In a move aimed at tightening Europe’s battery supply chain, Vianode and cylib have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and scale the use of recycled graphite for next-generation battery anodes.

 

The agreement sets the stage for collaboration on integrating graphite recovered through cylib’s proprietary OLiC (Optimized Lithium and Graphite Recovery) process into Vianode’s advanced anode materials. The companies plan joint testing, pilot-scale validation, and future supply development aimed at commercial deployment.

 

At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition: reduce dependence on virgin raw materials, cut emissions, and strengthen Europe’s control over critical battery inputs.

 

Under the MoU, cylib will focus on producing high-purity recycled graphite concentrate from spent batteries and production scrap, while Vianode will incorporate and test this material in its next-generation anode formulations. Both sides will work toward scaling supply chains capable of meeting strict performance and purity requirements.

 

“Closing the loop on battery materials is essential for building a truly sustainable battery value chain,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO at 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.”

 

Subject to technical validation, the partners also intend to move toward a commercial agreement for long-term supply of recycled graphite concentrate.

 

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

 

The companies are positioning the collaboration as a step toward industrial-scale circularity in battery materials—an area under growing pressure as EV demand accelerates and raw material sourcing becomes increasingly constrained.

 

Vianode says its synthetic anode graphite already delivers around 90% lower CO₂ emissions than conventional production methods, and the company is targeting a further milestone of 1.0 kg CO₂e per kg graphite by 2030 with increased use of recycled inputs.

 

cylib’s water-based OLiC technology reports over 90% recovery rates for key battery metals including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, while cutting emissions by around 80% compared to primary extraction. The system is designed to process multiple battery chemistries at industrial scale, enabling closed-loop material recovery.

 

The partnership also reflects broader European efforts to localize and decarbonize critical mineral supply chains, with recycling increasingly positioned as a strategic pillar of future battery manufacturing.