Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Tata Motors have partnered to develop a structured and scalable circular economy model for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants in India. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot the initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management practices and supporting India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The collaboration seeks to establish an organised and traceable system for the collection, storage and recycling of used lubricants, which are classified as hazardous waste. The process will facilitate the conversion of used oil into high-quality re-refined base oil, helping improve resource efficiency while reducing environmental risks.
Launching the pilot, HPCL Executive Director – Lubes, Ch Srinivas, said reintegrating re-refined base oil into finished lubricants is essential for achieving true circularity and lowering carbon footprints. Tata Motors Head – Parts and Services, Vikram Agrawal, said responsible handling of used lubricants requires credible partnerships and scalable systems.
Under the agreement, HPCL will manage aggregation and transportation of used lubricants through authorised collection mechanisms, while Tata Motors will utilise its extensive service network to support structured collection and responsible disposal practices. The pilot will initially be rolled out across select states under the supervision of a joint committee from both companies. In Kolkata, the initiative could encourage greater adoption of organised lubricant recycling practices across eastern India, where commercial vehicle movement and industrial activities remain significant. Experts say the collaboration may also create opportunities for sustainable automotive service ecosystems in Kolkata, especially as businesses increasingly focus on environmentally compliant operations and circular economy practices.