2026-06-12
Senior Europe Announces Next Step Towards DCM-Free Production in Eskilstuna
Eskilstuna, Sweden – June 12, 2026 Senior Material (Europe) AB today announced that the company will move forward with the next phase of validation, scale-up and industrialization of a new generation production technology that does not require dichloromethane (DCM). The technology is the result of several years of research and development carried out together with chemical suppliers, equipment suppliers and technical partners. Following successful pilot testing and verification activities during spring 2026, Senior has concluded that the technology is ready for the next phase of validation, qualification and industrial implementation. "The successful development of this technology represents an important milestone for both Senior and the European battery industry. It demonstrates how innovation, sustainability and industrial development can go hand in hand," said Shougui Liu, Chairman of Senior Material (Europe) AB. The new process utilizes a new extraction technology and a future upgraded recovery system and is designed to improve sustainability, resource efficiency and production performance while eliminating the need for DCM in the future production process. As part of the implementation plan, Senior intends for its Eskilstuna facility to become the first site within Senior Group to industrialize the new technology. "We have invested long-term in Eskilstuna and Sweden, and we are pleased that the next step in this technology's development is planned to take place here. This demonstrates how innovation, sustainability and industrial development can work together to strengthen the European battery value chain," said Cecilia Vallin, Vice President of Senior Material (Europe) AB. The next phase will focus on validation, optimization, scale-up, product qualification and industrial implementation. This work will be carried out in cooperation with KTH, RISE and Vinnova through the recently announced DCM-FreeSE project. It is important to note that the Vinnova-supported project does not focus on inventing the technology itself. Instead, the project supports validation, optimization, scale-up and industrialization of the new extraction technology in Sweden together with KTH and RISE. The implementation of the new process will require modifications to parts of the existing production facility, including the extraction system and the future recovery system. The objective is to adapt and further develop the existing factory to support the new technology. Senior has initiated dialogue with the relevant authorities regarding the regulatory requirements associated with the new process. The company will continue working closely with authorities, research partners and customers as the implementation progresses. Further technical information and implementation details are expected to be shared following additional validation activities and regulatory review. "We would also like to recognize the commitment and professionalism of our employees throughout this development journey. The progress we are announcing today is the result of many years of technical expertise, hard work and dedication across the organization. We are grateful for the continued support and loyalty of our colleagues as we take this next step together," said Cecilia Vallin. About Senior Material (Europe) AB Senior Material (Europe) AB is part of Senior Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of lithium-ion battery separator materials. Located in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Senior Europe supports the development of a competitive and sustainable European battery value chain through advanced materials manufacturing, innovation and long-term industrial investment.
Read the news2026-06-11
The Battery Show Europe 2026
Stuttgart, Germany – June 9, 2026 Senior Europe participated in The Battery Show Europe 2026 in Stuttgart, presenting a range of advanced battery separatorand membrane solutions and highlighting the company's ongoing innovation and localized development capabilities in Europe. During the exhibition, Senior Europe showcased several key technologies and product solutions, including the next-generation EVO green separator technology, designed to support more sustainable and resource-efficient battery manufacturing through improved material systems and production processes. The company also presented a range of advanced separator products, including high-wettability and high temperature-resistant separators, fast-charging nanofiber-coated separators, room-temperature pressing separators, as well as membrane materials for semi-solid-state and solid-state battery applications. These technologies are designed to support a broad range of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems and high-performance battery solutions. In addition, Senior Europe showcased advanced membrane technologies for semi-solid-state and solid-state batteries, demonstrating the company's continued investment in next-generation battery materials and long-term technology development. Several of the membrane technologies also have potential applications beyond batteries, including hydrogen production through water electrolysis, gas separation, functional textiles and advanced composite materials. Leveraging its Eskilstuna base in Sweden, Senior Europe will continue to strengthen its localized European supply chain and technical collaboration system, providing customers with more efficient and reliable service support.
Read the news2026-05-06
Towards more sustainable battery manufacturing: Vinnova grants funding to Senior Material Europe for DCM-Free separator production in Sweden
Senior Material (Europe) AB has been awarded funding from Vinnova under the programme “Scaling up for a Sustainable Battery Value Chain 2026” for the project DCM-FreeSE – Sustainable Scale-Up of Dichloromethane-Free Battery Separators Manufacturing in Sweden. The project aims to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable battery manufacturing by eliminating the use of dichloromethane (DCM) in separator production and scaling up a safer, more environmentally sustainable manufacturing process. In collaboration with RISE and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the project will advance DCM-free separator technology from pilot scale to pre-production level, while validating product performance and assessing environmental and industrial benefits. Through this initiative, Senior Material Europe contributes to strengthening a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive battery value chain in Sweden and Europe. More information: Sustainable Scale‑Up of Dichloromethane‑Free Battery Separators Manufacturing in Sweden (DCM-Free-SE) | Vinnova
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