CarbonScape Signs Agreements for Renewable Feedstock Supply to Support Industrial Biographite Production in the US and Europe.
Finland – New Zealand - CarbonScape, a pioneer in sustainable battery materials, today announced the signing of several agreements for the supply of renewable feedstock, woodchips, to CarbonScape's future biographite industrial plants in North America and Europe. These agreements, with some of the largest forestry companies in the world, follow CarbonScape's recent announcement of plans to build a demonstration facility in Kotka, Finland, after having operated their pilot plant facility in New Zealand and producing biographite over the past six years.
The agreements outline the terms for CarbonScape’s suppliers to provide a secure, long-term supply of sustainably sourced wood chip, the feedstock in CarbonScape's innovative biographite production process, sufficient to cover full industrial production capacity for at least 10 years. Biographite, a sustainable alternative to traditional graphite, is produced using woodchip side streams from the renewable forestry and timber industry, offering a low-cost, locally produced, high-performance anode material for the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery market.
CarbonScape plans to begin constructing its first industrial plant in 2027. By utilising renewable feedstock secured from its upstream partners as part of these agreements, the organisation aims to start producing biographite for supply to commercial customers in early 2029.
Vincent Ledoux Pedailles, CCO of CarbonScape, commented: "These supply agreements with our upstream partners are another significant milestone as we progress towards the construction of our industrial scale plants. Securing a reliable, sustainable supply of woodchip is crucial to our future operations. Together with our partners, we're advancing the commercialisation of biographite and redefining what's possible in the global battery industry."
With global demand for graphite in EV batteries projected to soar and China currently dominating over 95% of graphite production, commercial biographite production represents an innovation advantage and significant step towards diversifying and localising critical mineral supply chains.
Projects progressing on several fronts
Pilot plant and Lab (New Zealand): biographite anode sample production, cell manufacturing and testing continuing.
Demonstration plant (Finland): FEL3 Engineering study finalised, EPCM selection in finalisation.
Product qualification: ongoing product validation with leading cell makers and OEMs in Asia, Europe and North America. Tier 1 product specifications achieved.
Engineering: Class 4 study finalised at the end of 2024 confirming low manufacturing cost position, further engineering being carried out as well as toll manufacturing and vendors testing to mitigate scale up risk.
Capital raise: supported by Morgan Stanley, the process continues with a number of strategic and financial investors having submitted their interest to participate in the round.
Public funding: applications both submitted or being drafted for public funding in Europe and in the US.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding CarbonScape's future biographite production plans and their potential impact. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially. CarbonScape undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
About CarbonScape Limited: CarbonScape is a deep-tech bioeconomy company based in New Zealand, currently expanding into Europe and North America. CarbonScape converts cost-effective forestry by-products, like woodchips, into high-quality, battery-grade biographite through a proprietary, sustainable process, enabling localised production of this critical raw material worldwide and accelerating the transition to clean energy and electric mobility. CarbonScape operates a pilot plant in New Zealand since 2018 and is currently finalising financing ahead of constructing its demonstration plant in Europe, the final step prior to full commercialisation. CarbonScape has secured investment from one of the world’s largest battery players, ATL, and one of the largest forestry corporations, Stora Enso. CarbonScape plans to build multiple industrial plants in Europe and North America. For further information about CarbonScape, please visit www.carbonscape.com
Great to see the momentum building for biographite!