CATL and Industry Leaders Discuss Circularity at IAA 2025 Forum

CATL Joins Global Leaders to Drive Battery Circularity at IAA 2025

In a significant move for the automotive and battery industries, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) gathered with leading executives at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2025, underscoring a shared commitment to circularity in battery production. The event, held in Munich, was facilitated in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF), a key player in promoting circular economy principles.

The high-profile forum saw participation from major organizations including BASF, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, the European Battery Alliance, and the Global Battery Alliance, alongside over 100 representatives from various sectors. Together, they explored strategies for advancing circular practices throughout the entire battery value chain and fostering collaborative policies to enhance the circular economy.

Emphasizing Circularity in Battery Development

The forum highlighted the need for circularity to be integral to battery design and manufacture from the very beginning. The industry's leaders discussed the critical role of digital traceability, material transparency, and cooperative industrial practices to establish a sustainable battery ecosystem. Jiang Li, Vice President and Board Secretary of CATL, articulated the dual challenge and opportunity, stating, "To make circularity real at scale, the industry needs clear standards and aligned policy and financial frameworks. With more partners joining us, we are building an ecosystem that ensures resilience and sustainability for the future."

Further insights came from Daniel Schönfelder, President of Battery Materials at BASF, who emphasized the importance of sustainable cathode materials and inter-company collaboration. Mercedes-Benz's Jens Rubi and BMW's Oliver Ganser also contributed to the dialogue, discussing strategies for embedding circular principles into Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) strategies and leveraging digital platforms for supply chain transparency.

The conversations underscored a crucial takeaway: creating a circular battery ecosystem necessitates synchronized actions from manufacturers, suppliers, and technology partners. Effective collaboration at every stage of the supply chain is vital to making circularity scalable and practical.

Policy and Finance: The Key to Scaling Circular Practices

Subsequently, the forum shifted focus to the necessary levers for scaling circular practices globally. Discussions centered around the importance of robust policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and standardized methodologies. Based on the insights shared, regulatory alignment, elevating investor confidence, and tools such as the Battery Passport can create transparency and enable large-scale implementations of circular practices across various jurisdictions.

Emma Nerenheim, Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance, highlighted the pressing need for cohesive actions among stakeholders. She pointed out that true consolidation of efforts is essential, particularly in the recycling sector, where challenges persist in comprehending the effectiveness of regulatory compliance.

Moreover, Inga Petersen, Executive Director and Board Member of the Global Battery Alliance, stressed the necessity for a harmonized global approach to circularity. She warned of potential fragmentation resulting from high regulatory burdens in some markets that might leave emerging markets unable to meet required sustainability standards.

Advancing Towards a Circular Battery Future

The forum was a landmark gathering for partners under EMF's Critical Minerals Program, which CATL supports in aiming for a substantial reduction of reliance on virgin raw materials in new battery production over the next twenty years. To this end, CATL intends to pursue pilot projects and comprehensive solutions that span the entirety of the value chain, working closely with EMF and industry partners to innovate a sustainable and equitable circular battery ecosystem.

Through dedicated collaboration, significant industry leaders are steering towards a future where circularity is not just an ideal but a practical, tangible reality. As initiatives like those forged during the IAA 2025 gain momentum, the shift towards a sustainable battery industry appears promising, with CATL at the forefront of this transformative journey.