Meta Materials Develops World’s First End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Methodology
India, July 25, 2025: Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM), one of India’s leading envirotech enterprises pioneering circular economy solutions in the automotive sector, has devised the world’s first ELV recycling methodology. Termed Recovery and Recycling of Materials from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), the formula was unveiled in association with Cercarbono, a leading global environmental project certification standard during the Asia Climate Summit in Thailand.
The ELV methodology, developed by MMCM and reviewed by Cercarbono’s expert team, is a pioneering initiative that enables carbon credit generation through the structured dismantling and recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, and glass from scrapped vehicles. These recycled materials act as substitutes for virgin raw inputs, reducing emissions, and promoting a circular economy within a certified climate finance framework.
Speaking on the launch of this revolutionary methodology, Mr. Nitin Chitkara CEO at MMCM said, “This milestone is deeply personal for all of us at MMCM. What started as a bold idea, rooted in Indian innovation was shaped and strengthened by the many hands and minds who believed in its potential. As we converge efforts towards building circular and low-carbon economies, this is a pivotal moment for us to present Made-In-India as a standardised methodology on a global forum, carrying the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.”
Our partners, Cercarbona, played a crucial role in refining every layer of the methodology, making it not just technically sound but globally relevant and ready to implement. With the launch of the ‘Recovery and Recycling of Materials from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs),’ we’re introducing a formula that is a practical, proven path to circularity.”
Echoing his thoughts, Mr. Yashodhan Ramteke, Carbon BU Head at MMCM added, “The official release of the ELV Carbon Credit Methodology marks a breakthrough for the automotive industry. These credits are not just high-integrity, they come directly from the OEMs’ own end-of-life vehicle value chain. By enabling measurable emission reductions from the recovery, dismantling, and recycling of vehicles, this methodology empowers auto companies to take real ownership of their Scope 3 emissions. It’s a practical, circular, and scalable climate solution built for the sector—by the sector.”
Alex Saer, CEO of Cercarbono, said “This methodology delivers a concrete response to the growing challenge of vehicle waste. By enabling carbon finance for regulated recycling systems, we not only reduce emissions but also prevent the environmental harm caused by uncontrolled scrapping practices. It’s a climate solution rooted in circularity and equity.”
End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are a growing source of unmanaged industrial waste. In the absence proper dismantling procedures, they often end up in informal scrapyards that lack the capacity to handle hazardous substances like oils, coolants, and heavy metals. Consequently, this leads to contamination of air, soil and water, especially in rapidly urbanising countries.
The design of this methodology provides a structured alternative. It applies to Climate Change Mitigation Projects (CCMPs) operating in Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), and supports both greenfield and expansion projects that demonstrate additionality beyond existing recycling practices.
Greenhouse gas reductions are calculated by comparing baseline emissions from virgin material production with emissions from recycling activities, using conservative correction factors. Only materials transformed into chemically and functionally equivalent substitutes are eligible for crediting.
The approach also includes strict criteria for legal compliance, material traceability, monitoring and verification, and exclusion of informal-sector practices. Projects certified under the methodology will be eligible for issuance and tracking of carbon credits via EcoRegistry, Cercarbono’s official digital platform.
The launch highlights MMCM and Cercarbono’s commitment to broadening access to carbon finance for high-integrity, circular-economy initiatives. As the global ELV volume rises, particularly in emerging markets, enabling sustainable recovery infrastructure is increasingly critical.
The final methodology is now available for download at www.cercarbono.com/en/methodologies
Notes to Editors:
- Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM) is a joint venture between NCDEX e-Markets Ltd. (NeML) and MTC Group, established to develop cutting-edge digital ecosystems and marketplaces that enable and accelerate the circular economy.
- This methodology is part of Cercarbono’s Carbon Programme and is not part of the separate Voluntary Programme on Circular Economy. While it applies a circular economy approach, by leveraging emissions reductions from recycled materials, it is certified and issued strictly as a carbon methodology.
The methodology includes stringent criteria for:
- Eligibility and additionality
- Legal and environmental compliance
- Monitoring and MRV systems
- Material traceability and quality standards
- Exclusion of informal sector activities
- Safeguards and stakeholder participation
- Eligible materials include:
- Metals: Aluminium, steel, copper, tin, lead, gold, silver, palladium
- Plastics: ABS, HIPS, PET, PP, PVC, HDPE, LDPE
- Glass: Container glass cullet