NavPrakriti Launches Bengal’s First Lithium Battery Recycling Plant in Serampore, Boosting India’s Green Energy Mission

In a major boost to Bengal’s green industry and circular economy, Kolkata-based startup NavPrakriti has established the state’s first large-scale lithium battery recycling facility in Serampore, Hooghly. The company has invested ₹25 crore in this pioneering project, which marks a significant step towards sustainable energy practices in eastern India.

NavPrakriti was born out of a vision to create an eco-friendly recycling ecosystem for end-of-life batteries. With an annual processing capacity of 12,000 tonnes, scalable up to 24,000 tonnes, the plant is equipped to handle batteries from multiple sources, including consumer electronics, telecom, and industrial applications.

The facility focuses on the recovery of valuable materials such as aluminium, copper, plastic, and intermediary products rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. This not only helps reduce electronic waste but also ensures critical minerals are reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle, reducing dependence on imports.

NavPrakriti’s long-term plans include expanding into battery refurbishment and chemical refining. “We believe not every battery needs to be recycled. Many have a second life, and refurbishment allows us to extend their usability before recovery,” said Akhilesh Bagaria, founder of NavPrakriti. The company also plans to invest an additional ₹60–75 crore in its next phase of expansion.

To strengthen its technological base, NavPrakriti has partnered with C-Met Hyderabad, a government-backed research centre, for advanced process development and refining technology.

As India aims to build 270 kilo tonnes of annual recycling capacity, generating around 40 kilo tonnes of critical minerals each year, initiatives like NavPrakriti’s are crucial to achieving the country’s sustainability and self-reliance goals.

Currently, the company sources feedstock from the unorganised sector but is exploring collaborations with battery manufacturers and OEMs under India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, a framework that ensures producers take accountability for waste generated from their products.

NavPrakriti is also exploring cross-border sourcing from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan to expand its recycling base, a move that could significantly boost both business growth and environmental impact.

With its state-of-the-art facility and forward-looking approach, NavPrakriti is positioning Bengal as a key player in India’s green revolution, one recycled battery at a time.