Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited CATL’s Yibin Plant Leads Global Sustainability Efforts by WEF. Its Yibin manufacturing facility in Sichuan, China, has been officially named a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN).
A Second Global Honor for the Yibin
This recognition marks a historic milestone for the battery industry. The Yibin site is now the world’s first lithium-ion battery plant to receive Sustainability Lighthouse status and remains the only facility globally to be acknowledged for excellence in both productivity and sustainability.
Manufacturing Site
The Yibin plant was previously awarded Lighthouse status in 2022 for its outstanding gains in productivity. With this latest recognition in 2025, the facility strengthens its reputation as a global leader in smart, efficient, and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Through continuous innovation, the site has delivered measurable improvements across key sustainability indicators, including energy consumption, carbon emissions, water usage, and waste reduction, while advancing long-term goals tied to net-zero emissions, decarbonization, and circular manufacturing.
With this achievement, CATL now holds four Lighthouse certifications, the highest number within the lithium battery sector:
- Ningde (2021)
- Yibin (2022 – Productivity & 2025 – Sustainability)
- Liyang (2023)
CATL’s Yibin Plant Leads Global Sustainability Efforts by WEF (Key Reasons)
In its official statement, the World Economic Forum highlighted how the Yibin plant addressed the challenges of rapid production growth, rising energy demand, and increasing supply-chain emissions.
By combining AI-powered energy systems, micro-grid photovoltaic storage, process innovation, and low-carbon product research and development, the facility achieved:
A 56% reduction in overall carbon footprint
Support for 13 upstream suppliers in obtaining carbon-neutral certification
These results demonstrate how advanced manufacturing technologies can deliver both environmental benefits and cost efficiency at scale.
Overcoming Industry Challenges Through Intelligent Manufacturing
Facing issues such as high energy intensity, carbon-heavy supply chains, and limited circular efficiency, the Yibin site has built an industry-leading intelligent manufacturing system. This system integrates sustainability into every stage of production, from equipment operation to supplier collaboration.
AI-Driven Equipment
Optimization Improves Energy Efficiency
To reduce energy waste and improve equipment performance, CATL implemented machine-learning-based optimization systems across core manufacturing processes.
These systems use real-time data analysis to:
- Forecast production demand more accurately
- Minimize unnecessary machine standby time
- Adjust equipment operation dynamically for optimal efficiency
In energy-intensive coating processes, intelligent controls fine-tune airflow and fan speed, delivering significant reductions in power consumption without compromising product quality.
Circular Packaging Solutions Cut Material Use and Emissions
CATL has also expanded circular packaging systems to improve material efficiency and lower emissions across its operations.
Domestic operations now use reusable and standardized racks across all projects, supported by IIoT-enabled lifecycle tracking for smarter scheduling and logistics.
International operations rely on advanced simulation tools to design lightweight packaging that meets global transport requirements while reducing material use and environmental impact.
These initiatives help strengthen CATL’s commitment to a circular economy both at home and abroad.
Setting a Global Benchmark for Sustainable Battery Manufacturing
As the first facility recognized for excellence in both productivity and sustainability, CATL’s Yibin plant now serves as a global benchmark for low-carbon, intelligent manufacturing in the battery industry.
Looking ahead, CATL plans to replicate and scale these proven practices across its global manufacturing footprint, accelerating the development of a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable production network worldwide.
About the Global Lighthouse Network
Launched by the World Economic Forum in partnership with McKinsey & Company, the Global Lighthouse Network highlights leading industrial sites worldwide. It identifies and recognizes manufacturing sites and value chains that demonstrate exceptional performance in areas such as productivity, supply-chain resilience, sustainability, customer focus, and workforce development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) What is the CATL Yibin Plant Sustainability recognition?
A) The CATL Yibin manufacturing facility in Sichuan, China has been named a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This recognition honors its leadership in reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, water use, and waste through innovative manufacturing practices.
Q) Why is this recognition significant for the battery industry?
A) The Yibin plant is the world’s first lithium-ion battery facility to receive Sustainability Lighthouse status. It is also the only plant globally recognized for both productivity and sustainability, setting a new benchmark for intelligent, low-carbon manufacturing in the industry.
Q) What sustainability initiatives has CATL implemented at Yibin?
A) CATL has introduced AI-powered energy optimization, micro-grid photovoltaic storage, process innovations, and low-carbon product R&D. These initiatives helped the plant reduce its carbon footprint by 56% and support 13 suppliers in achieving carbon-neutral certification.
Q) How does the Yibin plant improve energy efficiency in manufacturing?
A) The plant uses machine-learning-based equipment optimization to forecast production demand, reduce unnecessary standby time, and dynamically adjust operations. In coating processes, intelligent airflow and fan controls save energy while maintaining product quality.
Q) What role does circular packaging play at Yibin?
A) CATL has implemented reusable racks and smart logistics scheduling to improve material efficiency. Advanced simulation tools are used internationally to create lightweight packaging, reducing materials and emissions while meeting global transport standards.
Q) What is the Global Lighthouse Network and its purpose?
A) The Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), launched by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company, identifies manufacturing sites worldwide that demonstrate excellence in productivity, sustainability, supply-chain resilience, and workforce development. Yibin’s recognition reflects its industry-leading sustainable manufacturing practices.
