CATL Collaborates with Global Leaders on Circular Economy at IAA 2025

In September 2025, CATL played a pivotal role at the IAA 2025 by collaborating with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) to organize a high-level forum. The event gathered top executives from renowned companies, including BASF, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, alongside over a hundred representatives from various sectors. The main focus of the forum was to discuss strategies for achieving circularity in the battery value chain and to bolster policy and financial collaboration aimed at expanding the circular economy.

The IAA, celebrated as one of the premier automotive shows globally, set the stage for discussions around circularity, a concept increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable mobility. The necessity to close the loop in battery design, manufacturing, reuse, and recycling was a central theme throughout the event. CATL presented insights from its Global Energy Circularity Commitment (GECC) initiative, sharing practical experiences derived from its worldwide operations.

Centering on Circularity From the Ground Up

The first panel discussion emphasized the importance of implementing circularity right from the early stages of battery development, encompassing design, manufacturing, and the necessary infrastructure. Key takeaways included the essential roles of digital traceability, material transparency, and collaborative practices within the industry to foster a genuinely circular battery ecosystem.

Jiang Li, CATL's Vice President and Board Secretary, underscored both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, stating, "To make circularity real at scale, the industry needs clear standards and aligned policy and financial frameworks."

As more partners join this movement, the aim is to create an ecosystem that ensures batteries remain resilient, secure, and sustainable for the future. Other notable voices included Daniel Schönfelder from BASF, who discussed sustainable cathode materials, and Jens Rubi from Mercedes-Benz, who spoke on integrating circularity into original equipment manufacturers' (OEM) strategies. Oliver Ganser from BMW highlighted the significance of the Catena-X platform, a BMW-led initiative focused on automotive data exchange meant to enhance supply chain transparency.

Navigating Financial Avenues for Circular Growth

The second discussion revolved around the vital levers required to scale circular practices within the battery ecosystem, particularly focused on the necessity for supportive policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and standardized approaches. Insights shared by panelists pointed to the need for regulatory alignment and investor trust, as emphasized by Emma Nerenheim from the European Battery Alliance. "We are discussing collaboration, but it is vital that we consolidate efforts to effectively address these questions from recyclers,' she advocated.

Inga Petersen from the Global Battery Alliance stressed the importance of creating a globally standardized approach to circularity, warning against fragmentation that could hinder emerging markets' abilities to comply with sustainability and recycling mandates.

Among the diverse perspectives shared, Zoe Zhang from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence remarked on supply chain risks, while Amy Marshall from Xynteo tackled the topic of multi-stakeholder partnerships necessary for effective systems transformation.

The forum marked the inaugural formal gathering of participants under the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Critical Minerals Program, introduced in June. Here, CATL set forth its ambitious vision that, within two decades, up to 50% of new battery production will rely less on virgin raw materials. Looking ahead, CATL intends to further its collaboration with EMF and industry partners through pilot projects and comprehensive value chain solutions, driving toward a sustainable and equitable circular battery ecosystem.

In conclusion, the IAA 2025 forum stands as a testament to the collective efforts of industry leaders to innovate and implement sustainable practices, paving the way for a more circular and resilient battery future worldwide.