#China #circular economy #CATL #Ningde #Ellen MacArthur Foundation

CATL and Ellen MacArthur Foundation Collaborate for a Sustainable Future

In a landmark announcement made on March 21, 2025, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation declared a strategic partnership aimed at cultivating a circular economy specifically for batteries. This collaboration positions CATL not only as a strategic partner but also as the first major player in renewable technologies within the foundation's network.

The initiative is designed to accelerate the transition from a linear economy—characterized by the traditional 'take-make-dispose' model—to a more sustainable and efficient circular economy model. CATL aims to thoroughly assess the entire battery value chain to explore viable options for circularity while establishing a collaborative ecosystem involving cross-industry partners.

Sandy Song, CATL's Global Lead for Circular Economy, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This strategic collaboration is a significant step forward in our shared vision for a sustainable energy future. By merging our expertise and innovation capabilities in the battery sector with the foundation’s leadership in circular economy, we are well-positioned to create a truly circular battery ecosystem. It’s not merely about environmental responsibility but also about driving innovation to build a system that benefits industries and communities worldwide.”

The surge in renewable energy sources and the electrification landscape presents a unique opportunity to establish circular value chains right from the ground up. As Joe Murphy, Executive Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, points out, catalyzing a circular economy allows companies to reclaim valuable resources from first-generation technologies, such as electric vehicles, instead of discarding them. He highlights CATL’s critical role, as the world’s leading battery manufacturer for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, in steering the industry towards full circularity and responsible resource re-utilization.

At the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's annual networking event held in Amsterdam, Dennis Pan, Chief Sustainability Officer at CATL, further elaborated on the importance of incorporating recyclability right from the battery design phase. CATL is committed to a zero-carbon strategy, prioritizing the use of reusable and renewable materials to facilitate recycling processes. In fact, in 2024 alone, CATL successfully recycled approximately 130,000 tons of used batteries, resulting in the production of 17,000 tons of lithium salt.

This partnership not only consolidates the commitment of CATL and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to fostering a sustainable future but also marks a pivotal moment in the extensive journey towards building a regenerative battery industry. As the world increasingly leans towards electrification and renewable infrastructures, collaborative ventures like this could very well lead the charge in developing innovative, sustainable solutions for global energy challenges.

In conclusion, this strategic partnership between CATL and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation stands at the forefront of promoting the circular economy for batteries, reflecting both organizations’ dedication to innovation and sustainability. Looking ahead, it promises to be instrumental in transforming the energy landscape, creating reciprocal benefits for industries and communities across the globe.