Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, and cylib, a specialist in sustainable battery recycling and graphite recovery, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development and future supply of recycled graphite for next-generation batteries. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to strengthen battery material circularity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance Europe’s independence in critical battery raw materials.
Collaboration Focuses on Recycled Graphite Integration
Vianode and cylib will work together to integrate recycled graphite concentrate recovered through cylib’s proprietary OLiC (Optimized Lithium and Graphite Recovery) technology into Vianode’s advanced anode materials. As part of the partnership, cylib will supply high-quality recycled graphite concentrate, while Vianode will develop, test, and validate its use in next-generation battery anodes through laboratory and pilot-scale evaluations. The initiative is designed to support the growing demand for sustainable battery materials while reducing dependence on virgin graphite resources.
Driving Circularity Across the Battery Value Chain
The collaboration represents an important step toward creating a closed-loop battery materials ecosystem. Vianode will focus on developing anode formulations that incorporate recycled graphite and conducting pilot projects to assess their performance at commercial scale. cylib will continue refining its recycling processes to recover and produce graphite concentrate that meets the stringent quality and purity standards required for battery-grade anode production. The company will also work to establish a reliable supply chain capable of supporting future industrial-scale demand.
Supporting Europe’s Low-Carbon Battery Ambitions
Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode, emphasized the importance of circularity in the battery industry. “Closing the loop on battery materials is essential for building a truly sustainable battery value chain,” he said. Straube noted that integrating recycled graphite into advanced anode materials will help reduce reliance on virgin raw materials while supporting Europe’s vision for a resilient and low-carbon battery ecosystem. Subject to successful testing and evaluation, both companies intend to negotiate a commercial agreement for the long-term supply of recycled graphite concentrate.
Combining Advanced Anode Technology with Sustainable Recycling
Dr. Lilian Schwich, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of cylib, highlighted the complementary strengths of the partnership. “Vianode brings advanced anode expertise, while we contribute proven recycled materials technology,” she said. “Together, we are demonstrating that circular solutions can deliver both sustainability and competitive advantage for Europe.” The partnership combines Vianode’s expertise in high-performance battery materials with cylib’s innovative recycling capabilities, creating a pathway for more sustainable battery production.
Low-Carbon Technologies Accelerate Sustainability Goals
Vianode’s synthetic anode graphite is produced with approximately 90% lower CO₂ emissions than conventional graphite materials currently used in the battery industry. By incorporating recycled graphite into its products, the company aims to move closer to its target of reducing emissions to 1.0 kg CO₂e per kilogram of graphite by 2030. At the same time, cylib’s water-based OLiC technology achieves recovery rates exceeding 90% for critical battery materials, including lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Compared with primary raw material extraction, the process reduces carbon emissions by around 80% and supports circular material flows across multiple battery chemistries.
Building a Sustainable Future for Battery Manufacturing
As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems continues to rise, the Vianode-cylib partnership demonstrates how advanced recycling technologies and innovative battery materials can work together to create a more sustainable and resilient battery supply chain. As per the press release, the collaboration also highlights the growing importance of circular economy solutions in achieving Europe’s long-term decarbonisation and energy transition goals.
