-- CATL today announced that its Yibin plant in Sichuan has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Sustainability Lighthouse within the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). Following its designation as a "Lighthouse" for its outstanding performance in productivity in 2022, the facility has now secured another world-class honor in sustainability, becoming the world's first lithium‑ion battery plant to be recognized as a Sustainability Lighthouse, and the first and only one in the industry to be recognized for both productivity and sustainability.
The latest recognition for Yibin plant specifically acknowledges the site for achieving industry-leading reductions in energy, emissions, water and waste through advanced solutions in pursuit of a holistic set of net-zero, decarbonization and circularity goals. With this designation, CATL now holds four Lighthouse certifications across its manufacturing network, the highest number in the lithium battery industry, including Ningde (2021), Yibin (2022 & 2025), and Liyang (2023).
In its official announcement, the WEF highlighted:"For the world's largest battery production site, rapid expansion related to rising carbon emissions, high energy use, and an increasing value-chain carbon footprint and manufacturing costs. To solve this, the site combined an AI-driven energy transformation, micro-grid photo-voltaic storage, process innovation, and low-carbon product R&D. The site resulted in a 56% reduction in carbon footprint and helped 13 suppliers achieve carbon neutrality certification."
Confronted with systemic challenges including high energy use, carbon-intensive supply chains, and low circular efficiency, the site demonstrates its leadership in building an industry-leading intelligent manufacturing system that excels in circular economy, energy conservation, emission reduction, and green supply chain practices,for example:
AI-driven Equipment Optimization Enhances Energy Efficiency
To address energy-intensive production and equipment inefficiencies, CATL has deployed machine-learning-based optimization across key manufacturing systems. Real-time data is used to predict demand, reduce unnecessary standby time, and dynamically adjust equipment operation. In coating processes, intelligent control systems regulate airflow and fan frequency to improve energy efficiency.
Circular Packaging Reduces Emissions and Material Use
Packaging circularity has been scaled across operations to cut material use and improve resource efficiency. In China, a variety of reusable and universal racks now cover all projects, supported by IIoT-enabled lifecycle scheduling for smarter material flow. Overseas, advanced simulations optimize packaging structures, achieving lightweight designs that meet international transport standards while minimizing environmental impact.
As the first Lighthouse for both Productivity and Sustainability, CATL's Yibin plant has become a leading benchmark for intelligent, low-carbon manufacturing. Looking forward, CATL is committed to scaling these proven practices to develop a high-quality, efficient and sustainable global manufacturing network.
Co-founded by the WEF and McKinsey & Company, the GLN is a World Economic Forum initiative recognizing best-in-class operational sites and value chains that have achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability and talent.
