We’re pleased to share the launch of the LIFE GRAPhiREC, one strategic project co-funded by the LIFE Programme, CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. The project will be one of the pioneering projects in Europe dedicated to recycling graphite from battery waste. This venture represents a significant step toward a sustainable and autonomous battery supply chain in Europe.

The LIFE GRAPhiREC project represents a groundbreaking initiative within the European Union to address one of the most critical challenges in the battery production sector – sustainable sourcing of graphite. As Europe transitions towards renewable energy and electric mobility, the demand for batteries, particularly for electric vehicles and grid storage, has surged dramatically. This increasing reliance on battery technology highlights a pressing need for sustainable materials, with graphite standing as a key component in battery manufacture.

Project Mission and Objectives
LIFE GRAPhiREC’s mission is to implement the EU’s first industrial-scale pilot project dedicated to the recycling of graphite from battery waste. By developing advanced technology for recycling graphite, the project aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported graphite and foster a circular economy where battery waste is transformed into valuable resources. This enhances the EU’s industrial competitiveness and aligns with its goals for climate neutrality.
The project’s overarching goal is to pioneer a shift in how materials are sourced and utilised in battery production, setting a precedent for future initiatives focused on raw material recovery. Through its efforts, LIFE GRAPhiREC aspires to close the loop on graphite use, thereby addressing critical raw material supply issues and setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship.

Innovative Technology and Methodology
The first industrial-scale pilot project “LIFE GRAPhiREC” is centred around the establishment of two different pilot plants that will be able to recovery of graphite trough a hydrometallurgical process as follow:

1. Lithium-ion Battery Scrap Plant: This facility aims to recover graphite from the manufacturing scraps of lithium-ferrous-phosphate (LFP) batteries with a targeted recovery rate of 90% and purity levels suitable for reuse in battery production.

2. Alkaline Battery Mass Plant: This facility is focused on exhausted alkaline battery mass, come from, as a waste, by previous industrial process for recovering other RAW materials, This plant will similarly strive for high recovery rates and purity, ensuring that the recycled graphite meet to industry standards for reuse.
   Both plants will utilise state-of-the-art separation and purification technologies to ensure the recycled graphite meets stringent industry requirements and can be reused in new battery production.

Environmental Impact and Economic Benefits
The innovative recycling processes developed by LIFE GRAPhiREC are projected to reduce the environmental footprint associated with graphite production significantly. Expected outcomes include a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions due to less energy-intensive production processes and a significant decrease in natural resource consumption. Moreover, the project is poised to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth within the EU by fostering innovation in recycling technologies.

Collaboration and Community Engagement
LIFE GRAPhiREC is a collaborative effort involving multiple key stakeholders across Europe, including industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organisations. This collaborative approach ensures a broad range of expertise and resources are brought to bear on the project’s challenges and objectives.
The project actively engages with local communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to further enrich its impact. By fostering a dialogue with these groups, LIFE GRAPhiREC ensures that its developments are well-aligned with societal needs and environmental goals, paving the way for a more sustainable future in battery production and beyond.

By turning battery waste into a resource, LIFE GRAPhiREC tackles immediate environmental and supply chain challenges and contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development. Its success could serve as a model for other industries and regions, highlighting the tangible benefits of embracing circular economy practices in high-tech sectors.

The European Advanced Carbon and Graphite Materials Association (ECGA) leads all communication, dissemination, and is involved in exploitation replication & transfer activities within the LIFE GRAPhiREC project. As the voice of the EU’s carbon and graphite industry, ECGA plays a strategic role in promoting the project’s results across Europe and engaging EU policymakers to foster a sustainable battery industry.