The Indian automotive landscape in 2026 is at a tipping point. With the National Critical Minerals Mission targeting 400 kilo tonnes of recycled minerals by 2030 and new battery as well as non-ferrous waste mandates kicking in this year, the “take-make-dispose” model is officially dead.

As a third-generation recycler and the founder of India’s first woman-led recycling facility, I’ve seen this industry evolve from the fringes to the very core of manufacturing strategy.

To my fellow women entrepreneurs in the automotive space:
We aren’t just “participants” in this transition; we are the architects of it. Whether you are leading a Tier-1 component MSME or a massive EV startup, the synergy between manufacturing and material recovery is where the next decade’s profit—and impact—lies.

Why the “Recycling + Automotive” partnership is the 2026 power move:
Compliance as a Competitive Edge: New 2026-2028 recycling targets require 10% of materials to be recovered—partnerships are the only way to scale fast.

Resource Security: Recycled nickel and lithium aren’t just “green”; they are local, reducing our dependence on global supply chain volatility.

ESG Leadership: Companies with at least 30% women in leadership are already seeing higher net profit margins. When women lead sustainability, the results are measurable.
The “glass ceiling” in auto-tech is being replaced by a “green ceiling,” and it’s time we break that together.

I am looking to connect with visionary women in the EV, battery tech, and OEM sectors to discuss how we can integrate sustainable dismantling into your 2026 roadmap.
I am closely following the visionary work by @Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) through their Chakriyata initiative. As we approach Sustainable Mobility Week 2026, the focus on ELV regulations is exactly what the industry needs to move from waste to wealth.