NavPrakriti, Eastern India’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to partner with over 150 battery manufacturers and OEMs over the next three years to support India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandate. The initiative aims to build a nationwide ecosystem for the collection, recycling and refurbishment of spent batteries through advanced technology and industry collaboration. The Kolkata-based company has recently commenced operations at Eastern India’s first advanced lithium-ion battery recycling facility.

India’s lithium battery demand is projected to rise sharply from 4 GWh in 2023 to 139 GWh by 2035, driven by electric mobility and the growing deployment of battery energy storage systems for renewable power. However, lithium-ion batteries accounted for nearly 700,000 tonnes of the country’s e-waste in 2022, with only about 40 per cent recycled, highlighting the need for scalable recycling infrastructure.

The government’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 place EPR at the core of battery waste handling, supported by a CPCB-led digital portal to track compliance and issue EPR credits. NavPrakriti’s strategy aligns with these regulations and the National Critical Mineral Mission, positioning battery recycling as a key resource recovery pathway. Founded in 2024, the company currently processes up to 1,000 tonnes of used batteries per month, with plans to expand capacity and develop second-life battery applications.