#Wanhua Chemical #Germany #LFP Battery #IBU-tec #Weimar

Wanhua Chemical and IBU-tec's Partnership

On March 26, Wanhua Chemical Group Battery Technology Co., Ltd, a prominent player in the global chemical materials market, and IBU-tec, a leading European manufacturer of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) materials, celebrated the successful signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in Weimar, Germany. This historic event marks a significant step forward in the establishment of a European value chain in the battery sector.

The Objectives of the Collaboration

As part of this collaboration, both companies aim to upscale their production capabilities over the coming months. The primary objective is to deliver reliable results by the third quarter of this year, determining whether their joint development meets the evolving needs of the battery markets in Europe and North America. Should this initial phase prove successful, it would pave the way for substantial production of LFP cathode materials in Germany, integrating deeply into the European battery supply chain.

Key figures from both companies attended the signing ceremony, including Dr. Hua Weiqi, Executive Vice President of Wanhua Chemical, Wang Xiaoxing, General Manager of Wanhua Battery Industry Company Limited, and Jörg Leinenbach, CEO of IBU-tec. This collaboration signals the official commencement of a deeper cooperative relationship focused on LFP materials, which have become increasingly vital in both automotive and energy storage markets due to their safety and longevity.

Market Relevance of LFP Materials

Lithium iron phosphate has established itself as a staple in the automotive and renewable energy sectors. Its attributes make it an attractive option for manufacturers looking for safer, more sustainable battery solutions. According to Dr. Hua Weiqi, LFP materials command an impressive market share—nearly 80% in China’s electric vehicle sector—and are noted as the virtually sole commercially viable option for energy storage systems.

Wanhua Chemical, adhering to its globalization strategy, has built a robust research and development platform that specializes in battery materials technology. This platform integrates equipment development and core electrical technologies to enhance LFP materials continuously. The collaboration with IBU-tec aims to supply local European customers with LFP materials, emphasizing the importance of regional supply chains amid rising global demand.

Future Prospects and Research Developments

Both parties also discussed plans to establish a joint laboratory in Europe to foster innovation and research in battery development. This initiative aims to provide localized research support for the evolving European battery industry, ensuring that developments are closely aligned with market needs.

Wanhua Chemical stands as a leader in the global landscape of chemical materials, ranking among the top 20 chemical companies worldwide. With over 30,000 employees globally, Wanhua operates across various sectors—including polyurethanes, petrochemicals, and high-performance chemicals—serving multiple industries from automotive to renewable energy.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Wanhua Chemical and IBU-tec is anticipated to significantly impact the European battery production landscape, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and addressing growing market demands for advanced battery technologies.

The collaboration is not only a vital step towards a more resilient local supply chain but also represents a commitment to innovation in the rapidly evolving battery sector, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals for sustainable development.



This collaboration reflects a dedicated effort by both firms to enhance their roles in the burgeoning European battery market. By harnessing their respective strengths, Wanhua Chemical and IBU-tec are poised to lead in the development of innovative battery materials that cater to the needs of the future.