#Germany #Munich #CATL #Ellen MacArthur Foundation #Battery Circular Economy

CATL and the Circular Economy: Highlights from the IAA 2025 Forum

In September 2025, the prominent automotive trade show IAA served as the backdrop for a groundbreaking forum organized by CATL in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF). This high-level event brought together executives from leading companies including BASF, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, alongside representatives from over 100 organizations across multiple sectors, all focused on advancing circular economy practices within the battery value chain.

The Significance of Circular Economy in Automotive

The event underscored the critical importance of developing sustainable mobility solutions that hinge on the implementation of a circular economy. The gathered leaders recognized that achieving true sustainability involves creating closed-loop systems for battery design, production, reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Notably, CATL showcased insights from its Global Commitment to Circular Energy initiative, outlining best practices garnered from its global operations and partnerships.

Panel Discussions

The forum included discussions centered on integrating circular principles right from the design and manufacturing stages of battery production. Participants emphasized the necessity of digital traceability, material transparency, and collaborative practices among industry players as essential elements for establishing a robust circular ecosystem for batteries. Jiang Li, Vice President of CATL, pointed out the challenges and opportunities presented in realizing large-scale circularity. He remarked, "To implement circular practices effectively, our sector requires clear standards and aligned political and financial frameworks. As we engage additional partners, we are collectively striving to build an ecosystem that ensures batteries are resilient, safe, and sustainable for future generations."

Contributions from industry leaders further enriched the discussions. For instance, Daniel Schönfelder, head of battery materials at BASF, elaborated on the role of sustainable cathode materials in industrial cooperation. Meanwhile, Jens Rubi from Mercedes-Benz highlighted the need for incorporating circular economy principles into Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) strategies. Oliver Ganser of BMW shared insights on leveraging Catena-X, a digital platform aimed at facilitating data exchange across the automotive sector, to enhance supply chain transparency and traceability.

Financial and Policy Frameworks

The second panel shifted focus to the crucial role of intelligent policy and financing in scaling the circular economy for batteries. Participants explored key leverage points such as regulatory alignment, investor confidence, and the introduction of tools like the Battery Passport, which aims to establish consistent and transparent criteria across various jurisdictions for implementing extensive circular practices.

Emma Nerenheim, Executive Director of the European Battery Alliance, stressed the urgency for coordinated efforts: “While many discussions center around collaboration, the pivotal term should be consolidation. It's crucial that we approach this as a necessity rather than just an option.” Inga Petersen from the Global Battery Alliance echoed this sentiment, asserting the need for a harmonized global approach to circularity in battery production, highlighting the risks of fragmentation in standards and sustainability requirements.

Additional insights were provided by panel members, such as Zoe Zhang from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, who discussed supply chain risks and the significance of transparent data for investors. Amy Marshall, CEO of Xynteo, elaborated on multi-stakeholder partnerships and systemic transformations to facilitate a successful circular economy.

CATL's Vision for the Future

This forum marks the first formal gathering of partners within the EMF’s Critical Minerals Program, launched earlier in June 2025. CATL outlined its ambitious goal of potentially eliminating the need for new raw materials in up to 50% of its new battery production within the next two decades. Moving forward, CATL remains committed to partnering with EMF and industry collaborators on pilot projects aimed at fostering sustainable and equitable circular battery ecosystems.

In conclusion, the forum at IAA 2025 demonstrated that the path to a sustainable future in battery production hinges on shared responsibilities and collaborative innovation. As stakeholders from various sectors come together, the potential to unlock the benefits of a circular economy becomes more tangible, paving the way for a greener automotive industry.