PROJECT PARTNER’S WEBSITES
LIFE GRAPhiREC
Empowering Europe's Battery Recycling
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:
- 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.
- 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.
ORIM Spa (ORIM)
ORIM Spa proudly leads the LIFE GRAPhiREC initiative, focusing on the recycling of graphite from industrial scraps of lithium-ion batteries. As the project coordinator, ORIM is overseeing the construction of a new pilot plant dedicated to advancing Europe's battery recycling capabilities. Our unique technology for recovering metals from used catalysts plays a pivotal role in producing high-quality recycled graphite, driving forward the commercialisation of this essential technology."
SIMA S.r.l. (SIMA)
As an important partner in the LIFE GRAPhiREC project, SIMA S.r.l. specializes in the in the design, construction of automated recycling plants, particularly focusing on critical raw material recovery. In this project the focus is graphite recovery from alkaline batteries. We are tasked with overseeing the construction of a new pilot plant that will enhance our capability to support sustainable practices in battery production, working closely with other project partners to optimise the recycling process.
Università dell'Aquila (UNIVAQ)
Università dell'Aquila brings extensive research expertise to the LIFE GRAPhiREC project, leading the work packages on input materials characterisation and project impact monitoring. Our academic ability within the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics ensures the technical and environmental goals of the project are met with the highest standards of quality and innovation.
University of Camerino (UNICAM)
The University of Camerino specialises in materials science, focusing on the physical and chemical characteristics of recycled graphite in the LIFE GRAPhiREC project. Our interdisciplinary research environment significantly enhances the project's technical developments, helping to optimise the recycling processes for future applications in the industry.
Talga Group (TALGA)
Talga Group leads the graphite post-processing efforts in the LIFE GRAPhiREC project, supplying high-performance anode products. Our commitment to green graphite production and vertical integration ensures high performance and minimal environmental impact, supporting the sustainable development of the battery industry.
VARTA Lithium-Ion Solutions & Microbatteries & VARTA Consumer Batteries (VMB & VCB)
VARTA plays a vital role in the LIFE GRAPhiREC project, with VARTA Lithium-Ion Solutions & Microbatteries and VARTA Consumer Batteries focusing on advancing battery technologies and production. We lead efforts in developing prototypes for both lithium-ion and alkaline batteries, utilising our advanced R&D and production facilities to meet the growing demands for sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
European Advanced Carbon and Graphite Materials Association (ECGA)
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.
