Europe to Gain Local Synthetic Graphite Anode Production Through Imerys and Shanshan Collaboration

Europe to Gain Local Synthetic Graphite Anode Production Through Imerys and Shanshan Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) Imerys Graphite and Carbon Switzerland Ltd. and Shanghai Shanshan New Material Co., Ltd. have formed a strategic alliance to produce synthetic graphite anodes in Europe, strengthening the continent’s battery supply chain for electric vehicles and energy storage. The partnership leverages Shanshan’s leadership in synthetic graphite technology and Imerys’ established European resources and expertise, aiming to deliver sustainable and competitive local supply. Executives from both companies stressed that the collaboration addresses Europe’s reliance on imports and supports the region’s energy transition goals. Commercial-scale production is set to start in late 2025, with samples already available.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 29-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Imerys Graphite and Carbon Switzerland Ltd. (IGC), a subsidiary of Imerys SA, has entered into a landmark partnership with Shanghai Shanshan New Material Co., Ltd., the world’s foremost producer of synthetic graphite for lithium-ion batteries. The two companies will establish European-based production of synthetic graphite anodes, a critical step toward securing the materials needed for the continent’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

The agreement comes at a pivotal time for Europe, which is seeking to reduce its reliance on imported materials and strengthen its control over strategic industries. By combining Imerys’ deep-rooted expertise in graphite processing and its extensive European resource base with Shanshan’s advanced anode technologies and industrial scale, the collaboration will provide Europe with a resilient and competitive supply chain for synthetic graphite anodes.

Frank Wittchen, General Manager of Imerys Graphite & Carbon, emphasized that the partnership reflects the urgency of building Europe’s battery ecosystem: “Shanshan is a world leader in synthetic graphite, and together we will deliver the industrial capacity and supply security required to support Europe’s energy transition.”

Xiaoyang Ding, Executive General Manager of Shanghai Shanshan New Material, underscored the synergy between the two companies: “Imerys offers unparalleled local resources, established supply chains, and advanced technologies. Coupled with Shanshan’s innovation and production expertise, this partnership creates the foundation for a robust European battery supply chain capable of supporting new energy industries.”

Commercial production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with samples already available to customers. The initiative marks a decisive step in Europe’s ambition to establish localized, sustainable, and large-scale production of essential battery materials.

About Imerys

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry, with €3.6 billion in revenue and 12,400 employees in 40 countries in 2024. The Group offers high-value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets, such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Imerys is listed on Euronext Paris (France) with the ticker symbol NK.PA.

About Shanghai Shanshan New Material Co. Ltd

Shanshan New Material is a subsidiary of Shanshan Co., Ltd. whose revenue is €2.4 billion in 2024. It is a global leader specialized in the research, production, and sales of anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. The company currently operates 11 R&D and production bases in Shanghai, Ningbo, Chenzhou, Huzhou, Ningde, Baotou Qingshan, Baotou Jiuyuan, Meishan, Yunnan, Yinzhou, and Finland.

Shanshan Co., Ltd. is listed on China Shanghai STAR Market (stock code: 600884). 

Media contacts:

Imerys
Communications Manager
Chiara Balconi
chiara.balconi@imerys.com

ShanShan
Sales Manager, European & North American Region
Summers 夏仁杰
sales.ss@shanshan.com

SOURCE: Imerys