Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Eurodia Partner to Advance Sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction Solutions
Saint-Gobain Ceramics, a global leader in advanced materials and technologies for sustainable industrial applications, and Eurodia Industrie, an expert in process engineering and liquid purification technologies, have announced a strategic partnership to deliver integrated and scalable solutions for the rapidly expanding Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) market.
The collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing one of the most critical challenges in the global energy transition—sourcing lithium efficiently, sustainably, and at scale. By combining Saint-Gobain Ceramics’ lithium-selective materials expertise with Eurodia’s process engineering and system integration capabilities, the two companies aim to provide end-to-end DLE systems designed to enhance performance, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate project deployment.
A Synergistic Collaboration for the Energy Transition
The partnership will merge Saint-Gobain Ceramics’ deep expertise in materials science—particularly its advanced lithium-selective ceramic adsorbents—with Eurodia’s decades of experience designing and optimizing complex purification and separation processes. Together, the companies plan to deliver turnkey solutions for DLE operators seeking higher lithium recovery rates and improved operational sustainability.
“Combining Saint-Gobain Ceramics’ expertise in materials science with Eurodia’s process engineering creates a powerful offering for lithium producers,” said Othman Benjelloun-Touimi, CEO of Saint-Gobain Ceramics. “Together, we’re enabling the lithium industry to achieve both sustainability and performance, ensuring that resource extraction aligns with the global mission of electrification and decarbonization.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, as the demand for lithium—an essential component in electric vehicle batteries, stationary storage systems, and renewable grid technologies—continues to surge worldwide.
Transforming Lithium Production
Direct Lithium Extraction represents a major technological evolution in how lithium is produced from brine resources. Unlike conventional evaporation pond methods, which can take months and consume vast amounts of land and water, DLE technologies selectively extract lithium ions (Li⁺) directly from brine solutions using advanced materials such as Saint-Gobain’s adsorbents.
Studies have demonstrated that DLE systems can achieve lithium recovery rates exceeding 90%, compared with approximately 40–45% from traditional evaporation processes. These systems also dramatically shorten production timelines, reduce land use, and minimize ecological disruption by allowing brine reinjection to maintain aquifer balance.
As global lithium demand is projected to grow exponentially—driven primarily by the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and grid-scale energy storage—the need for scalable, efficient, and environmentally responsible extraction methods has become urgent. DLE technologies are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring supply security while aligning with climate and sustainability goals.
Complementary Strengths Driving Innovation
Saint-Gobain Ceramics brings to the partnership its extensive R&D heritage in high-performance ceramics and selective materials. The company’s lithium-selective adsorbents are engineered to offer high capacity, exceptional selectivity, and long-term durability. These materials are optimized for cyclic adsorption and desorption processes, ensuring efficiency and stability across multiple operating cycles.
Meanwhile, Eurodia contributes decades of proven expertise in designing and scaling complex liquid separation systems. With a track record in industries ranging from food and beverages to chemicals and energy, Eurodia has developed proprietary methods that optimize system integration, reduce energy consumption, and enhance process reliability.
“Partnering with Saint-Gobain Ceramics to deliver a tailored, turnkey DLE solution for lithium producers is a valuable opportunity for our clients,” said Mathieu Bailly, President of Eurodia. “Our combined expertise will allow us to guarantee optimal operation, helping the lithium industry move faster toward a more sustainable and efficient future.”
By aligning materials innovation with process engineering, Saint-Gobain and Eurodia are building a foundation for DLE systems that are modular, adaptable, and scalable—capable of meeting diverse brine chemistries and production targets across different regions.
Enabling Commercial-Scale Deployment
The collaboration is already engaging with lithium project developers, technology integrators, and energy transition stakeholders across multiple continents. Pilot-scale systems are currently in the design and deployment phases, marking the beginning of a broader rollout strategy aimed at commercialization.
These pilot systems are designed to validate integrated DLE performance under real-world operating conditions, providing data to optimize system efficiency and economic feasibility. Once proven, full-scale deployment will follow, targeting key lithium-producing regions such as South America, North America, and Europe.
The companies’ integrated approach is expected to reduce technical and operational risks for DLE operators, shorten development timelines, and enable faster return on investment. By providing end-to-end support—from material selection to process design and system integration—Saint-Gobain and Eurodia are positioning themselves as key enablers in the next generation of lithium production technology.
A Sustainable Future for Lithium Extraction
Sustainability lies at the heart of this partnership. Both companies emphasize that advancing clean energy technologies must not come at the expense of environmental integrity. Through DLE, they aim to strike a balance between resource efficiency, water conservation, and economic viability.
Saint-Gobain’s materials are designed for reusability and long operational life, while Eurodia’s process designs focus on minimizing waste and energy consumption. Together, they are setting a new benchmark for responsible lithium production that aligns with the world’s decarbonization agenda.
As the global energy transition accelerates, the demand for cleaner technologies to support electrification is reshaping supply chains and industrial priorities. The Saint-Gobain–Eurodia partnership exemplifies how cross-disciplinary collaboration can unlock breakthroughs that serve both industry and the planet.
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