cylib Launches EU's First Battery Recycling Plant
Key Takeaways
- cylib is building its first European industrial plant in Chempark Dormagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
- The plant will recycle 30,000 tonnes of end-of-life batteries by 2026 to create a circular economy and strengthen Europe’s supply chain.
- Located in a chemical cluster in North Rhine-Westphalia, the plant has existing infrastructure and good connectivity to support cylib’s industrial growth.
Sustainable battery recycling company cylib has broken ground on its first European industrial plant at Currenta’s Chempark Dormagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
A year after the launch of cylib’s pilot line in Aachen, this marks cylib’s entry into industrial scale-up, with North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President Hendrik Wüst in attendance.
Scaling for a Circular Economy in Europe
As part of its latest funding round, cylib secured a brownfield site in Currenta’s chemical park, approximately 2,36,000 sqft (22,000 sqm). The industrial plant will be operational in 2026 with 30,000 tonnes of end-of-life batteries per year and will create around 170 local jobs.
Currenta’s CEO Tim Hartmann said: “Our goal is to become Europe’s leading sustainable chemical park. The new industrial move in battery recycling and our shared commitment to the Dormagen ecosystem perfectly align with our strategy."
Dr. Lilian Schwich, cylib’s CEO and co-founder, said: “Battery recycling is pioneering the circular economy, proving that economic success is compatible with reduced environmental impact” and pointed out cylib’s resource-efficient production in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Innovative Battery Recycling
cylib’s process recovers all elements from lithium-ion batteries, with water-based lithium and graphite recovery and production scrap and black mass. 30% less environmental impact compared to conventional methods and serving automotive, battery manufacturing and chemical industry clients. By producing sustainable battery materials in Germany, cylib closes the loop in the circular value chain.
Europe’s Battery Infrastructure
The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) aims to increase Europe’s economic resilience through a sustainable supply of raw materials. The regulation lists 34 critical materials, 17 considered strategically important for the EU economy due to supply risks and import dependencies. cylib is playing a key role by providing seven materials—lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminium and copper—in-house within the EU.
EU regulations also require battery manufacturers to use minimum percentages of recycled materials in new batteries and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obliges manufacturers to manage the entire lifecycle of their batteries. cylib’s recycling services offer a solution for companies throughout the battery value chain to meet these requirements. Dr. Lilian Schwich of cylib said: “Industrial scale will be key to building a solid European battery infrastructure.”
Strategic Location in North Rhine-Westphalia
Formerly a coal mining region, North Rhine-Westphalia is transforming into a battery hub. Dr. Lilian Schwich added: “Successful industrial transformation becomes tangible where the green energy transition thrives by shifting from linear to circular processes. For decades, coal and oil have fueled society, however the time has come for a new industrial revolution centered around sustainable and circular resources. Lithium-ion battery recycling represents just this.”
The location within a well-established chemical park provides cylib with the perfect conditions for growth, using Currenta’s existing supply chains, chemical infrastructure and services. Located between Düsseldorf and Cologne the site offers excellent connections to European supply chains via rail, air, road and waterways.
cylib’s industrial expansion marks a meaningful progression for Europe's circular economy, reinforcing its industrial and economic resilience.
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Source: cylib
