Lithium extraction from spent electric vehicle batteries reaches a significant milestone by companies Cylib and Syensqo
The battery industry and Europe's circular economy goals are set to benefit from a groundbreaking achievement by Cylib and Syensqo. The two companies have successfully developed a scalable, high-purity lithium recovery route, revolutionising lithium recovery from spent electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The collaboration between the two firms has seen them combine Syensqo's advanced solvent extraction technology with Cylib's innovative hydrometallurgical process. This unique combination is setting new standards for lithium recovery efficiency and purity.
Their joint process recovers lithium and graphite from battery black mass, a significant advancement in battery recycling. The process is capable of producing high-purity lithium hydroxide (LiOH) from shredded battery electrodes of different chemistries, including nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), on a single, integrated processing line.
Key technological advances in their collaboration include Syensqo’s proprietary solvent extraction technology, which enhances both lithium yield and purity by selectively extracting lithium from Cylib’s hydrometallurgical process effluent. Cylib’s innovative hydrometallurgical water-based process recovers lithium and graphite from battery black mass, setting new standards in efficiency and product purity.
The combined process reduces operational complexity by enabling diverse battery chemistries to be recycled simultaneously on one line, increasing versatility and potentially lowering capital expenditures (CAPEX).
This breakthrough supports a closed-loop supply chain, mitigating lithium supply risks and reducing reliance on raw lithium mining. It enables manufacturers to source high-purity lithium from recycled feedstock, aligning with growing sustainability demands and regulatory requirements. The high quality of recycled lithium hydroxide meets or even exceeds the strict purity standards of cathode active material (CAM) producers, making it suitable for new battery production.
The achievement aligns closely with Europe’s circular economy and battery regulation policies, which emphasise recycling, resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts. By creating a scalable, integrated recycling solution, the collaboration advances Europe’s ambitions to secure strategic raw materials domestically and close material loops within the continent. It supports significant waste reduction from end-of-life EV batteries and fosters sustainable industrial growth in the European battery sector.
Matthias Breidenbach, Vice President Commercial at Cylib, stated that the collaboration with Syensqo demonstrates a commitment to developing new processes and expanding technological leadership in battery recycling. Laurent Cohen, in charge of Strategic Development and Alliances for Mining Solutions at Syensqo, stated that the combination of their expertise is establishing a scalable, high-purity lithium recovery route.
The project involves the collaboration between Cylib and Syensqo, as well as Tenova Advanced Technologies, Syensqo's engineering partner. The achievement takes place in Aachen and Brussels, on July 23, 2025.
The latest news in the battery market is about Cylib and Syensqo achieving a milestone in lithium recovery from spent electric vehicle batteries. Recyclers must recover at least 50% of the lithium content in battery waste by the end of 2027, and no less than 80% by the end of 2031, as stated in the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The project advances the objectives set by the European Union for lithium recovery in battery recycling, as per the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The collaboration between Cylib and Syensqo simplifies the recycling process, increases versatility, and potentially reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX).
- This groundbreaking achievement by Cylib and Syensqo in lithium recovery from spent electric vehicle batteries not only simplifies the recycling process, but also aligns with the European Union's objectives for lithium recovery in environmental-science, set to reduce environmental impacts and close material loops within the continent.
- The combined solvent extraction technology of Syensqo and the hydrometallurgical process of Cylib, developed for lithium recovery, has the potential to lower finance costs and CAPEX in the industry, while ensuring the production of high-purity lithium hydroxide that meets strict standards, benefiting technology-driven battery manufacturers.
