Image: CylibThe SIB:DE Entwicklung project is part of SIB:DE, which last year launched the SIB:DE Forschung initiative. While the project initially focused on assessing the suitability of sodium-ion battery technology for Europe’s energy and mobility transition, the new project – true to its name – takes a significant step forward. It aims to develop and manufacture large-format, market-ready battery cells and ensure their recyclability.Aachen-based company Cylib is leading the consortium’s recycling activities in collaboration with TU Braunschweig. Till Gerlach, Head of R&D, and Lisa Pillar, Project Manager for SIB:DE, are responsible for the project at Cylib.Within the recycling work package, two approaches are being developed in parallel. The first follows conventional mechanical and hydrometallurgical processes. The second, a more innovative route, involves direct recycling, where active materials are returned directly to cell production without complete chemical breakdown, according to Cylib. This method could significantly reduce processing costs, particularly for production scrap, while maintaining material quality. A pilot-scale demonstration is planned for early 2029.“Sodium-ion batteries use abundant raw materials. Yet recycling is what makes the technology truly sustainable and scalable. This project establishes the foundation for a circular European sodium-ion value chain,” said Dr Lilian Schwich, Co-CEO of Cylib.The 25-partner consortium covers the entire value chain: battery manufacturers (VARTA, EAS Batteries, UniverCell), electrolyte developers (E-Lyte Innovations), intralogistics providers (Jungheinrich), machinery manufacturers (GROB-WERKE, Coperion), recycling systems (acp-systems), and lubricants and analytics providers (FUCHS LUBRICANTS). Eight Fraunhofer Institutes, four leading universities (RWTH Aachen University, the Technical University of Munich, TU Braunschweig, and KIT), and the ZSW form the scientific backbone. The project is coordinated by EDAG Production Solutions. The ‘SIB:DE Entwicklung’ project is funded with €14.5 million by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and will run from March 2026 to February 2029.cylib.de
