Staff Writer
Mumbai: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Tata Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pilot a structured and scalable model for collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants as part of efforts to strengthen circular economy practices and support India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
The two companies said the collaboration aims to establish an organised and traceable system for handling used lubricants, which are categorised as hazardous waste, covering collection, storage, transportation and recycling.
Under the initiative, used lubricants will be processed into high-quality re-refined base oil, helping improve resource efficiency while reducing environmental risks associated with improper disposal.
Executive Director – Lubes at HPCL Ch Srinivas said reintegrating re-refined base oil into finished lubricants is critical for achieving true circularity in used oil management.
He said the collaboration with Tata Motors marks a significant step towards building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reducing operational carbon footprint.
Head – Parts and Services at Tata Motors Vikram Agrawal said improper handling of used automotive lubricants can result in long-term environmental damage and requires credible partners, structured processes and scalable execution capabilities.
He said the partnership with HPCL would help create a strong foundation for organised and responsible lubricant recycling with potential for wider industry adoption.
As part of the partnership, HPCL will oversee aggregation and transportation of used lubricants through authorised collection channels and ensure supply to registered recyclers.
Tata Motors, meanwhile, will utilise its nationwide authorised service network to facilitate structured collection and encourage responsible disposal practices across its ecosystem.
The pilot project will initially be rolled out across select states and monitored by a joint committee comprising representatives from both companies to evaluate operational progress and scalability.
Tata Motors said the initiative complements its broader mobility and lifecycle service offerings under Sampoorna Seva 2.0, which includes maintenance support, genuine spare parts access and connected vehicle solutions through its Fleet Edge platform.
The company currently operates more than 4,500 sales and service touchpoints across India.
