Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Tata Motors have entered into a strategic partnership to develop a 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 a structured system aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management and supporting India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The initiative will focus on establishing an organised and traceable mechanism for collection, storage, transportation and recycling of used lubricants, classified as hazardous waste. The recycled oil will be converted into high-quality re-refined base oil, improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental risks.
HPCL Executive Director – Lubes, Ch Srinivas, said the collaboration marks an important step towards building a scalable model for used oil circularity and lowering operational carbon footprints. Tata Motors Head – Parts and Services, Vikram Agrawal, said responsible recycling requires credible partners, clear processes and the ability to operate at scale.
Under the partnership, HPCL will oversee aggregation and transportation of used lubricants through authorised collection channels, while Tata Motors will leverage its network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints to enable structured collection and promote responsible disposal practices. The pilot project will be implemented across select states under the supervision of a joint committee from both companies. In Kolkata, the initiative could accelerate adoption of organised lubricant recycling systems in eastern India, where commercial vehicle operations and industrial logistics are expanding steadily. The partnership may also support sustainable automotive servicing ecosystems in Kolkata as businesses increasingly align with green compliance and circular economy goals.
