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NavPrakriti Launches Eastern India’s First Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility Near Kolkata

NavPrakriti Green Energies has commissioned Eastern India’s first advanced lithium-ion battery recycling plant near Kolkata, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s circular economy and critical mineral recovery ecosystem. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering a green and self-reliant India through sustainable technology.

The facility represents a crucial milestone in India’s growing battery recycling landscape, as the country braces for a surge in end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage systems, telecom infrastructure, and consumer electronics.

Bridging a Regional Gap

While several recycling units have been established around the Delhi-NCR region, Eastern India — including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh — has long lacked such infrastructure. NavPrakriti’s new facility aims to fill this gap, serving as a regional hub for responsible battery collection, recycling, and critical mineral recovery. Strategically located near Kolkata, the plant is poised to support the region’s rapidly expanding EV and telecom sectors.

Driving India’s Green Transition

“Our facility is a testament to the power of indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Akhilesh Bagaria, Founder of NavPrakriti. “By converting battery waste into reusable resources, we are not only addressing a pressing environmental challenge but also contributing to India’s green future. With the right ecosystem support, we can transform today’s waste into tomorrow’s opportunity.”

Developed using homegrown technology from the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), the plant aligns with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. It currently offers a mechanical pre-treatment capacity of 1,000 tonnes per month, scalable to 2,000 tonnes as demand increases.

Strategic Partnerships and Government Alignment

NavPrakriti is collaborating with battery manufacturers, OEMs, and bulk users under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure regulatory compliance and a steady inflow of used batteries.

The initiative complements the Government of India’s INR 1,500 crore scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at promoting domestic recycling capacity and reducing dependence on imported materials.

Expanding Horizons

The facility currently focuses on recovering aluminium, copper, and intermediate compounds rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium — essential for battery manufacturing. Future expansion plans include hydrometallurgical refining and battery-grade material recovery, alongside battery refurbishment for second-life applications such as residential and small industrial storage systems.

“Our vision goes beyond recycling,” said Avnish Bagaria, Co-Founder and Director of NavPrakriti. “We aim to build a foundation for a circular, sustainable economy that benefits industries and communities alike. By leveraging indigenous technologies and strategic partnerships, we are setting new standards for responsible resource management.”

With India’s battery recycling market projected to exceed USD 30 billion by 2030, NavPrakriti’s commissioning marks a pivotal advancement in Eastern India’s green industrial ecosystem, supporting the nation’s transition toward a cleaner, more self-reliant energy future.