In a landmark initiative to promote sustainability in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, Fortum Battery Recycling and Vianode have joined hands to recycle graphite from end-of-life EV batteries. This strategic partnership marks a major step toward creating a circular economy for battery materials Both companies aim to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the EV supply chain through advanced recycling and production practices.
Addressing the Graphite Supply Challenge
Graphite remains the single largest component in lithium-ion batteries by weight, with an average EV battery containing approximately 70 kilograms of graphite. Despite its significance, Europe continues to rely heavily on imports—almost 90 percent of synthetic graphite for EV batteries comes from China. As the demand for electric vehicles surges, this dependency poses a risk to supply chain stability and sustainability efforts. Fortum and Vianode recognized this gap and acted decisively to find a solution.
Fortum’s Role in Recycling Graphite
Fortum Battery Recycling operates a state-of-the-art hydrometallurgical recycling facility in Harjavalta, Finland, where it processes end-of-life EV batteries. The company has developed an innovative method to extract a high-quality recycled graphite concentrate from used batteries. This graphite concentrate forms the foundation of the partnership with Vianode, which plans to utilize this material in the production of advanced battery anode materials.
Vianode’s Commitment to Low-Carbon Anode Materials
Vianode, an Elkem company, specializes in the large-scale production of sustainable battery materials. By working closely with Fortum, Vianode will develop and optimize the recycled graphite for use in its commercial anode production lines. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Vianode’s long-term goal of achieving an ultra-low carbon footprint—below 1 kilogram of CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of graphite—by the year 2030.
Building a Circular Battery Economy in Europe
This partnership underscores the importance of developing a local, sustainable battery material supply chain within Europe. Instead of relying on imported graphite with high carbon emissions, the Fortum-Vianode model promotes the reuse of existing resources. It also complements broader European goals under the Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to secure regional supply and reduce external dependencies.
Recognition from the European Commission
The significance of Fortum’s recycling facility has not gone unnoticed. The European Commission has officially recognized the Harjavalta plant as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This recognition validates the facility’s role in strengthening Europe’s green transition. And ensuring the availability of essential raw materials through environmentally responsible methods.
Creating Long-Term Impact and Industry Innovation
Through this joint effort, Fortum and Vianode are setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the EV battery sector. Their partnership not only fosters innovation but also supports the global shift toward cleaner, greener transportation solutions. As battery demand continues to rise, this initiative provides a scalable model for recycling and reusing critical materials like graphite.
Looking Ahead with Confidence and Purpose
By focusing on recycled materials and lowering their carbon footprints, Fortum and Vianode are demonstrating strong leadership in battery sustainability. Their collaboration will likely inspire similar initiatives across the industry and influence policymakers to support green supply chain innovations. The success of this project could pave the way for Europe to lead the global battery recycling revolution.
This forward-thinking collaboration serves as a reminder that sustainability and industrial growth. Can go hand in hand when companies embrace innovation and long-term responsibility.
