CATL, Ellen MacArthur Foundation join hands to boost global battery circular economy development

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On March 18, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. ("CATL") and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation ("the Foundation") announced a strategic partnership in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to drive the development of a global battery circular economy.

As the first new energy innovation technology company to join the Foundation's strategic cooperation network, CATL has launched a Global Energy Circularity Initiative. The two parties will collaborate on systematic research, establish a global ecosystem for battery recycling, and share best practices in battery circularity.

Photo credit: CATL

They will also explore transition pathways in different regions and develop model cities for battery circular economy practices. This initiative marks the world's first circular economy public welfare project initiated by a Chinese company.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a leading advocate for the circular economy, is committed to promoting sustainable economic models worldwide. By engaging businesses, academia, policymakers, and research institutions, the Foundation aims to drive systemic change to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

CATL said the launch of this initiative represents the first-ever effort to establish a collaborative network encompassing the entire battery value chain, along with policymakers and social organizations.

Given the urgency of global climate challenges, the battery industry—central to energy transition and electrification—plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainability. A successful transition to a circular economy in this sector will unlock significant economic and environmental benefits.

"For CATL, the circular economy is not just a responsibility but also a driving force for innovation," said Song Dan, head of CATL’s circular economy initiative. "We have built a closed-loop ecosystem covering battery design, production, usage, repurposing, recycling, and resource regeneration. Every battery should mark the beginning of an energy cycle, not the end, and achieving this vision requires collective innovation across the industry."

Joe Murphy, Head of the Network at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. "The rapid expansion of renewable energy and electrification presents a historic opportunity for battery circularity. We are excited to work with CATL to accelerate global progress in battery energy circularity. CATL's involvement will be instrumental in driving both battery circularity and broader energy transition efforts."