IFAT India 2026 Opens In Mumbai As Government, Industry Focus On Water Security, Sanitation And Circular Resource Management

The 13th edition brings together government representatives, municipal leaders, industry experts and technology providers to address India’s water, wastewater, waste management and recycling priorities

The 13th edition of IFAT India, the country’s largest trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste management and recycling solutions, opened today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Mumbai.

The opening brought together Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Smt. Isha Kalia, IAS Joint Secretary & Mission Director (NULM & PM SVANidhi), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and senior representatives from state governments, municipal bodies, diplomatic missions, professional associations, international networks and the environmental technology industry.

Across the three-day event, IFAT India 2026 provides a platform for discussions, technology showcases and industry–government engagement around water security, wastewater management, sanitation, municipal solid waste, recycling and circular resource management. The programme is designed to help public- and private-sector decision-makers assess solutions, compare approaches and build partnerships for projects across the water and waste value chains.

Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA, Messe München GmbH, and CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, “India’s environmental infrastructure needs solutions that can perform reliably at scale. IFAT India connects public authorities, industry and technology providers to evaluate these solutions, exchange implementation experience and build partnerships for projects across the water and waste sectors.”
Opening dialogue puts implementation at the centre

The inauguration was followed by a fireside conversation moderated by •Prabal Bhardwaj, Partner – Health, Human & Social Services (HHSS) Government & Public Services (G&PS), KPMG in India with Smt. Agnimitra Paul. The discussion placed urban infrastructure delivery at the centre of the opening day agenda, connecting policy priorities with the practical requirements of cities, utilities and project teams.

Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said, “IFAT India has given us an excellent opportunity to explore new technologies and understand best practices in solid waste and wastewater management from India and around the world. We are keen to identify solutions that can be effectively implemented in West Bengal and strengthen the way our cities manage these critical areas.”

Smt. Isha Kalia, IAS Joint Secretary & Mission Director (NULM & PM SVANidhi) Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, said, “With technologies and innovations across water, wastewater, pumps, networks and sludge management under one roof, there is a lot to understand and explore at IFAT India. As the sector evolves rapidly, all stakeholders need to stay aware of new developments and adapt the right solutions to local needs.”

Senior public-sector and institutional participation

The inauguration ceremony brought together senior government officials, municipal leaders, diplomats and representatives of leading national and international sector organisations. Key participants included:

· Shri S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh

· Dr. T. K. Sreedevi, IAS, Secretary, Municipal Administration, and Director General, National Institute of Urban Management

· Dr. Vipin Sharma, IAS, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Government of Maharashtra

· Shri T. Anand, IAS, Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Government of Tamil Nadu

· Shri Radhabinod Sharma, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, Government of Maharashtra

· Shri Mayank Mittal, IAS, Joint Managing Director, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Government of Telangana

· Smt. Shwetali Abhijit Thakare, Chairman, Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority

· Dr. Jairaj Phatak, IAS (Retd.), Director General, All India Institute of Local Self-Government

· Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, IFAT Advisory NAC Committee; Advisor, National Institute of Urban Affairs; and former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga

· Mr. Dalbir Singh, Chief Engineer, Delhi Jal Board

· Smt. Utkarsha Kavadi, Senior Executive Director, All India Institute of Local Self-Government

Diplomatic and international representatives at the opening included Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai; Nabil Taouati, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India; Monica Ommundsen Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway; Dong-wan Yoo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea; Christoph Rendtorff, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai; Kerstin Peckl, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Republic of Austria in India; and Dr. Lena Robra, Head of Academic Engagement at Swissnex, Consulate General of Switzerland.

The ceremony also saw participation from the All India Institute of Local Self-Government, ASSOCHAM National Water Council, Builders’ Association of India, German Water Partnership, German Recycling Technologies and Waste Management Partnership, GIZ India, International Solid Waste Association, International Water Association, Indian Water Works Association, Material Recycling Association of India, National Solid Waste Association of India, SWAN India Alliance, TERI Centre of Excellence on Water Reuse, KPMG in India and IFAT Worldwide.

A working marketplace for environmental infrastructure

Organised by Messe Muenchen India, IFAT India 2026 brings together more than 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries across three exhibition halls. Six country pavilions represent China, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Norway and the Netherlands.

