Watercycle Technologies has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with cylib GmbH to collaborate on the recovery of graphite and lithium from end-of-life batteries in Europe. The agreement sets out a framework for strategic material supply and technology integration, covering the purchase and refinement of graphite outputs and the treatment of lithium-bearing process water generated by cylib’s recycling operations.
Under the terms of the MoU, Watercycle will evaluate acquiring graphite from cylib’s Aachen demonstration facility beginning in 2026. Initial volumes will reflect pilot-scale production, with potential to scale up significantly once cylib’s first commercial plant is operational. Both partners also plan to explore opportunities for further expansion as additional recycling capacity comes online.
A key focus of the collaboration is the deployment of Watercycle’s modular Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (DLEC™) technology to process lithium-rich water streams stemming from battery recycling. This approach aims to boost lithium recovery rates while producing clean water as a co-product, reinforcing the sustainability credentials of the recycling process and contributing to a more circular battery value chain in Europe.
Dr. Sebastian Leaper, Co-Founder of Watercycle Technologies, noted that combining cylib’s advanced recycling expertise with Watercycle’s mineral recovery solutions could establish a robust, circular model for extracting critical battery materials. He emphasized the shared goal of building resilient and economically viable supply chains for graphite and lithium within the European market.
Dr. Gideon Schwich, Co-CEO and Co-Founder at cylib, highlighted the importance of integrating mineral recovery technologies into battery recycling to maximize resource efficiency. He said the partnership would help refine and recover graphite and lithium streams more effectively, supporting the development of a competitive, circular battery ecosystem in Europe.
By aligning cylib’s recycling capabilities with Watercycle’s flexible, modular recovery systems, the two companies aim to unlock additional value from battery waste and accelerate the region’s transition to a secure, sustainable energy future.
Source: Watercycle Technologies
