Redefining the Battery Lifecycle: Insights from Raw Materials Week

RELiEF co-organised the Annual “Materials for Batteries” Cluster Hub Workshop brining together leading European research and innovation initiatives in Brussels. The workshop was held as part of Raw Materials Week 2025 at the end of November. Over 120 experts participated both onsite and online, reflecting the growing importance of collaboration across the battery lifecycle – from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling.

Co-organised by RELiEF alongside EU-funded projects RESPECT, FREE4LIB and LITHOS, the workshop offered a comprehensive platform to highlight recent scientific progress in sustainable mining, advanced processing of battery materials, and cutting-edge recycling solutions. Discussions emphasised the need for stronger coordination across Europe to secure sustainable and competitive access to critical raw materials. Speakers from research, industry and policy underscored the importance of aligning innovation with supportive regulatory frameworks, stressing that EU-funded projects must extend their impact beyond project timelines through lasting research and commercial partnerships.

A key message from the event was the collective drive toward a more circular battery ecosystem – closing the loop on raw materials while addressing regulatory, technological and investment challenges. Continued cross-sector cooperation will be essential to translate research breakthroughs into industrial practice and strengthen Europe’s resilience in the battery value chain.