Across the exhibition floor, visitors can evaluate technologies and services for water and wastewater treatment, water reuse, sewerage and sanitation, collection and transport, sorting and recycling, waste-to-energy, resource recovery, air pollution control, environmental monitoring and digital operations.
Focused industry areas include the SWAN Digital Water Pavilion, IWA Pavilion, Urban Local Bodies Pavilion, Smarter SME Pavilion and Start-up Pavilion. Together, these formats connect established technology providers, emerging companies, utilities, municipal bodies and project stakeholders with a range of procurement and implementation needs.

Knowledge programme addresses finance, delivery and scale

The exhibition is supported by a multi-stage knowledge programme covering the policy, financing, technology and operating questions shaping environmental infrastructure in India:

· Blue Stage: water investment, treated wastewater reuse, utility transformation, blended finance, digitalisation, community participation and the shift from compliance-led action to systematic water stewardship.

· Orange Stage: urban sanitation, the Swachhata movement, municipal waste management, biogas, collection and recycling systems, RDF and waste-to-fuel applications, the climate economy and Indian Railways’ circularity and net-zero journey.

· Green Stage: organised recycling ecosystems, state- and city-led circular economy initiatives, technology and traceability in e-waste recovery, plastics, advanced recycling, finance for circular infrastructure, and the fashion and textile value chain.

· Speakers’ Corner: expert-led sessions on water and wastewater innovation, India–Netherlands collaboration, Zero Liquid Discharge, membrane technologies, industrial wastewater treatment, digital water management, resource recovery and the economic potential of sludge and waste-to-resource projects.

· Second Round Table of Chief Engineers’ Forum organised by AIILSG Mumbai with support from AMRUT 2.0 of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India: This will be held on Day 1 of the event and address practical delivery challenges in water supply, wastewater, sanitation and solid waste infrastructure, with attention to project execution, technology selection, adoption and long-term operational performance.

· National Conference organized by AIILSG Mumbai in partnership with UNICEF India: This will be held on Day 2 of the event and will focus on convergent planning for scaling up sanitation and waste management across rural and urban India.

The Young Professionals Group of the International Solid Waste Association is also hosting a special session on a proposed University Challenge. Being developed in association with Prof. Anupam Singh, the initiative aims to encourage participation from students and young professionals and connect research with industry priorities.

As IFAT India 2026 continues through 11 September, the trade fair will enable municipal authorities, utilities, industries, project developers and solution providers to move discussions from policy priorities to practical implementation. Through technology demonstrations, expert-led sessions and structured business interactions, the three-day platform aims to support informed technology selection, stronger partnerships and more effective delivery of India’s water, sanitation, waste management and circular resource projects. 

New Leadership Takes Charge At IPMMI Ravikiran As New Vice President

A new Managing Committee formally took charge at IPMMI following its AGM held on 5 September 2026, with Vivek Chinoy as President and Ravikiran as Vice President, supported by an exceptionally experienced team of industry leaders.

The new leadership will focus on strengthening member engagement, technology and knowledge initiatives, industry collaboration, skill development, and expanding the global visibility of India’s packaging machinery industry.

“IPMMI has the opportunity to become a stronger catalyst for the growth of our industry. With the collective experience and commitment of our Managing Committee, our focus will be to create meaningful value for members and take Indian packaging technology to a larger global stage,” said Vivek Chinoy, President, IPMMI.  

South India Doesn't Need To Catch Up On Protein, It's Already There

* A new consumer study finds that South India already leads the country in everyday dairy consumption, even as national data shows most urban Indians remain unaware of how much protein they actually need

New consumer research turns attention back to one of the country's most complete, accessible and affordable sources of protein: the dairy already sitting in most Indian kitchens. A glass of milk, a bowl of curd, a cube of paneer, each carries meaningful, easily absorbed protein, and few parts of the country lean on this everyday source as naturally as South India already does.

The bigger opportunity lies in awareness. Even as more Indians actively look to build protein into their daily diet, a nationwide survey of urban, high-income households found that nearly three in four respondents were protein deficient, and that ninety-three percent could not correctly state how much protein an adult needs each day, despite the Indian Council of Medical Research recommending 0.66 to 0.83 grams per kilogram of body weight for a healthy adult. The gap, in other words, is rarely about what is on the table. It is about recognising the protein that is already there.

