� SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS �
Can Recycling Fill the Gap?
Recycling graphite, particularly from electrode stubs, has potential but faces significant limitations. Currently, only about 3 %– 10 % of graphite from electrodes can realistically be recycled. Recycling involves energy-intensive processes such as purification, cleaning, and re-graphitization at high temperatures(~ 3,000 ° C), leading to substantial energy consumption and additional costs.
Contamination from other materials further reduces recycled graphite’ s strength and conductivity. Due to these limitations, recycled graphite is primarily reused as a carbon additive( recarburizer) rather than for electrode production.
Despite these challenges, recycling still comes with significant environmental impacts. Studies estimate that the carbon footprint of recycled graphite ranges from 0.5 to 9.8 kg CO2 per kilogram, which, while lower than imported synthetic graphite, remains substantial.
A New Path Forward with Bio-Graphite
Bio-graphite offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based graphite by utilizing biomass as a renewable carbon source. While bio-based graphite still emits CO2 when consumed, this carbon originates from renewable biomass rather than fossil fuels. Biomass absorbs CO2 as it grows, making the entire process carbon-neutral overall. Consequently, bio-graphite is exempt from ETS, both in terms of production emissions and its use in applications such as steelmaking electrodes.
For years, universities, including Sweden’ s Royal Institute of Technology( KTH), have explored bio-graphite production. Although research made progress, scalable production methods remained elusive.
At Nordic Bio-Graphite( NBG), we have developed a patentpending process enabling efficient, industrial-scale bio-graphite production. Our method starts with biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass. Through a specialized refining process, we convert biochar into high-purity graphite suitable for electric arc furnace( EAF) steel electrodes and battery anodes. Unlike synthetic graphite derived from petroleum coke, our bio-graphite is entirely fossil-free, significantly reducing emissions, cutting chemical use by 95 %, and lowering energy consumption by 70 %.
We are currently scaling up our technology, planning to build a pilot facility and initiate larger-scale testing. We seek partnerships with sustainability-focused companies ready to evaluate bio-graphite as a viable alternative.
For steelmakers and battery manufacturers, bio-graphite presents a clear opportunity: reduced dependency on imports, significantly lower emissions, and a secure, local graphite supply.
Time for Action
Without decisive action, Europe risks falling behind in the global race for green industries. Graphite shortages threaten to increase steelmaking costs and hinder progress toward climate goals. A shortage could also slow the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, impacting multiple industries.
The good news is that solutions are emerging. Companies
24 Green Steel World | Issue 17 | April 2025