CATL Yibin plant named WEF Sustainability Lighthouse

CATL’s Yibin plant in Sichuan, China, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Sustainability Lighthouse within its Global Lighthouse Network, becoming the first lithium-ion battery facility to receive this designation. The plant was previously recognised as a Lighthouse for productivity in 2022, making it the first facility in the lithium battery industry to be recognised for both productivity and sustainability, with CATL now holding four Lighthouse certifications across its manufacturing network.

The WEF said the site achieved a 56% reduction in carbon footprint and helped 13 suppliers achieve carbon neutrality certification. The forum noted that the facility combined AI-driven energy systems, micro-grid photovoltaic storage, process changes and low-carbon product research and development to address challenges related to rising emissions and energy use.

CATL’s four Lighthouse certifications include Ningde (2021), Yibin (2022 and 2025) and Liyang (2023), the highest number in the lithium battery sector. The Global Lighthouse Network is co-founded by the WEF and McKinsey & Company, recognising facilities that have achieved strong performance in productivity, supply chain resilience and sustainability.

Source: CATL