Vianode and cylib to integrate recycled graphite into European battery anodes

Norwegian anode graphite producer Vianode and German battery recycler cylib have entered a memorandum of understanding to investigate the integration of recycled graphite concentrate into Vianode’s next-generation anode materials. The agreement sets the stage for pilot testing, after which the companies aim to establish a commercial supply contract. cylib will provide graphite concentrate recovered through its proprietary OLiC process, a water-based recycling technology that recovers over 90% of valuable metals from used batteries and production waste, while significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to primary extraction. The collaboration aligns with Vianode’s ambitious sustainability targets, particularly its aim to reach a carbon intensity of 1.0 kg CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of graphite by 2030. Vianode’s current synthetic graphite production facilities in Norway and Canada already achieve roughly 90% lower emissions than conventional methods. Incorporating recycled graphite from cylib is expected to further reduce the environmental impact of anode materials, reinforcing the company’s commitment to green battery supply chains. Beyond environmental benefits, the partnership addresses strategic concerns over Europe’s dependence on Chinese graphite imports, which dominate the global market. Both firms emphasise the importance of fostering European material independence by utilising recycled and locally sourced raw materials. cylib, a spinout from RWTH Aachen University founded in 2022, is equipped to process various battery chemistries and scale its operations to meet industrial demand, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s circular battery economy. Dr Lilian Schwich, Co-CEO and co-founder of cylib, highlighted the competitive advantage that circular economy practices can offer Europe, stating that sustainability need not come at the cost of performance or market position. The partnership between Vianode and cylib represents a significant step towards integrating recycled content into battery anodes, potentially setting a precedent for the wider European battery manufacturing sector. If successful, this initiative could accelerate the transition to more sustainable, domestically sourced battery materials across the continent.