On June 2, 2026, advanced battery materials company Vianode and sustainable battery recycling specialist cylib signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of recycled graphite in next-generation battery anodes. The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to integrate graphite concentrate recovered through cylib’s proprietary OLiC (Optimized Lithium and Graphite Recovery) process into Vianode’s anode formulations and pilot-scale production.
Under the MoU, cylib will supply high-quality recycled graphite concentrate derived from end-of-life batteries and production scrap, while Vianode will focus on developing and validating anode materials that incorporate this recycled feedstock. Vianode plans to develop test formulations and conduct performance evaluations at pilot scale, assessing the suitability of the recycled graphite for commercial battery applications. cylib aims to establish a consistent supply chain that meets predefined quality and purity benchmarks for anode production.
This collaboration is intended to reinforce European material independence and lower the overall carbon footprint of the battery value chain. Vianode’s synthetic anode graphite already produces roughly 90% fewer CO₂ emissions than conventional materials, and the integration of recycled graphite is a key step toward its goal of achieving 1.0 kg CO₂e per kg of graphite by 2030. cylib’s water-based OLiC technology recovers more than 90% of lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and manganese from black mass, with an 80% reduction in carbon footprint compared to primary extraction methods. The process is designed to handle multiple battery chemistries and operate at industrial scale.
“Closing the loop on battery materials is essential for building a truly sustainable battery value chain,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode. “Our work with cylib will strengthen circularity, reduce reliance on virgin raw materials and support Europe’s low-carbon battery ambitions.” Dr. Lilian Schwich, co-CEO and co-founder of cylib, added, “By combining our recycled material capabilities with Vianode’s anode expertise, we’re demonstrating that circularity can deliver competitive advantage.”
Subject to further evaluation and successful pilot outcomes, the two companies intend to negotiate a commercial agreement for the sustainable, competitive delivery of recycled graphite concentrate.
Source: Vianode
