Cylib, a promising startup backed by luxury sports car manufacturer Porsche and appliance giant Bosch, is set to revolutionize battery recycling in Europe with a new, expansive facility in Germany. The new plant, located in Dormagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, will cover 236,000 square feet and aims to recycle up to 30,000 metric tons of end-of-life batteries annually. This will make it the largest lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Europe, surpassing the current leader, Hydrovolt.
Cylib’s €180 million investment will allow it to produce recycled batteries specifically for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The startup’s innovative use of water-based lithium and graphite recovery techniques aims to address the growing need for sustainable battery disposal amid the rapid expansion of EV adoption.
The facility’s operations are expected to commence in 2026, marking a significant step in Cylib’s plan to build a comprehensive battery recycling infrastructure across Germany and Europe. The plant’s strategic location within Chempark, a site with established chemical industry supply chains, enhances its logistical advantages.
Cylib, founded in 2022 by Lilian Schwich, Gideon Schwich, and Paul Sabarny, has already attracted €55 million in funding from climate-focused investors, including Porsche Ventures and Bosch. The company’s collaboration with Porsche is expected to produce recycled batteries for its vehicles, though formal details are still pending.
CEO Lilian Schwich emphasized the importance of this new facility in advancing Europe’s battery recycling capabilities and promoting a circular economy. She highlighted the role of such infrastructure in balancing economic success with reduced environmental impact.
