HPCL, Tata Motors partner to develop circular economy model for used automotive lubricants

New Delhi: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Tata Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot a structured and scalable model for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants, the companies said on Tuesday.

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The collaboration aims to establish an organised and traceable system for managing used lubricants classified as hazardous waste, covering collection, storage, transportation and recycling processes. The initiative will support compliance with India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and contribute to the country’s circular economy goals.

Under the partnership, HPCL will lead the aggregation and transportation of used lubricants through authorised collection mechanisms and ensure their channelisation to registered recyclers. Tata Motors, meanwhile, will utilise its extensive authorised service network to facilitate structured collection and encourage responsible disposal practices across its ecosystem.

The process is expected to enable the conversion of used lubricants into high-quality re-refined base oil, thereby improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental risks. The pilot project is also expected to establish benchmarks for responsible waste management and support India’s transition towards a resource-efficient economy.

Launching the pilot, HPCL's Executive Director Lubes Ch Srinivas said that achieving true circularity in used oil begins with reintegrating re-refined base oil into finished lubricants. He added that the collaboration with Tata Motors marks an important step towards building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reducing the carbon footprint across operations.

Commenting on the partnership, Tata Motors' Head (Parts and Services) Vikram Agrawal said that used automotive lubricant, if not managed responsibly, can cause long-term environmental harm. He said the partnership with HPCL would help create an organised and responsible recycling framework with the potential for wider industry adoption.

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The pilot programme will initially be implemented across select states and monitored by a joint committee comprising representatives from both companies, which will oversee progress and evaluate scalability.

Tata Motors said the initiative complements its broader mobility solutions portfolio, including Sampoorna Seva 2.0 and Fleet Edge, its connected vehicle platform for fleet optimisation and vehicle uptime enhancement. The company currently operates a network of more than 4,500 sales and service touchpoints across India.

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