A successful exchange of expertise: LiPLANET workshop on a seal of approval for European pilot lines
On May 26, 2025, the LiPLANET network, in collaboration with the Battery Heroes projects, hosted an interactive workshop in Graz, Austria focused on quality and sustainability in battery R&D pilot lines.
The event took place at the premises of Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH and brought together stakeholders from research and industry for an open dialogue on raising standards in pilot-scale battery manufacturing.
A Seal of Approval to foster trust in European Battery Innovation
The core of the workshop was the initiative to develop a Seal of Approval — a dedicated label for R&D pilot lines that demonstrate excellence in quality assurance and sustainability performance. The goal: to help industry partners identify reliable pilot lines and accelerate the commercialisation of safe, sustainable battery technologies.
This mission directly resonates with NoVOC’s ambition to demonstrate VOC-free lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing, both via aqueous and dry electrode production processes, at pilot scale across Europe.
Key workshop takeaways for NoVOC and beyond
During the 2.5-hour workshop, participants:
- Explored the scope and structure of the proposed Seal of Approval
- Engaged in a panel discussion and small group discussions to validate criteria for quality and sustainability
- Contributed to defining practical indicators for evaluating pilot line excellence
- Reflected on how verified pilot lines can build trust with industry and customers alike
The event reaffirmed the importance of standardised benchmarking and independent validation mechanisms — especially as projects like NoVOC seek to de-risk innovative production processes for industrial uptake.
Strengthening European Synergies
This workshop marked an important milestone in aligning with broader EU-level strategies on battery manufacturing quality, traceability, and circularity. By engaging in initiatives like the LiPLANET Seal of Approval, we are working on positioning ourselves as not just a technology innovator, but a contributor to a more transparent and trusted battery ecosystem in Europe.
While the workshop has now concluded, the dialogue continues. The outcomes will feed directly into the final design of the Seal of Approval, shaping how Europe recognises excellence in battery pilot lines moving forward.
