Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML), a sugar manufacturing company, has announced an investment of INR 28.50 billion to establish a new industrial-scale Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) biopolymer manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. The project is expected to be completed over a period of approximately 2.5 years and will be powered entirely by renewable energy.
The upcoming facility will have an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes of PLA, a bio-based and industrially compostable material derived from sugarcane. The plant will integrate the entire conversion process—from sugarcane to PLA—at a single location. PLA is viewed as a substitute for fossil-based plastics and is used in products such as straws, disposable cutlery, trays, bottles, and curd cups.
PLA is also relevant to the 3D printing industry, where it is commonly used as a filament due to its ease of use and biodegradability. Vivek Gupta, Business Development Manager at Wol3D, who attended the launch event, stated that PLA filament is already extensively used in the company’s 3D printing processes. The event also featured a range of 3D printed products made using PLA, highlighting its potential to support innovation without environmental compromise.
According to Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, BCML, the company’s PLA venture was aligned with sustainability goals aimed at combating climate change. He noted that India’s first BioE3 policy provided a forward-looking framework promoting sustainability through bioenergy, bioeconomy, and green innovation. He added that the bioplastic policy introduced by the Uttar Pradesh Government empowered the company to enter the sector confidently, aligning its growth with national environmental objectives.
Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML, stated that the launch of Bioyug represented a significant step in India’s shift to a bio-based, low-carbon economy. She highlighted Maharashtra’s agro-industrial base as a potential driver of bioplastic market growth in India. She also urged stakeholders to support micro, small and medium enterprises through policy incentives, regulatory backing, and awareness-building measures.
The company also introduced a mobile awareness initiative called “Bioyug on Wheels,” which aims to promote the use of PLA by showcasing its applications through live demonstrations and interactive exhibits. The mobile unit will travel across the country to engage with producers, consumers, and stakeholders.
Balrampur Chini Mills Limited is an Indian integrated sugar manufacturing company engaged in the production of sugar, ethanol, and power. The company operates multiple sugar plants in Uttar Pradesh and has expanded into value-added products linked to its core agricultural supply chain.