South India already demonstrates what closing that gap can look like, and government data backs it up. According to the National Family Health Survey, while less than half of Indians nationally consume milk or curd daily, that figure rises well above the national average of 48.8 % across the south. Andhra Pradesh (77.1% men, 74.8% women) and Karnataka (76.2% men, 77.9% women) lead the numbers, with Telangana (68.9 % men, 71.3 % women) and Kerala (62.5 % men, 59.4 % women) following close behind, and Tamil Nadu rounding out a region where dairy already sits at the centre of daily meals rather than at its margins.

A consumer study, the India Lactograph, conducted among urban consumers aged 18 to 39 across South India, adds a sharper layer to this picture. The study found that curd is already near universal habits in the region, used regularly by 80.1% of respondents. Interestingly, the same study found a generational blind spot within these very habits: while a majority of South Indian parents say they give their children milk specifically for its protein value, adults are far less likely to make that same connection for themselves, with many more likely to reach for a packaged protein shake before considering the curd or paneer already on their table.

"South India has been getting its protein from dairy for generations. The India Lactograph report states that 80.1% of South Indian consumers eat curd regularly, and yet adults in the region are more likely to reach for a packaged protein shake than to recognise the nutrition already on their plate. The opportunity lies on educating the consumers about the benefits of dairy led- protein. Closing that awareness gap is something this region is exceptionally well-placed to lead.", said Gaurav Pande, Chief Executive Officer.

As National Nutrition Week turns the country's attention to its broader nutrition gaps, the data suggests that closing them will not require the same starting point in every market. In South India, the ingredients and the habits are already in place, quietly, in kitchens across the region. What remains is making sure people give themselves credit for them, a shift in awareness rather than diet, and one this region is better positioned to lead than any other.

About Creamline Dairy Products Limited:

Godrej Jersey, a leading private dairy player in Southern India, has been a trusted name in the dairy industry since 1986. With a presence across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Nagpur in Maharashtra, the company has consistently grown, offering high-quality dairy products under the name Jersey. With 8 composite dairy plants and a state-of-the-art milk powder plant in Ongole, Godrej Jersey has expanded its product portfolio from its roots as a milk business to a diverse range of innovative dairy products.

Over the years, Jersey became a household name, earning the trust of millions for its consistent quality. Following its recent association with the iconic Godrej brand, Jersey embarked on a journey to redefine its identity. The new visual design retains the legacy of the recognizable cow pattern, modified for a cleaner, modern, and more consumer-friendly presentation. This updated look reflects both Jersey’s rich heritage and the promise of quality and trust long associated with the Godrej brand. Godrej Jersey continues to uphold its legacy while embracing a fresh, contemporary identity, offering products that remain synonymous with purity, quality, and innovation.  

Wizz Financial Launches Global Cross-Border Wallet Where UPI Meets Remittance - For Every Nationality, Resident And Non-Resident Alike

Photo Caption: Launch of Wizz Financial App at GFF 2026: Masood Khan, Sathish Chandra, HE Abubaker Alkhoori, Abdullah Alkaabi, HE Ali Salem Alkaabi, HE Ahmed Albanna, Amir Nagammy, Sam Nagammy, Krishnan R at GFF 2026.

* One App. Every Financial Service. UPI in India for Residents, Non-Residents and International Customers Alike.

Wizz Financial today unveiled the Wizz Financial App at Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026, bringing a comprehensive range of financial services together on a single digital platform.

The app brings together Wizz Financial's technology capabilities with the scale, reach and trust of its India network, which serves more than 5 million customers through more than 360 branches across 22 states.

Through the app, customers can access inward and outward remittances, foreign exchange, multi-currency prepaid cards, lending solutions, UPI for global users to India and bill payments, mobile recharges, and travel and visa services.

A key feature of the platform is SWITCH, Wizz Financial's proprietary interoperability infrastructure, designed to connect its applications across the US, UAE and India, as well as participating third-party wallets and financial platforms.

SWITCH enables customers to move money seamlessly across the Wizz Financial ecosystem. Cross-border payouts are supported by Wizz Financial's proprietary payout network, reaching more than 80 countries.

The platform also connects Wizz Financial's US and UAE propositions with India's UPI ecosystem, enabling eligible real-time transfers into Indian UPI accounts. Through the UPI One World framework, eligible international visitors can also use the Wizz Financial App to make cashless payments across India, subject to applicable regulatory requirements and prescribed limits.

