Watercycle Technologies Signs MoU with cylib to Advance Circular Graphite and Lithium Recovery in Europe

Watercycle Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with cylib GmbH to form a strategic material supply and technology integration agreement focused on graphite and lithium recovery from cylib’s battery recycling facilities.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration centred on the purchase and refining of graphite materials and the treatment of lithium-bearing process water generated through cylib’s advanced battery recycling technology. Together, the companies will assess pathways to integrate their respective capabilities to maximise value recovery and strengthen Europe’s circular battery supply chain.

Under the MoU, Watercycle intends to evaluate the purchase of graphite material from cylib’s Aachen demonstration facility beginning in 2026, with potential volumes scaling from pilot quantities to meaningful commercial volumes from cylib’s first commercial plant. The parties will also explore longer-term expansion opportunities as additional production capacity comes online.

A key element of the collaboration is the treatment and upgrading of lithium-bearing process water streams derived from battery recycling operations. By applying Watercycle’s modular Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (DLEC™) technology, the partners aim to enhance lithium recovery while generating clean water as a co-product, further reinforcing the sustainability of the recycling process.

Dr Sebastian Leaper, Co-Founder of Watercycle Technologies, said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with cylib as we explore opportunities for strategic collaboration in the battery recycling sector. By combining cylib’s advanced recycling capabilities with our modular mineral recovery technology, we can create a compelling circular model for recovering valuable minerals from end-of-life batteries. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to build resilient, sustainable and economically viable supply chains for critical battery materials in Europe.”

Dr. Gideon Schwich, Co-CEO and Co-Founder at cylib, said: “Integrating innovative mineral recovery technologies with battery recycling is key to maximising resource efficiency. Our collaboration with Watercycle enables us to explore new ways to recover and refine graphite and lithium-bearing streams, supporting the development of a more circular and competitive European battery ecosystem.”

By aligning advanced recycling with flexible, modular mineral recovery systems, Watercycle and cylib aim to demonstrate how integrated technology partnerships can unlock greater value from battery waste streams and contribute to a more secure and sustainable energy transition.