Tata Motors, PETRONAS Pilot Used-Oil Recycling Model In India

Tata Motors and PETRONAS Lubricants India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot a structured model for the collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants. The pilot will run simultaneously in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

The initiative will cover the collection, storage, movement and recycling of used lubricants, with the companies aiming to establish a traceable system for channelising the material to registered recyclers. The companies said the programme is also intended to support compliance with India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Under the proposed model, used lubricants classified as hazardous waste will be collected through authorised mechanisms and subsequently processed into re-refined base oil. PETRONAS Lubricants India will oversee the aggregation and movement of used lubricants through authorised collection channels, while Tata Motors will use its authorised service network to facilitate collection and responsible disposal.

The two companies will use the pilot to assess the viability of scaling the used-oil recycling model. PETRONAS Lubricants India said the reintegration of re-refined base oil into finished lubricants is an important part of achieving circularity in used oil management.

Tata Motors said the collaboration is intended to establish a structured framework for the collection, recovery and recycling of used automotive lubricants, while assessing whether the model can be scaled across the automotive value chain.

The pilot is aimed at improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental risks associated with the handling and disposal of used lubricants. The companies said the programme will also support more organised waste management practices within their respective ecosystems.

Used-Oil Recycling Pilot To Cover Maharashtra And Tamil Nadu

The pilot will be implemented simultaneously across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, with Tata Motors' authorised service network forming part of the collection framework. PETRONAS Lubricants India will manage the aggregation and movement of collected lubricants through authorised and specialised collection mechanisms.

Used Lubricants To Be Channelised To Registered Recyclers

The proposed system is designed to provide traceability from collection and storage through to recycling. Collected used oil will be channelised to genuine, registered recyclers, where it can be converted into re-refined base oil.