Vianode and cylib Partner to Advance Recycled Graphite Supply for European Battery Production

Vianode, a producer of advanced battery materials, and battery recycling company cylib have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and potential future supply of recycled graphite for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

According to company reports, the partnership will explore the integration of graphite concentrate recovered through cylib’s proprietary OLiC (Optimized Lithium and Graphite Recovery) technology into Vianode’s anode material production. The companies aim to establish a circular supply chain for battery-grade graphite while supporting Europe's efforts to strengthen domestic access to critical battery materials.

Based in Europe, Vianode specializes in synthetic graphite anode materials for electric vehicle batteries, while cylib focuses on recovering valuable materials from end-of-life batteries through advanced recycling technologies. The collaboration brings together graphite recovery and anode manufacturing capabilities within the European battery value chain.

Under the agreement, cylib will supply recycled graphite concentrate recovered from spent batteries, while Vianode will conduct testing, formulation development and pilot-scale validation to assess its suitability for commercial anode production. The companies will also evaluate opportunities to scale recycled graphite use in future battery applications.

The initiative is intended to reduce reliance on virgin graphite resources, improve material circularity and lower carbon emissions associated with battery production. Graphite remains one of the most important raw materials in lithium-ion batteries, accounting for a significant share of battery mass and supply chain emissions.

“Closing the loop on battery materials is essential for building a truly sustainable battery value chain,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode. “By collaborating with cylib on the integration of recycled graphite into advanced anode materials, we aim to strengthen circularity for battery graphite, reduce reliance on virgin raw materials, and support the EU’s ambitions for a more resilient, low-carbon battery ecosystem.”

The companies said a commercial supply agreement could be negotiated following successful testing and evaluation of the recycled graphite material.

“Vianode brings advanced anode expertise; we bring proven recycled materials,” said Dr. Lilian Schwich, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of cylib. “Together, we're showing that circular doesn't mean compromise. It means competitive advantage for Europe.”

Vianode stated that its synthetic anode graphite is produced with approximately 90% lower CO₂ emissions than conventional graphite materials and is targeting an emissions intensity of 1.0 kg CO₂e per kilogram of graphite by 2030. Incorporating recycled graphite could further support that objective.

Cylib’s OLiC recycling technology is designed to recover lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and manganese from spent batteries, achieving recovery rates of more than 90% while reducing carbon emissions compared with primary raw material extraction.

The collaboration comes as European battery manufacturers seek to increase recycled content, secure regional raw material supplies and comply with emerging sustainability and battery circularity requirements under EU regulations.

Source: Vianode

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Vianode and cylib are exploring the use of recycled battery graphite in anode production, highlighting growing efforts to build a more circular and locally sourced European battery materials supply chain.