"UPI is one of the most powerful pieces of public digital infrastructure the world has ever built. We have followed the Prime Minister's vision for UPI from the very beginning, and I am prouder than ever that Wizz Financial is now helping carry that vision beyond India's borders, spearheading a truly global, cross-border UPI ecosystem. With SWITCH, we are bringing payments, wallets and cross-border money movement together across the US, UAE and India, so that residents, non-residents and international customers can all move money through the same trusted rails," said Amir Nagammy, Founder & Group CEO, Wizz Financial.

"Wizz Financial has built the trust of millions of customers in India through accessibility and service excellence. By combining our nationwide branch presence with our digital capabilities, we are giving customers a simpler and more convenient way to access and manage their financial needs," said Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Wizz Financial India.

The launch at GFF 2026 marks a significant step in Wizz Financial's strategy to build an integrated financial platform connecting customers and businesses across key global economic corridors. 

Acer India Expands CSR Commitment With Netradeep Eye Care Center, Offering Free And Subsidized Eye Care

Photo Caption: Above Shri N. A. Haris, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Sudhir Goel, Chief Business Officer, Acer India, Bhasker Bhandary, Senior Director, HR, Acer India, with other dignitaries at Netradeep Eye Care Center inauguration at Domlur today.

The Eye Care Center is established in association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and with the support of Shri N. A. Haris, MLA; the centre aims to make FREE eye care accessible to BPL cardholders and subsidized treatment for others

Acer India, further strengthening its commitment to creating meaningful social impact through its flagship CSR initiative Project Humanity, today announced the establishment of Netradeep – Eye Care Center in Domlur, Bengaluru. Established in association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and with the support of Shri N. A. Haris, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shantinagara, the dedicated center will provide free eye care for BPL cardholders and subsidized eye-care services to others, helping address financial and accessibility barriers that often prevent patients from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.

Netradeep has been designed to provide accessible and quality eye-care services, including consultations, diagnostics, treatment, surgeries, and other services. The center will focus particularly on individuals and families for whom access to timely and affordable eye care may otherwise remain difficult.

The initiative stems from Acer India’s belief that healthy eyes are fundamental to an individual’s ability to learn, work, remain independent and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, for many people, eye care can remain out of reach because of treatment costs, limited access to specialized healthcare, or lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

Through Netradeep, Acer India, together with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and the support of Shri N. A. Haris, aims to help bridge this gap by making professional eye care more accessible and encouraging earlier diagnosis and intervention. Many eye conditions can be better managed when identified at an early stage, making timely screening and access to professional medical care particularly important.

Eye-health concerns today cut across age groups. Ageing, diabetes, lifestyle changes and increasing exposure to digital screens are among the factors contributing to a growing need for greater awareness around eye health and preventive care. Through Netradeep, the initiative seeks to encourage people, particularly those from underserved sections of society, to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek treatment before conditions become more serious.

Mr. Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director, Acer India Group, said, “At Acer India, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond technology and business to creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities around us. Project Humanity represents that commitment, and Netradeep is an important addition to this journey. Good vision can transform a person’s ability to study, earn a livelihood, remain independent, and experience a better quality of life. Through Netradeep, our endeavour is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent people from accessing quality eye care. We are grateful for the support of Shri N. A. Haris and our association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar in helping bring this initiative to life. Together, we hope to make timely diagnosis and treatment accessible to many more people who need it.”

Shri N. A. Haris, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said, “Accessible healthcare initiatives can make a direct and lasting difference to people and communities. Vision is closely connected to education, livelihood, independence and overall quality of life, yet eye health is often neglected until a condition becomes serious. I am pleased to support the Netradeep initiative, which brings together Acer India and Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar with the shared objective of making quality eye care accessible to those who need it most. Initiatives such as these demonstrate how organizations can come together to address important healthcare needs at the community level. I have given up my office in the building to give way for setting up of Netradeep. I wish Netradeep every success in creating a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar President & Chairman, Bangalore Indiranagar Rotary Trust (BIRT) Gopinath Narayanan said, “Netradeep will not just be a screening centre, but also a treatment centre. Several eye ailments will be treated here free of cost for BPL segments of society. For those other than the BPL category, the nominal CGH rates will apply. Patients requiring surgery will be taken to Globe Eye Foundation at Hoskote for surgeries and brought back after the surgery, including cataract eye surgeries. Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar supports cataract eye surgeries in a big way for the rural population. Regular eye camps are conducted in Kolar, Tumkur, Bangalore and Bangalore Rural areas already. The Netradeep centre at Domlur will conduct laser procedures apart from treating refractive errors, etc.

