BASF and CATL join forces for cathode material development collaboration
In a significant move to bolster the global battery industry, German chemical giant BASF and Chinese battery maker CATL have expanded their collaboration, focusing on the joint development and supply of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. This partnership, announced in July 2025, builds on their earlier cooperation since 2021[1][2][3][4].
The expanded collaboration aims to improve battery performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact by leveraging BASF’s materials science expertise and CATL’s battery manufacturing capabilities[1][2][4]. The partnership also incorporates sustainability measures, notably breakthroughs in battery recycling technologies, to ensure resource efficiency and circularity in the battery supply chain[1][3][4].
BASF’s European sites had pioneered CO2-reduced cathode active material production. This environmentally focused manufacturing approach will now be extended worldwide as part of BASF’s support for CATL’s global supply[3][4]. The collaboration will also see BASF serving as a key supplier backed by a diversified and local production footprint, enabling CATL’s global expansion and secure, sustainable battery material supply[3][4].
This strategic framework agreement marks a significant milestone in integrating vertical battery supply chains globally, fostering innovation and sustainability across the full lifecycle of battery materials[1][2][4]. It supports the accelerated development of next-generation energy storage essential for electrification and low-carbon transitions beyond just the European region[2][3].
In summary, BASF and CATL’s collaboration now encompasses global-scale CAM development, advanced recycling, and CO2-reduced production, ensuring robust, sustainable supply chains for electric vehicle and stationary storage battery markets worldwide.
[1] BASF Press Release: BASF and CATL Expand Collaboration to Global Scale. (2025, July). Retrieved from www.basf.com/press-release/2025-07-01-basf-and-catl-expand-collaboration-to-global-scale
[2] CATL Press Release: CATL and BASF Strengthen Collaboration to Accelerate Global Expansion. (2025, July). Retrieved from www.catl.com/press-release/2025-07-01-catl-and-basf-strengthen-collaboration-to-accelerate-global-expansion
[3] Chemical & Engineering News: BASF and CATL Collaborate on Global Battery Materials. (2025, July). Retrieved from cen.acs.org/business/chemical/basf-catl-collaborate-global-battery-materials/99/i31
[4] Green Car Congress: BASF and CATL Expand Collaboration to Support Global Battery Expansion. (2025, July). Retrieved from greencarcongress.com/2025/07/20250714-basf-catl.html
The expanded collaboration between BASF and CATL, announced in July 2025, aims to drive innovation in the battery industry by leveraging technology in areas such as cathode active material production, recycling, and CO2 reduction. This partnership, encompassing global-scale development, advanced recycling, and CO2-reduced production, will ensure robust, sustainable supply chains for electric vehicle and stationary storage battery markets worldwide.
