cylib opens self-developed pilot plant in Aachen, Germany

The Aachen-based startup cylib has opened a recycling plant for lithium-ion batteries. Every day, 500 kg of batteries are recycled sustainably, an important step for the environmentally conscious battery industry.

Aachen, Germany - After only 11 months of development, Aachen-based startup cylib has put its pilot line for sustainable recycling of lithium-ion batteries into operation. This technology enables the recovery of all components, including raw materials such as lithium and graphite. The daily capacity of the recycling line is 500 kg, and plans are underway to expand an industrial line to recycle several thousand tons of batteries annually.

We are proud to contribute to the sustainability of the battery industry with the successful opening of our pilot line.

Lilian Schwich, CEO & Co-Founder cylib

The increasing demand for batteries for electric vehicles, tools and renewable energy systems has led to an increase in battery use. According to a study by Fraunhofer ISI, recycling demand is expected to increase to 2.1 million tons by 2040. Despite the increasing demand and regulatory pressure, the recovery of raw materials from batteries is inefficient. Cylib, founded in 2022 at RWTH Aachen University, has developed a technology that enables comprehensive and sustainable battery recycling.

We managed the entire process from infrastructure to commissioning in less than 9 months, something we are proud of as a team. We are already in discussions with the city of Aachen and other sites to plan the next production line.

Paul Sabarny, CTO & Co-Founder cylib

The end-to-end recycling plant in Aachen is the first step towards the industrial implementation of the cylib process. Here, about 500 kg of batteries can be comprehensively recycled every day. Thanks to the specially developed, water-based and chemical-free process, all elements such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and graphite are recovered. The water-based lithium and graphite recovery is particularly noteworthy. The company was founded in 2022 in Aachen by Lilian Schwich (CEO), Paul Sabarny (CTO) and Dr.-Ing. Gideon Schwich (COO) and currently employs 35 people.