NavPrakriti, Eastern India’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to partner with more than 150 battery manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) over the next three years. The initiative aims to build a nationwide network for the collection, recycling and refurbishment of spent batteries, supporting India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and the country’s broader clean energy and decarbonisation goals.
The Kolkata-based company said the partnerships will leverage advanced recycling technologies and strategic industry collaborations to ensure environmentally responsible battery management across the value chain. The announcement follows the recent commencement of operations at Eastern India’s first advanced lithium-ion battery recycling facility, marking a significant milestone in the region’s battery waste management infrastructure.
India’s demand for lithium-ion batteries is projected to rise sharply—from 4 GWh in 2023 to nearly 139 GWh by 2035—driven by rapid growth in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (BESS) supporting renewable energy integration. However, this expansion has also intensified concerns around battery waste. Estimates indicate that lithium-ion batteries accounted for 700,000 tonnes of the 1.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste generated in India in 2022, with only about 40 per cent being recycled, highlighting the need for scalable recycling solutions.
To address this challenge, the government introduced the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) in 2022, placing EPR at the centre of battery waste regulation. Under the framework, producers are required to finance and ensure the recycling of batteries through authorised recyclers. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has strengthened implementation through a digital EPR portal that tracks e-waste flows, connects manufacturers with registered recyclers and facilitates EPR credit mechanisms.
Commenting on the announcement, Akhilesh Bagaria, Founder of NavPrakriti, said the company aims to set new standards in responsible battery recycling while supporting India’s vision of a circular and self-reliant economy. He noted that by partnering with manufacturers and OEMs nationwide, NavPrakriti seeks to help recover critical raw materials, reduce environmental impact and accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy.
NavPrakriti’s strategy aligns with the government’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and upcoming stricter EPR and hazardous waste regulations scheduled for 2026. The company has invested in advanced compliance, tracking and reporting systems to meet evolving regulatory requirements and position itself as a leader in the EPR-driven recycling ecosystem.
Founded in 2024, NavPrakriti currently operates a facility capable of processing up to 1,000 tonnes of used batteries per month, with the capacity to double as demand increases. The plant focuses on recovering aluminium and copper, along with intermediary materials rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese and lithium. The company is also planning to expand into hydrometallurgical refining, battery-grade chemical recovery and second-life battery refurbishment for residential and industrial applications.
Through its expansion and partnership strategy, NavPrakriti aims to transform end-of-life batteries into valuable raw materials, contributing to India’s self-reliance in critical battery materials and strengthening the nation’s circular economy.
