Norwegian anode graphite producer Vianode and German battery recycler cylib have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrating recycled graphite concentrate into Vianode’s next-generation anode materials. In the event of successful pilot testing, the two companies intend to negotiate a commercial supply agreement.

Under the MoU, cylib will supply high-quality graphite concentrate recovered through its OLiC (Optimized Lithium and Graphite Recovery) process, a water-based technology that achieves more than 90% recovery of lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese from battery packs, black mass, and production scrap. OLiC carries an 80% lower carbon footprint than primary extraction, according to cylib. Vianode will develop anode formulations incorporating the recycled concentrate and run pilot-scale performance evaluations.

For Vianode, the collaboration is a step toward its goal of 1.0 kg CO₂e per kg of graphite by 2030. Its existing synthetic anode graphite—produced at Via ONE in Norway and at Via TWO currently under construction in St. Thomas, Canada—is made with around 90% less CO₂ than conventional methods. Folding in recycled graphite concentrate would reduce the carbon load further.

Graphite anode material is overwhelmingly sourced from China, and both companies are explicitly positioning the collaboration around European material independence and reduced reliance on virgin raw materials. cylib, founded in 2022 as an RWTH Aachen University spinout, processes multiple battery chemistries and is designed to scale to industrial volumes.

“Circular doesn’t mean compromise,” said Dr. Lilian Schwich, Co-CEO and co-founder of cylib. “It means competitive advantage for Europe.”

Source: Vianode / cylib