Stora Enso and Altris Unite to Drive Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions in Europe

Stora Enso and Altris Unite to Drive Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions in Europe

(IN BRIEF) Stora Enso and Altris, a Swedish sodium-ion battery developer, have joined forces to propel the advancement and commercialization of a sustainable battery value chain in Europe. The collaboration centers on integrating Stora Enso’s Lignode®—a sustainable hard carbon derived from lignin, a by-product of pulp manufacturing—into Altris’ sodium-ion battery cells. Lignode® stands out as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional anode materials and boasts the advantage of utilizing abundant and readily available lignin. The partnership not only signifies a commitment to sustainability but also aims to bolster Europe’s position in the battery market, reducing reliance on materials sourced from outside the continent. Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President & Head of Biomaterials Growth at Stora Enso, emphasizes the pivotal role of bio-based materials in enhancing battery sustainability, while Björn Mårlid, CEO of Altris, underscores the importance of establishing a local supply chain for clean materials to drive the development of sodium-ion batteries.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 6-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Stora Enso’s collaboration with Altris, a Swedish sodium-ion battery developer, marks a significant stride towards advancing the sustainable battery value chain in Europe. The partnership aims to leverage Stora Enso’s innovative hard carbon solution, Lignode®, as an anode material in Altris’ battery cells, furthering the development and commercialization of eco-friendly energy solutions.

Derived from lignin, a by-product of pulp manufacturing, Lignode® offers a sustainable alternative to traditional anode materials for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. With lignin constituting 20-30% of a tree, its abundant availability ensures a stable supply for anode material production. Stora Enso’s pilot plant in Kotka, Finland, serves as the developmental hub for Lignode®, currently undergoing upgrades to enhance its technical capabilities.

The partnership addresses the predominant reliance on non-European sources for battery materials, striving to establish a localized battery value chain within the continent. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters energy independence, aligning with the goals of sustainable electrification in Europe.

Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President & Head of Biomaterials Growth at Stora Enso, emphasizes the pivotal role of bio-based materials in enhancing battery sustainability. He highlights Lignode®’s potential to emerge as the most sustainable anode material globally, underscoring the shared commitment of both companies towards sustainable electrification.

Björn Mårlid, CEO of Altris, expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with Stora Enso to establish a Europe-based tree-to-anode supply chain. This partnership, he believes, will propel the commercialization of the world’s most sustainable battery, leveraging abundant and clean materials for sodium-ion battery development.

About Altris
Altris is a Swedish sodium-ion battery developer and prototype manufacturer. They develop cathodes, electrolytes, battery cells and factory blueprints to create market-leading sodium-ion batteries. Sprung out of the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University, they are taking our patented innovation from conception to commercialization. The long-term goal is to become the primary supplier of sodium-ion batteries in Europe, making a real impact on the world by enabling a better battery at scale.

www.altris.se

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SOURCE: STORA ENSO OYJ