cylib

cylib GmbH is an innovative start-up specializing in holistic recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Founded in 2022 in Aachen, Germany, by Lilian Schwich (CEO), Paul Sabarny (CTO), and Dr.-Ing. Gideon Schwich (COO), the company builds on nearly a decade of research at RWTH Aachen University.

The main mission of cylib is to create a true circular economy by revolutionizing sustainability and efficiency in battery recycling. The company is shaped by the values of excellence, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and safety. By developing a proprietary end-to-end recycling process, cylib aims to reduce Europe's dependence on raw material imports while minimizing the ecological footprint.

The recycling process developed by cylib is characterized by its efficiency and environmental friendliness. Here are some of the key aspects:

• End-to-End Process: The cylib process covers the entire value chain of battery recycling, from the discharging and dismantling of end-of-life batteries to hydrometallurgical extraction and the production of marketable raw materials[1][2][4].
• Water-Based Lithium and Graphite Recovery: This innovative approach allows for the recovery of lithium and graphite without the use of chemicals, reducing the need for additives and acids[1][2][3].
• Recovery of All Valuable Materials: The process recovers all elements such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from batteries and production waste, already exceeding future EU regulatory requirements[1][2][4].

cylib is committed to significantly reducing the ecological footprint of battery recycling. Here are some of the sustainability initiatives:

• Reduced CO2 Emissions: The recycled materials have a significantly lower footprint than primary raw materials, further improved by the patented CO2-efficient technology[1][2][4].
• Less Water and Acid Consumption: The process reduces water and acid consumption through a special pre-treatment and minimizes the use of additives[1][2].
• Industrial Scaling: With the commissioning of a pilot line in Aachen and plans for an industrial line capable of recycling several thousand tons per year, cylib is focused on comprehensive and sustainable scaling of its technology[3].

cylib recently completed a funding round of 55 million euros, the largest funding round of a European battery recycling company. The company has also been included in the Cleantech Scale-up Coalition and is listed on Norrsken's Impact/100 list for 2024, highlighting its leading role in the cleantech industry[4][5].

Through its innovative technology and commitment to sustainability, cylib positions itself as a pioneer in the circular economy and significantly contributes to the creation of a resilient and environmentally friendly European value chain.

• 1 - https://www.cylib.de
• 2 - https://www.cylib.de/startseite
• 3 - https://een-deutschland.de/erfolge-aus-der-praxis/innovativ-und-nachhaltig-batterierecycling-des-start-ups-cylib/
• 4 - https://www.chemie.de/firmen/1043020/cylib-gmbh.html
• 5 - https://www.knuw.nrw/netzwerk/unternehmen-im-netzwerk/detail/cylib-gmbh-78.html