News & Events

The latest ECGA position paper, "Carbon Fibres Should Be Excluded from Article 5 of the ELV Regulation", addresses the unjustified inclusion of carbon fibres in the proposed End-of-Life Vehicles legislation. It presents scientific evidence confirming that carbon fibres are non-hazardous, technically recyclable, and vital to strategic EU sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and wind energy. The paper warns that a regulatory ban would undermine recycling innovation, penalise durable materials, and jeopardise Europe’s competitiveness in clean technologies. Instead, it calls for supportive measures, including improved waste labelling, standardised recycling infrastructure, and recognition of carbon fibres’ value in Europe’s circular and low-carbon economy.

Entitled Carbon & Graphite: Rising with Clean Industry, the Annual Report 2024 report highlights how the European carbon and graphite sector is contributing to the EU’s green and digital transitions, industrial competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. It offers an overview of key developments in 2024, including the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act, the adoption of the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the new policy framework strengthening Europe's clean technology industries.

ECGA welcomes five new members, strengthening our network of global leaders in carbon and graphite innovation. The additions include NGC Battery Materials GmbH as a full member, alongside new associate members from Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Uzbekistan. These companies bring expertise in battery materials, natural graphite, advanced carbon technologies, and strategic raw materials – reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainability, supply chain resilience, and European industrial leadership.

The latest ECGA position paper, "Affordable Energy for a Competitive Graphite Industry", responds to the European Commission’s Affordable Energy Action Plan (AEAP), calling for urgent relief for energy-intensive industries. It highlights the severe challenges facing European graphite producers – from soaring electricity prices to regulatory uncertainty – and outlines key policy gaps threatening industrial competitiveness and supply chain resilience. The paper offers concrete recommendations, including EU-wide energy cost compensation, support for stable baseload power, and clearer state aid rules. As energy costs continue to rise, the publication reinforces the need for immediate action to safeguard the graphite sector’s role in Europe’s green and industrial transition.

We are pleased to invite you to join us on 7th November in Brussels for the event, “The future of the European raw materials industry – How can Europe remain competitive on the global stage?” Organised in collaboration with Euractiv, this workshop will address the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s critical raw materials (CRMs), with a special focus on the carbon and graphite sectors.

We're pleased to share the launch of the LIFE GRAPhiREC, one strategic project co-funded by the LIFE Programme, CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. The project will be one of the pioneering projects in Europe dedicated to recycling graphite from battery waste. This venture represents a significant step toward a sustainable and autonomous battery supply chain in Europe.

ECGA advocates for streamlined permitting processes to enhance the production of critical raw materials, crucial for Europe's sustainability goals. Our position paper discusses the need for efficient permitting to ensure the EU's strategic autonomy and sustainable future.

The Position Paper discusses the impact of regulatory changes on the use of hazardous substances in our industry, advocating for legislation that supports sustainable practices without compromising innovation.

The Next Frontier of Industrial Scale Net-Zero Action The industrial sector represents the next frontier of climate action. With regulatory, corporate, and industrial sectors aligned in ambition, the decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sectors represents both a critical challenge and an unparalleled business opportunity. As the birthplace of the energy transition, Europe must now has the opportunity to lead the next frontier of decarbonisation. How can companies adopt a holistic approach, re-frame the transition opportunity, and capitalize on the windfall investments on offer? New alliance must be formed and leaders from across the hard-to-abate sectors must stand together to overcome path dependencies and restructure the European industrial landscape.

The European Advanced Carbon and Graphite Materials Association (ECGA) has officially voiced its support for the European Commission’s target of reducing emissions by 90% by the year 2040. This endorsement comes alongside the release of the Communication on Industrial Carbon Management, marking a major step towards meeting the EU's ambitious climate objectives. ECGA is keenly anticipating the roll-out of effective carbon management strategies that balance ambitious climate action with the preservation of the industry's long-term viability and global competitiveness.