The Eye Clinic in Domlur will specialize in Cornea, Retina, and Glaucoma care. It aims to reduce blindness through early detection, affordable treatment, and community outreach. The Domlur area lacks specialized retina and glaucoma care, crucial for treating diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which often lead to irreversible blindness. The new clinic will offer affordable, advanced services for underserved populations, breaking financial barriers and ensuring accessible, equitable eye care for economically disadvantaged communities through subsidized treatments and outreach programs”, he added.

Netradeep is part of Acer India’s broader Project Humanity CSR platform, through which the company supports initiatives across healthcare, education, inclusion and social well-being. The programme reflects Acer India’s approach of supporting interventions that address tangible societal needs and have the potential to create meaningful, long-term impact.

With Netradeep, Acer India, supported by its partners and stakeholders, is extending its CSR commitment into accessible eye care, with the objective of helping more people protect one of their most vital assets—their vision.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, today Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software, and services will fuse to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer’s 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.  

Raptee.HV Launches Electric Mobility - Centre Of Excellence With Rajalakshmi Engg College To Build The Next Gen Of EV Engineers

* State-of-the-art facility empowers Electrical, Electronics, and Automotive Engineering students with advanced EV prototyping tools and real-world systems.

* Raptee.HV Academy signs MoU with Rajalakshmi Engineering College

Raptee.HV today launched the Centre of Excellence for electric mobility at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, marking the beginning of a long-term industry academia partnership focused on building deeper industry exposure and hands-on learning in electric mobility.

Inaugurated on World EV Day by Mr. Abhay Meganathan S, Vice Chairman of Rajalakshmi Engineering College, the 3,000 sq. ft. facility is one of the first initiatives under Raptee.HV Academy, the company’s broader programme to bring hands-on EV engineering and industry exposure into educational institutions.

The launch also marks the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Raptee.HV and Rajalakshmi Engineering College, formalising a long-term collaboration in electric mobility.

The partnership creates multi-faceted avenues for industrial training, site visits, guest lectures, internships, industry-oriented courses, and joint research. By connecting REC’s academic talent with Raptee.HV’s expertise in engineering electric motorcycles, students and faculty can directly engage with real-world EV challenges. Built with an investment of ₹50 lakh, the HV Lab moves beyond conventional classroom learning to house a Raptee.HV T30, core EV components, a naked motorcycle equipped with digital twin technology, interactive learning modules, and dedicated spaces for hands-on experimentation and prototyping.

Tailored for students across Electrical, Electronics, and Automotive Engineering, the lab offers direct, practical engagement with core EV systems including battery packs, electric motors, power electronics, charging infrastructure, vehicle communication, and real-time diagnostics. By bridging theory and practice, the facility empowers students to move past traditional classroom instruction to actively experiment, prototype, and build next-generation electric mobility solutions. Furthermore, the laboratory will drive faculty development, industry-linked projects, collaborative research, and intellectual property creation, enabling students and academics alike to tackle real-world engineering challenges facing the EV industry.

Dinesh Arjun, Co-founder & CEO, Raptee.HV commented “The next generation of mobility will be built by engineers who understand the machine from the cell to the software. But you cannot build that understanding from a classroom alone. You have to get your hands dirty, take systems apart, question how they work, experiment and build again. The HV Lab is our attempt to bring that experience into engineering education. If even a few students walk out of this lab wanting to build the next great EV technology, we have done our job.”

Mr. Abhay Meganathan S, Vice Chairman of Rajalakshmi Engineering College said “Electric mobility is transforming the future of transportation, and engineering education must evolve alongside this transformation. At Rajalakshmi, we believe that students learn best when academic knowledge is complemented by meaningful exposure to real-world technologies and industry practices. Our collaboration with Raptee.HV and the launch of the REC-Raptee.HV Centre of Excellence for Electric Mobility is a significant step in that direction. This Centre will provide our students and faculty with opportunities to engage with advanced EV technologies, undertake industry-oriented projects, pursue research and innovation, and develop solutions to real-world mobility challenges. We are delighted to partner with Raptee.HV in nurturing the next generation of engineers who will shape the future of electric mobility.”

