Swedish battery innovator Altris and global specialty chemicals leader Draslovka have announced a strategic partnership to build Europe’s first industrial-scale sodium-ion cathode value chain. 

 

The collaboration includes a 19.3 MEUR in-kind investment by Draslovka in Altris and aims to produce up to 350 tonnes of Altris’ patented sodium-ion cathode active material (CAM) annually.

 

Under the agreement, Draslovka will convert an existing production line at its Kolín, Czech Republic facility to manufacture Altris’ CAM, enabling a rapid, capital-efficient scale-up. Once operational, the line will deliver a European-controlled supply equivalent to around 175 MWh of sodium-ion cell capacity. Production is slated to start in late Q3 or early Q4 2026.

 

As part of the deal, Draslovka’s 19.3 MEUR investment secures long-term access to its licenses, process know-how, and a jointly developed plant design, positioning Altris to rapidly scale its technology.

 

The partnership aligns with Europe’s push to localize battery materials and reduce reliance on lithium imports. By producing CAM domestically, Altris and Draslovka aim to create a Western, sodium-ion-based alternative that strengthens the continent’s battery supply chain.

 

“This exciting partnership with Altris is an important milestone for Draslovka, as we continue strategically investing in concrete opportunities to leverage our world class expertise in chemistry and sustainable technology. By establishing a fully connected value chain production capacity in Europe, we are in a position to deliver high-quality sodium-ion solutions without relying on external links in the chain,” said Pavel Brůžek, CEO of Draslovka.

 

“This alliance exemplifies how Altris is building a European sodium-ion value chain with leading industrial partners. Europe is no longer waiting for sodium-ion to mature elsewhere – we are industrialising it here, with Western manufacturing and Western supply. It reflects our strategy to focus on what we do best: delivering world-class cathode material that supports a more resilient European battery supply,” added Christer Bergquist, CEO of Altris.