Imerys and Shanshan to produce synthetic graphite in Europe
Specifically, the Swiss Imerys subsidiary Imerys Graphite and Carbon Switzerland, a specialist in conductive additives for lithium-ion batteries, is entering into a partnership with Shanshan New Material from Shanghai, China. This company specialises in synthetic graphite for lithium-ion battery anodes.
The aim of the strategic partnership is to manufacture high-performance synthetic graphite anode materials in Europe to supply battery cell manufacturers on the continent. The material is primarily needed for high-voltage batteries for electric cars and stationary battery storage systems (BESS).
Through this collaboration, Imerys and Shanshan want to help establish a European supply chain for batteries and battery materials. Shanshan is contributing its technology, as the company has been producing synthetic graphite for batteries for some time. Imerys is contributing its knowledge of the market and raw materials in Europe, as well as its locations.
“Shanshan is the leading manufacturer of synthetic graphite for anodes. Our strategic partnership with a renowned and highly competent Chinese graphite market leader such as Shanshan is crucial for establishing the European battery value chain. It will provide the industrial scale and security of supply needed to support the ambitious growth of the European energy transition,” says Frank Wittchen, General Manager, Imerys Graphite & Carbon.
“Imerys, as a century-old industry giant, has high-quality mineral resources throughout Europe, a mature localized supply chain and high value-added technology advantages, which is the key support for Shanshan to accelerate the promotion of Europe’s “technology + localization” strategy and build a stable and efficient supply chain. The advantages of the two sides are highly complementary […],” said XiaoYang Ding, Managing Director of Shanshan New Material. Commercial-scale products are expected to be available from the fourth quarter of 2025. Samples are available on request.
Graphite is an important component of anodes and is currently mined mainly in countries such as China, Mozambique and Madagascar. It must undergo a complex purification process because it contains impurities such as silicates and metal oxides. This purification is often carried out using chemicals that can pose environmental risks. In contrast, synthetic graphite is not mined but produced artificially, usually from petroleum by-products such as petroleum coke. However, its production is currently very energy-intensive, requiring temperatures of over 2,500 degrees Celsius in most cases. Controlled production makes synthetic graphite particularly efficient: it offers better electrical conductivity, faster charging and longer battery life.
This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition
0 Comments