The new Centre further strengthens Rajalakshmi’s growing ecosystem of advanced research and industry-oriented innovation. Rajalakshmi has invested significantly in building advanced research infrastructure, with 15 Centres of Excellence with state-of-the-art equipment and licensed software. Its multidisciplinary research ecosystem includes Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imaging, Machine Vision, MEMS and Microfluidics, Renewable Energy, Biofilms, Data Science, Digital Manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), TANCAM Design Centre and TANSAM Spoke Centre. These facilities provide a strong platform for multidisciplinary research, technology development and industry collaboration, enabling students and faculty to work on emerging technologies and address real-world engineering challenges.

About Raptee.HV :

Raptee.HV is a Chennai-based full-stack electric motorcycle company building motorcycles with electric car DNA for the Indian market. Founded by engineers with experience across Tesla, Wipro and global mobility companies, Raptee.HV is pioneering the application of electric car technology to two-wheelers through its proprietary HV-TEC platform.

The company’s motorcycles are compatible with the CCS2 public charging standard and combine performance, charging convenience, intelligent software and advanced vehicle engineering to deliver a no-compromise riding experience.

About Rajalakshmi Engineering College:

Established in 1997, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, is an institution affiliated with Anna University, accredited with NAAC A++ and NBA, and recognised under UGC 2(f) & 12(B) and DSIR-SIRO. With over 18,000 students, 560+ faculty members and 260+ Ph.D. holders, the institution has built a strong ecosystem for academic excellence, research and innovation. Rajalakshmi has established 16 Centres of Excellence supported by advanced research infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment and licensed software, fostering multidisciplinary research and industry collaboration. With strong partnerships with over 100+ leading industries, the institution facilitates internships, consultancy, collaborative research, technology development and innovation. Its vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem, supported by KRIYA Entrepreneurship Development Cell and REC IDEA Factory, nurtures student-led innovation and startups, while its growing intellectual property portfolio and research achievements reflect its commitment to translating knowledge into impactful technologies.

PETRONAS Lubricants India And Tata Motors Collaborate To Pilot A Scalable Used-Oil Recycling Model

PETRONAS Lubricants India, part of the PETRONAS group and a trusted name in advanced automotive and industrial lubricant technology, and Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants. The two companies will pilot a structured and scalable model simultaneously across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of two industry leaders to address a critical sustainability challenge. It also supports compliance with India's evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and advances the country's circular economy ambitions.

"Achieving true circularity in used oil begins when re-refined base oil is reintegrated into finished lubricants. Our collaboration with Tata Motors marks an important step toward building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reflects the strength of our channel network as we work to significantly reduce our carbon footprint across operations," said Mr. Binu Chandy, India MD, PETRONAS Lubricants India, launching the pilot project.

“At Tata Motors, practices and partnerships promoting sustainability are integral to advancing circular economy principles and creating meaningful environmental impact across the automotive value chain. Through our collaboration with PETRONAS Lubricants India, we are taking a significant step towards establishing a structured framework for the collection, recovery, and recycling of used automotive lubricants. This pilot initiative aligns closely with our commitment to responsible resource stewardship and supports India's broader sustainability ambitions. By bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of our two organisations, we aim to assess the viability of a scalable used-oil recycling model that can drive long-term value and contribute to industry-wide progress.” said Mr. Vikram Agrawal, Head - Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd.

The initiative will establish an organised and traceable system for managing used lubricants classified as hazardous waste - from collection and storage through to recycling, where the used oil can be converted into high-quality re-refined base oil. PETRONAS Lubricants India will pilot the aggregation and movement of used lubricants through authorised and specialised collection mechanisms, ensuring their channelisation to genuine, registered recyclers, while Tata Motors will leverage its extensive authorised service network to enable structured collection and promote responsible disposal across its ecosystem. By improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental risk, the pilot seeks to strengthen benchmarks for responsible waste management and support India's broader transition towards a circular, resource-efficient economy.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

About PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricant manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, a dynamic global energy group from Malaysia. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full line of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in more than 100 international markets. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI has offices worldwide, including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’s partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for designing, developing, and delivering Fluid Technology Solutions™, which include customized lubricants, fuels, and transmission fluids to power the "Silver Arrows."

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in a way that contributes positively to society and the environment.

PLI is pursuing an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricant companies at the forefront of the industry, delivering tailored solutions for every need.

For more information, visit: www.pli-petronas.com