Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, has unveiled its inaugural high-performance recycled graphite product as part of its next-generation material series. This new offering is aimed at addressing the increasing demand for sustainable electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing by utilizing recycled battery-grade graphite.
Dr. Stefan Bergold, Chief Commercial Officer at Vianode, stated, “Vianode is a driving force in sustainable production of batteries and battery materials, with localized production close to customers. Our new recycled product completes the graphite loop in battery production, reducing reliance on virgin materials. It is a leap forward in making EV and battery production significantly less resource-intensive.”
The introduction of recycled graphite allows battery and EV manufacturers in North America and Europe to decrease their dependence on imported materials, aligning with regulations in the US, Canada, and the EU that encourage the use of domestic feedstock. Additionally, the product supports the European Union’s objective of achieving 25% recycling of synthetic graphite by 2030.
Anode graphite is a major component of lithium-ion batteries, typically comprising around 70 kilograms per EV. Traditional production of anode graphite contributes approximately 20% of battery cell emissions on average, highlighting the need for emission reductions in battery manufacturing.
Vianode’s Via ONE facility is recognized as the world’s most sustainable full-scale synthetic anode graphite plant. Commencing production in 2024, Via ONE achieved a record-low climate impact of 1.9 kg CO₂ equivalents per kilogram of graphite, which is over a 90% reduction in emissions compared to conventional methods.
The newly launched recycled graphite material is a significant step towards Vianode’s goal of reducing emissions to 1.0 kg CO₂e per kilogram of graphite by 2030. Improved production efficiency and material utilization are expected to facilitate the production of electric vehicles with lower emissions and enhanced battery performance, including faster charging and extended range.
Vianode differentiates between synthetic and natural anode graphite, both commonly used in lithium-ion batteries. The company produces sustainable synthetic anode graphite through a proprietary high-temperature process, while natural graphite is sourced from carbon-rich rock formations.
Bridget Deveney, VP of Product Development and Applications at Vianode, remarked, “Vianode’s proprietary recycling process enables us to recover both types of anode graphite, thereby limiting the environmental challenges traditionally associated with sourcing natural graphite. We retain the natural graphite content and enhance product quality through improved homogeneity and customized performance specifications to meet specific customer requirements.”
The Vianode Technology Center in Kristiansand, Norway, is actively developing additional recycled products aimed at fostering a circular battery value chain in North America and Europe. Product samples and technical data sheets are currently available for customer evaluation.
Source: Vianode
