PETRONAS Lubricants India, part of the PETRONAS group, and Tata Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot a structured model for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
The initiative aims to establish an organised and traceable system for managing used lubricants classified as hazardous waste, covering collection, storage, transportation and recycling. Under the pilot, used oil will be channelled to genuine, registered recyclers for conversion into high-quality re-refined base oil, which can subsequently be reintegrated into finished lubricants.
PETRONAS Lubricants India will oversee the aggregation and movement of used lubricants through authorised and specialised collection mechanisms, while Tata Motors will use its extensive authorised service network to facilitate structured collection and encourage responsible disposal across its ecosystem.
“Achieving true circularity in used oil begins when re-refined base oil is reintegrated into finished lubricants,” said Binu Chandy, India MD, PETRONAS Lubricants India, describing the partnership as an important step towards developing a scalable model for used-oil circularity. Vikram Agrawal, Head – Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd, said the pilot would support responsible resource stewardship and India’s wider sustainability ambitions.