Old AC for New? Selsmart and Helium Launch Seamless Exchange Program
Selsmart and Helium launch an appliance exchange program for AC buyers, offering instant payments and responsible recycling via Attero.
In a move to streamline how Indians dispose of old electronics, Selsmart, the consumer-facing take-back platform of Attero, has announced a strategic partnership with Helium, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) air-conditioning brand. This Selsmart Helium partnership aims to integrate the appliance exchange process directly into the online shopping experience, making it easier for consumers to upgrade their homes while ensuring their old machines don't end up in a landfill.
How the Exchange Process Works
The newly launched program is designed to remove the friction typically associated with selling old appliances. When a customer visits Helium's website to purchase a new air conditioner, they can now utilize the Selsmart calculator to determine the exchange value of their old unit.
The program isn't limited to just air conditioners; customers can exchange a variety of old appliances, including:
- Air Conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Washing Machines
- Coolers
Once the purchase is finalized and the exchange request is confirmed, Selsmart manages the logistics. They arrange for a doorstep pickup and provide an instant digital payment based on the confirmed exchange value. Crucially, the company has promised no last-minute re-evaluations, ensuring the price quoted online is the price the customer receives.
Closing the Loop: From Doorstep to Recovery
The partnership does more than just offer a discount on new hardware; it ensures environmental responsibility. All collected appliances are sent to Attero’s CPCB-authorised facility located in Roorkee for responsible recycling.
Nitin Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Attero, emphasized the importance of this infrastructure, stating that building a domestic supply of critical minerals requires both advanced technology and a steady stream of end-of-life materials. By integrating take-back services into the online purchase journey, Attero is connecting consumer upgrades with formal material recovery.
Aman Munka, Co-founder and COO of Helium, noted that many consumers are unsure of how to handle their old AC units. By partnering with Selsmart, Helium provides a one-stop solution that covers everything from the selection of a new unit to the retirement of the old one.
The Power of Urban Mining
Attero positions itself as India's largest critical minerals firm and a global leader in "urban mining." The company utilizes proprietary processes, backed by over 50 global patents, to recover more than 22 critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries and end-of-life electronics. These include:
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
- Cobalt and Nickel
- Lithium and Copper
- Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Manganese
Expanding the Digital Footprint
While Selsmart already operates its own platform, this collaboration marks a shift toward embedding services directly into the D2C websites of other brands. This model could potentially be extended to other digital-first appliance companies in the future.
Selsmart currently maintains a significant footprint, operating across more than 25 cities and having already served over 4 lakh customers. Alongside Selsmart, Attero also operates MetalMandi, a digital marketplace dedicated to urban mining, further strengthening the supply chain for valuable manufacturing materials in India.