February 24, 2025 13:47

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) recently started construction on its polylactic acid (PLA) production facility, marking India's first such plant.
The facility will be in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, near one of the group's sugar mills, ensuring direct access to raw materials for fermentation.
No official date for the start of production has been disclosed.

BCML aims for the new plant to have an annual production capacity of 80,000 tons of PLA, a bio-based and biodegradable bioplastic. The investment is estimated at approximately €314 million.
The entire production process will be powered entirely by renewable energy. According to the company, the Kumbhi plant will be the world's first facility to convert sugarcane directly into PLA within a fully integrated structure.

Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, stated: "The establishment of India’s first PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility represents a monumental leap in our nation’s industrial sustainability journey. By producing PLA at industrial scale, we are not only reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also setting new benchmarks for responsible manufacturing. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our team for achieving this significant milestone".

This PLA project is expected to generate 225 direct jobs in manufacturing, R&D, and operations, while also creating over 2,000 indirect jobs across the value chain, in line with the Uttar Pradesh Bioplastic Industry Policy 2024.

In March last year, BCML signed agreements with its technology partners for the project: Sulzer, Alpine Engineering and Jacobs.

© Polimerica -  Reproduction prohibited, all rights reserved