BASF and CATL to Deepen Cooperation on Cathode Material Development
In a significant move towards a greener future, German chemical giant BASF and Chinese battery manufacturer CATL have signed a comprehensive framework agreement in July 2025. This agreement marks an expansion of their existing collaboration, which began in 2021, and aims to strengthen CATL's cell production on a global scale [1][2][4].
Under the terms of the agreement, BASF will serve as an important supplier to CATL, providing advanced and innovative cathode active materials (CAM) on a global scale. BASF’s extensive global production network will support CATL’s worldwide battery production and expansion plans, enabling timely and efficient delivery across multiple continents [1][2][4].
The collaboration between BASF and CATL is not limited to a particular geographical region. It now includes the use of regional raw materials and recycling strategies beyond Europe, further emphasising their commitment to sustainability [2][4]. This expansion builds on their previous cooperation, including battery recycling initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable battery value chain.
BASF Battery Materials offers expertise in base metals sourcing, management, and various battery recycling solutions. Through leveraging their R&D platforms and sustainability focus, BASF promotes the development of cathode materials that help lower carbon footprints in battery manufacturing, thus contributing to environmental goals alongside CATL’s global operations [2][4].
The latest agreement between BASF and CATL globally strengthens supply and innovation in cathode materials, enhances sustainable production practices including battery recycling, and supports CATL’s international growth with environmentally friendlier CAM solutions [1][2][4].
It's worth noting that while the agreement does not mention any specific timeline for its execution, the focus remains on supporting CATL's global expansion with BASF's production network. There is also a focus on battery recycling within the expanded collaboration, but there is no information provided about any potential reduction of CO2 emissions or battery recycling initiatives beyond what was previously mentioned [1][2][4].
BASF will continue to supply cathode materials from its European sites, ensuring a steady supply for CATL's operations. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, this collaboration between BASF and CATL is a significant step forward in reducing carbon footprints and promoting a circular economy in the battery industry.
[1] BASF SE. (2025). Press Release: BASF and CATL Strengthen Global Collaboration on Cathode Materials. [online] Available at: https://www.basf.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/july/basf-catl-collaboration-cathode-materials.html
[2] CATL. (2025). Press Release: CATL and BASF Expand Collaboration on Cathode Materials. [online] Available at: https://www.catl.com/en/news/press-releases/2025/catl-and-basf-expand-collaboration-on-cathode-materials
[4] Chemical & Engineering News. (2025). BASF and CATL Sign Framework Agreement to Expand Collaboration on Cathode Materials. [online] Available at: https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/web/2025/07/basf-catl-sign-framework-agreement-expand-collaboration-cathode-materials.html
The agreement signed by BASF and CATL in 2025 involves supplying advanced cathode active materials on a global scale, which combines industry collaboration with scientific innovation to contribute to environmental goals in technology. The expansion of their partnership beyond Europe also encompasses the exploration of regional raw materials and recycling strategies, demonstrating the financial commitment to creating a sustainable environmental-science-based future.
