Sustainable partnership started between Webasto and cylib

A cooperation agreement has started between Webasto and cylib, and it states that cylib will collect and recycle production waste and used batteries from Webasto’s European sites.

The need for new recycling solutions is quickly increasing, as the number of used batteries rises, which is caused by the electrification of the automotive industry. Simultaneously, demand for lithium, graphite, and similar materials is increasing, and this means that collaborations between automotive suppliers and recycling companies are also becoming more important, especially for meeting aims for sustainability and raw materials availability.

Stringent requirements have been laid out by the EU Battery Regulation, especially for the sustainability and traceability of batteries. This regulation says that a minimum of 70% lithium and 95% cobalt, copper, and nickel must be recovered by 2030. cylib’s recycling process is already exceeding these requirements and this process makes it possible for Webasto to meet future legal requirements.

The process cylib operates requires environmentally friendly and efficient battery recycling, resulting in all materials, such as lithium and graphite, being fully recovered. It uses thermal, mechanical, and hydrometallurgical methods, and due to minimal use of chemicals, the method’s carbon footprint is 30% lower in comparison to conventional methods. Plus, the use of a water-based process means sustainable recovery of valuable raw materials is possible.

cylib co-founder and COO Dr. Gideon Schwich commented, “Our recycling technology recovers all valuable materials from spent lithium-ion batteries, including lithium and graphite. The partnership with Webasto is an important step towards scaling up battery recycling. Together, we are securing the raw materials of tomorrow and driving forward the circular economy in Europe.”

Marcel Bartling, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Webasto, added, “Collaborations like the one between Webasto and cylib are in the interest of the entire European automotive industry, because they make the local raw material ecosystem more sustainable and resilient – ultimately benefiting everyone, right down to the end consumer.”