A German startup, Cylib, has made a significant stride in the battery recycling industry by breaking ground on Europe’s largest industrial-scale battery recycling plant. The state-of-the-art facility, situated at Chempark on the outskirts of Düsseldorf, is expected to recycle 30,000 tons of EV batteries annually, making it a game-changer in the European electric vehicle market.
The plant will use a unique end-to-end battery recycling process developed by Cylib, recovering all critical raw materials from EV and micromobility batteries, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, and manganese, as well as scrap metal and black mass. Unlike its competitors, Cylib’s process allows for the extraction and sale of all key materials, giving the company a competitive edge.
Cylib’s innovative approach has attracted significant investors, including Porsche, Bosch Ventures, and World Fund. The company has raised €55mn in funding, which will be used to build and grow its operations. This investment has the potential to provide European automotive manufacturers with a local source of key metals, reducing the need for new mining operations.
As Europe continues to electrify, battery recycling has become a key priority for policymakers. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act aims to secure a sustainable supply of critical raw materials, and Cylib’s plant is poised to play a vital role in achieving this goal. With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability, Cylib is positioned to be a leader in Europe’s battery recycling industry.
A German startup, Cylib, has broken ground on Europe’s largest EV battery recycling plant, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to create a sustainable supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. The state-of-the-art facility, set to open in 2026, will recycle 30,000 tons of EV batteries annually, making it a game-changer for the industry.
The plant’s innovative recycling process will recover all critical raw materials from EV and micromobility batteries, reducing the need for mining new materials. This closed-loop approach aligns with the EU’s efforts to secure a sustainable supply of critical raw materials. The European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aims to support battery recycling companies like Cylib, providing easier access to financing and matchmaking with off-takers.
By focusing on recycling and reusing valuable materials, Cylib is poised to play a crucial role in Europe’s transition to a circular economy. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, the need for sustainable battery recycling solutions will become increasingly important.