It has long been evident that batteries, in particular, are essential for a successful energy transition. Consequently, the recycling of batteries is becoming increasingly important. Recovering valuable raw materials, conserving resources, and protecting the environment are all crucial. Achieving this objective necessitates the establishment of a functional and sustainable circular economy. The scaleup cylib has developed an innovative and sustainable technology that addresses precisely this challenge. The young company aims to set the standard for sustainable battery recycling.
In an interview with NRW.Global Business, Dr. Lilian Schwich, co-founder of cylib, talks about her vision for the startup when it emerged from RWTH Aachen University, the advantages of its recycling process, and the role of NRW as a location for a European circular economy. She also provides insights into the company's future plans.
Dr. Schwich, what was your motivation in developing a recycling process for batteries, and what factors led you to establish your own company?
Even during my studies in metallurgy, I was intrigued by the potential for enhanced and more sustainable resource utilization. My research focused on batteries, given their crucial role in numerous everyday applications, from cell phones to automobiles. Batteries are indispensable for achieving a climate-neutral future. My vision was to develop a recycling process for the classic lithium-ion battery that would recover all raw materials, including lithium and graphite, in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. During my Ph.D. studies at RWTH Aachen University, interactions with industrial partners highlighted the significant potential of battery recycling. At the same time, it became apparent that existing processes were inadequate to meet the increasing demand for raw materials in a sustainable manner. A pivotal moment occurred when I recognized the transformative potential of a technology developed in our research which could fundamentally reshape the industry. Discussions with companies revealed both a significant need and a lack of implementation. This prompted the realization that there was an opportunity to make a significant impact. There is an evident need for action, and I am confident that we can make a significant impact. In 2022, I established cylib with my co-founders, Paul Sabarny and Gideon Schwich. Our mission is to establish a genuine circular economy for batteries. Our technology enables the recovery of all valuable raw materials from lithium-ion batteries in a sustainable, local, and climate-friendly manner. This initiative not only strengthens the European battery industry but also fosters independent supply chains.
Cylib characterizes its process as "holistic and innovative battery recycling". What gap does it fill that other processes or companies have not yet been able to address?
cylib's technology addresses a significant gap in battery recycling by recovering all valuable raw materials from lithium-ion batteries. This includes lithium and graphite, which are frequently lost in conventional processes. While most methods focus only on cobalt and nickel, leaving other important raw materials unused, cylib goes a step further: Our water-based technology ensures the highly efficient and sustainable recovery of all materials, with a recycling efficiency of over 90 percent. This approach also contributes to a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint. Compared to conventional processes, emissions are reduced by 30 percent, and by as much as 80 percent compared to the extraction of primary raw materials. This contributes not only to filling technological gaps but also to enabling a genuine circular economy. Our technology is helping Europe become less dependent on imports and is making an important contribution to the sustainable transformation of the battery industry.
What are the key factors that make NRW such a desirable location for startups like cylib? What advantages does it offer for innovative companies in the greentech and circular economy sectors?
NRW is an excellent location for cylib. The region boasts a robust industrial base and a thriving research community. The high concentration of companies, suppliers, and research institutions fosters an environment conducive to innovation. The close collaboration between science and industry, particularly through applied research, facilitates the direct implementation of new technologies. This has proven advantageous, as evidenced by the spin-off from RWTH Aachen University and the establishment of our pilot plant in Aachen. For the construction of our recycling plant in Dormagen, we are benefiting from targeted funding for the transformation of the coal regions. The eight-figure funding will enable us to sustainably scale up our technology at the brownfield site we purchased in the Dormagen Chempark. We are also recycling the existing building for this purpose. The partnership with the state of NRW strengthens not only our project, but also the development of a regional circular economy. In addition, NRW's central location and excellent logistics make it an ideal starting point for the European market. Its proximity to major cities such as Düsseldorf and Cologne also makes the region attractive to international talent and provides access to a strong pool of knowledge and talent. With an established chemical industry and a clear focus on innovation and the circular economy, NRW offers a unique environment for scale-ups like cylib to develop breakthrough technologies and build a sustainable industry.
The battery recycling market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. What role does NRW play in this regard for the German and international markets?
NRW is well-positioned to become a central location for battery production and recycling. The region boasts cutting-edge research at leading institutes in Aachen and Münster, offering an ideal foundation for rapidly translating innovations into practice and establishing a robust battery ecosystem in Europe. The region's proximity to applied research facilitates the transfer of talent from science to industry and the efficient scale-up of new technologies. As a well-established location for the chemical industry, NRW is uniquely positioned to support the development of a sustainable battery industry. The region's strong strategic infrastructure and its commitment to transformation position NRW as a significant contributor to the circular economy. With cylib, a recycling ecosystem is being developed that will have a significant impact far beyond the region and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the battery industry in Europe.