Companies BASF and CATL have decided to team up in the production of cathode materials.
In a significant move to bolster the global battery industry, BASF and CATL have announced a new framework agreement aimed at collaborating on the production of advanced cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. This strategic partnership, announced in July 2025, supports CATL's global expansion and innovation in battery manufacturing [1][2][3].
BASF, with its extensive, diversified global production network, will supply high-performance CAM tailored to CATL’s international manufacturing footprint, ensuring resilience and efficiency in the battery supply chain [2][3][4][5]. This collaboration is part of a larger initiative focused on sustainability, with a particular emphasis on CO₂-reduced CAM production and advanced battery recycling [1][4].
Initially, the collaboration focused on building local value chains in Europe, aiming to strengthen CATL’s European battery production through regional sourcing and recycling. However, with the new agreement, this effort is now scaling globally [4]. BASF brings its expertise in raw materials sourcing, innovative cathode chemistry, and recycling solutions to this joint effort, contributing to a circular battery economy with reduced carbon footprint [3][4].
The collaboration involves joint R&D for next-generation, innovative cathode materials integrating sustainability considerations, including CO₂ reduction [1][3][4]. BASF will serve as a key supplier for cathode materials in the agreement, and the focus is on the production of cathode materials [2][3]. The agreement does not specify a specific timeline for the production or delivery of cathode materials.
This cooperation reflects a vertical integration approach that connects advanced chemical engineering with battery manufacturing, aimed at driving innovation, global supply chain resilience, and sustainability in the evolving battery materials sector [1][3]. By expanding beyond Europe, this partnership may contribute to CATL's global expansion and growth, potentially leading to advancements in cathode material technology due to their combined expertise.
References:
[1] BASF SE. (2025). BASF and CATL establish global strategic partnership to jointly develop and supply advanced cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. BASF Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.basf.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/07/basmcatl-global-strategic-partnership.html
[2] CATL. (2025). CATL and BASF form strategic partnership for global collaboration on cathode materials. CATL News. Retrieved from https://www.catl.com/en/news/press-releases/catl-and-basf-form-strategic-partnership-for-global-collaboration-on-cathode-materials/
[3] Chemical & Engineering News. (2025). BASF and CATL team up to produce cathode materials for batteries. Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved from https://cen.acs.org/energy/batteries/BASF-CATL-team-produce-cathode-materials-batteries/99/i31
[4] GreenTechMedia. (2025). BASF and CATL expand partnership to global scale for cathode materials. GreenTechMedia. Retrieved from https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/basf-and-catl-expand-partnership-to-global-scale-for-cathode-materials
[5] Electrive. (2025). BASF and CATL to collaborate on global cathode materials production. Electrive. Retrieved from https://electrive.com/2025/07/12/basf-and-catl-to-collaborate-on-global-cathode-materials-production/
This partnership between BASF and CATL, focused on producing advanced cathode active materials, extends beyond Europe, aiming to globalize the effort and potentially contribute to CATL's growth in cathode material technology. The collaboration encompasses joint research and development for next-generation cathode materials, incorporating sustainability considerations.
