furnace—all pre-wired and tested before shipping. “We designed it for recyclers who don’t have a team of engineers,” said an IRS sales rep. “You plug it in, train your staff in a day, and start processing.”
A startup in Daegu that bought the IRS-1000 last year was up and running in three weeks. “We were worried about the learning curve, but the manual is in plain English, and the support team answered calls at 2 a.m. when we had a question,” the owner said. “Six months in, we’re processing 800 kg/day and making a profit—something we didn’t think was possible this quickly.”
IRS also offers flexible financing, which is a big plus for new businesses. And while their equipment is compact, it doesn’t skimp on safety: emergency stop buttons, thermal sensors, and interlocks prevent accidents. For those just entering the lead-acid battery recycling space, IRS makes it easy to get started.
5. Daegu Environmental Engineering: Focused on After-Sales and Innovation
Daegu Environmental Engineering (DEE) might not be the oldest name on this list (founded in 2012), but they’ve made a name for themselves with two things: cutting-edge R&D and unmatched after-sales service.
Their latest release, the DEE Smart Separator, uses AI to adjust separation settings in real time. If a batch of batteries has thicker plastic外壳 or more lead paste, the system’s cameras and sensors detect it and tweak the drum speed or separator angle automatically. Early users report a 20% improvement in separation accuracy. “It’s like having a master recycler monitoring the system 24/7,” one client noted.
But what really sets DEE apart is their service. When you buy from them, you get a 5-year warranty (most suppliers offer 1-2 years), plus annual免费 inspections. They even send engineers to your facility every six months to check for wear and suggest upgrades. “We had a sensor fail during a busy week,” a recycler in Gwangju told us. “DEE sent a technician the next day with a replacement part—no charge. That level of care is hard to find.”
DEE also invests heavily in sustainability. They use recycled steel in their equipment frames and offset 100% of their manufacturing emissions by funding reforestation projects. For businesses that want a partner, not just a supplier, DEE delivers.
| Manufacturer | Star Equipment | Capacity (kg/h) | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Eco-Recycling Tech | Lead Acid Battery Breaking System | 500-2000 | High-throughput facilities | Dust-free, fully automated |
| Seoul Battery Solutions | ULAB Breaking & Separating Equipment | 300-1500 | Precision separation needs | Gentle cutting to preserve lead grids |
| Busan Green Machinery | Paste Reduction Melting Furnace | 800-2500 | Lead melting & emission control | 40% energy savings, low emissions |
| Incheon Recycling Systems | IRS-1000 Turnkey Line | 100-1000 | Small to medium startups | All-in-one system, easy setup |
| Daegu Environmental Engineering | DEE Smart Separator | 400-1800 | Innovation-focused recyclers | AI-powered real-time adjustments |
6. Gwangju Recycling Innovations: Compact Systems for Tight Spaces
Not every recycling facility has acres of space. Gwangju Recycling Innovations (GRI) specializes in compact equipment that fits into small warehouses without sacrificing performance. Their best-seller, the GRI-Compact, is a lead-acid battery crusher and separator that’s just 3 meters long and 2 meters wide—small enough to fit through a standard warehouse door.
Don’t let the size fool you: it can still process 300-500 kg/hour. The secret? A vertical design that stacks the crusher, separator, and dust collector, saving floor space. A recycler in Seoul with a 500 sq.m. facility told us, “We thought we’d have to expand to process more batteries. GRI’s compact system let us double capacity without moving.”
GRI also offers mobile units for facilities that need to process batteries on-site (like car dealerships or battery retailers). Their GRI-Mobile fits on a truck and can handle 100 kg/hour—perfect for collecting batteries and processing them immediately, reducing transport costs. For urban recyclers or those with limited space, GRI is a lifesaver.
7. Ulsan Heavy Industries: Heavy-Duty Gear for Industrial Scale
When you’re processing tens of thousands of batteries per day, you need equipment that can handle the abuse. Ulsan Heavy Industries (UHI) builds industrial-grade systems for the biggest players—think recycling plants that supply lead to battery manufacturers like Exide or Johnson Controls.
Their UHI-Mega System is a beast: 10 meters long, with multiple crushers, magnetic separators, and a fully integrated acid treatment plant. It can process 3000-5000 kg/hour, and it’s built to run 24/7 with minimal downtime. “We use 40mm-thick steel for the crusher blades and ceramic bearings that last 10x longer than standard ones,” a UHI engineer explained. “These systems are designed to pay for themselves in 2-3 years.”
A major recycler in Incheon that processes 100 tons/day upgraded to UHI’s system last year. “We used to have breakdowns every week,” the plant manager said. “Now, we do maintenance once a month, and the system just keeps going. It’s like having a reliable workhorse.”
UHI doesn’t come cheap—their systems start at $500,000—but for industrial-scale operations, the ROI is clear. They also offer financing through partnerships with Korean banks, making it easier to manage upfront costs.
South Korea’s lead-acid battery recycling equipment manufacturers aren’t just building machines—they’re building solutions that make recycling safer, more efficient, and more profitable. Whether you’re a small startup or a global player, there’s a Korean supplier that fits your needs: KERT for automation, SBS for precision, BGM for clean melting, IRS for turnkey simplicity, DEE for innovation, GRI for compact design, or UHI for industrial power.
When choosing a supplier, start by asking: What’s my daily processing goal? Do I need to focus on lead purity, energy use, or space savings? What certifications do I need to meet (local, EU, etc.)? Most suppliers offer free consultations, so take advantage of that to find the perfect fit.
One thing’s clear: with Korean technology, recycling lead-acid batteries isn’t just about being eco-friendly—it’s about building a sustainable, profitable business. So why wait? Dive into these suppliers, ask questions, and take the first step toward turning waste into wealth.









