CATL is a global leader in innovative new energy technologies, specialising in the research, development, and production of EV batteries and ESS batteries. The company promotes the transition from mobile and stationary fossil energy sources to renewable and resource-efficient alternatives, as well as creating integrated innovative solutions for new applications through advancements in electrification and intelligent technologies.
Headquartered in China, where the company was founded in 2011, CATL has established six major research and development centres and 13 battery manufacturing bases worldwide, including in Germany and Hungary. With service outlets in 64 countries and regions, the company has immense global coverage in terms of customers and end-users, enabling it to deliver innovative energy solutions at scale.
In 2025, CATL became the first renewable technology leader to join the Foundation’s Network as a Strategic Partner.
Looking ahead, the Foundation will work with CATL to map the circular economy opportunity for the entire battery value chain and build an ecosystem of cross-industrial partners to develop and implement a blueprint for battery circularity.
"This Strategic Partnership represents a major step forward in our shared vision of a sustainable energy future. By combining our knowledge and innovation capabilities in the battery industry with the Foundation's leadership in the circular economy, we are well positioned to create a truly circular battery ecosystem. This is not just about environmental responsibility — it's about driving innovation and building a system that benefits industries and communities worldwide."
Sandy Song, Global Lead for Circular Economy, CATL
"The rapid growth of renewable energy and electrification offers a unique chance to build circular value chains from the ground up. By embracing a circular economy, businesses can recover valuable resources from first-wave technologies, such as electric vehicles, rather than discarding them. As the world's foremost producer of batteries for both electric vehicles and energy storage systems, CATL's expertise will be key to establishing a truly circular battery industry and driving the circular economy of the wider energy transition."
Joe Murphy, Executive Lead, Business Network, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The circular economy in action at CATL: Brunp’s advanced battery recycling
When batteries reach the end of their useful life, many of the materials contained within them can be recovered, processed, and refined into high quality materials for new battery production.
With improving infrastructure and technology, recovering materials from old batteries and other energy equipment could meet more than 50% of the demand for certain materials by secondary resources by 2050.
CATL is committed to increasing the proportion of recycled materials in its batteries and has invested heavily in expanding recycling processing capacity in China, with plans for further international expansion.
At the heart of CATL's recycling ambitions is its recycling subsidiary, Brunp — a key player in China’s highly competitive battery recycling sector. Brunp produces precursor materials for battery cathodes using multiple feedstock sources, with 80% of its output feeding directly back into CATL’s battery manufacturing. Currently, Brunp recycles 128,000 tonnes of used batteries annually, and regenerates more than 17,100 tonnes of lithium salts.
Through economies of scale and technological efficiency, Brunp has achieved commercial viability while driving resource circularity.
For further information, visit the CATL website
