Imerys has announced a major breakthrough in synthetic graphite manufacturing, unveiling an industrial-scale product designed to slash carbon emissions while maintaining technical performance.

 

Imerys Graphite and Carbon Switzerland Ltd. (IGC), a subsidiary of Imerys SA, says its SU-NERGY graphite line is the world’s first industrial-scale graphite with a significantly reduced climate impact.

 

Made using biomass-based feedstock and 100% low-carbon electricity, the next-generation material targets a cradle-to-gate climate impact below 0.1 kg CO₂e per kilogram — a benchmark that could help reduce the carbon footprint of materials used in advanced mobility, energy storage and other high-tech industries.

 

The development builds on an earlier milestone in 2025, when Imerys introduced SU-NERGY graphite with up to 60% lower CO₂ emissions than conventional synthetic graphite. The company says it has now advanced its proprietary manufacturing technology at its facility in Bodio, Switzerland, by combining biomass residues with low-carbon electricity.

 

The latest generation of SU-NERGY graphite retains the technical performance of its predecessor while further reducing its carbon footprint. Its catalyst-free manufacturing process is designed to offer industries a lower-carbon alternative as manufacturers face growing pressure to decarbonise supply chains and reduce emissions.

 

"When we launched the SU-NERGYTM series last year, we promised it was just the beginning of our journey to reshape the graphite landscape," said Frank Wittchen, Vice President & General Manager, Graphite & Carbon Division at Imerys. "This innovation serves as a crucial enabler for our customers. It helps them meet their decarbonization targets while securing a localized, resilient European supply chain."

 

The breakthrough underscores Imerys' efforts to develop lower-carbon industrial materials using alternative resources and manufacturing processes. By integrating biomass residues and low-carbon electricity into synthetic graphite production, the company aims to address the environmental challenges facing energy storage, advanced mobility and other technology-driven sectors.

 

With industrial-scale production of SU-NERGY graphite, Imerys is positioning its technology as a potential contributor to the transition towards more sustainable carbon materials, while supporting efforts to strengthen Europe's industrial supply chains.