NINGDE, China, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global leader in promoting the circular economy, today announced a landmark agreement to accelerate the development of a circular economy for batteries. This partnership sees CATL become a Strategic Partner within the Foundation’s Network, marking the first renewable technology leader to join this influential group.
The collaboration will focus on establishing a global energy circularity commitment and identifying circular economy opportunities across the entire battery value chain. CATL will work alongside the Foundation to build an ecosystem of cross-industrial partners, ultimately developing and implementing a comprehensive blueprint for battery circularity. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future for the energy sector.
The transition from a linear “take-make-waste” model to a circular economy has long been recognized as essential within the battery industry. However, translating this commitment into tangible action has proven complex. CATL’s extensive expertise in battery technology and manufacturing will be instrumental in establishing a truly circular battery industry and driving the broader energy transition.
“This Strategic Partnership represents a major step forward in our shared vision of a sustainable energy future,” stated Sandy Song, CATL’s Global Lead for Circular Economy. “By combining our knowledge and innovation capabilities in the battery industry with the Foundation’s leadership in the circular economy, we are well-positioned to create a truly circular battery ecosystem. This is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s about driving innovation and building a system that benefits industries and communities worldwide.”
Joe Murphy, Executive Lead, Network, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique opportunity presented by the rapid growth of renewable energy and electrification. “The rapid growth of renewable energy and electrification offers a unique chance to build circular value chains from the ground up. By embracing a circular economy, businesses can recover valuable resources from first-wave technologies, such as electric vehicles, rather than discarding them. As the world’s foremost producer of batteries for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems, CATL’s expertise will be key to establishing a truly circular battery industry and driving the circular economy of the wider energy transition.”
Speaking at the Foundation’s annual Network event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dennis Pan, Chief Sustainability Officer of CATL, underscored the critical importance of designing batteries with recyclability in mind. He highlighted CATL’s commitment to a zero-carbon strategy, prioritizing the use of reusable and renewable materials and facilitating efficient recycling processes. “We are actively designing our batteries with end-of-life considerations at the forefront. This includes material selection, modular design for easier disassembly, and robust recycling protocols.”
CATL’s commitment to circularity is demonstrated by its significant progress in battery recycling. In 2024 alone, the company recycled approximately 130,000 tons of used batteries, recovering 17,000 tons of lithium salt – a crucial component for new battery production. This closed-loop system significantly reduces reliance on virgin materials and minimizes environmental impact.
The partnership will explore several key areas, including:
- Design for Circularity: Developing battery designs that prioritize recyclability, disassembly, and material recovery.
- Material Innovation: Researching and implementing alternative materials that are more sustainable and readily recyclable.
- Recycling Technology Advancement: Investing in and refining battery recycling technologies to maximize material recovery and minimize waste.
- Supply Chain Collaboration: Fostering collaboration across the entire battery supply chain to ensure responsible sourcing and end-of-life management.
- Policy Advocacy: Working with governments and industry stakeholders to promote policies that support the circular economy for batteries.
This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of the battery industry, moving beyond a linear model towards a sustainable and circular future. By combining CATL’s technological expertise with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s leadership in circular economy principles, the partnership aims to create a transformative impact on the energy sector and contribute to a more resilient and environmentally responsible global economy. The initiative will serve as a model for other industries seeking to embrace circularity and build a more sustainable future.
