Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) marked a memorable milestone with the foundation stone laying ceremony of India’s first Polylactic Acid (PLA) biopolymer manufacturing facility at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh today, in the gracious presence of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath. 

This pioneering initiative positions Uttar Pradesh as the epicentre of India’s biopolymer revolution, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

Strategically located adjacent to BCML’s existing sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, this state-of-the-art manufacturing plant integrates operational synergies to enhance resource efficiency and optimize supply chain management.

With a gross investment of Rs. 2,850 Crores, the plant leverages cutting-edge technology from global technology providers.

This plant is going to be India’s first industrial scale biopolymer plant & also set a new global benchmark. It will be powered by 100% renewable energy for its entire production process, and also the first plant location where sugarcane is transformed into PLA in a single, integrated site, showcasing a truly closed-loop sustainability mode.

With an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum, the plant will produce 100% industrially compostable & bio-based PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) which finds a wide range of applications. Specially as an ideal alternative to the banned Single Use Plastic items (SUP), such as straws, disposable cutlery, food trays, bottles, curd cups, and carry bags etc.

This PLA can also be anaerobically digested to produce biogas and fertilizer, tackling both waste and emissions. The production process emits 68% less greenhouse gases than conventional plastics, and as the world’s first PLA plant fully powered by renewable energy, we will cut emissions even further.

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.

Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, stated: “We are deeply honoured as the ground-breaking ceremony of this project commenced in the auspicious presence of Hon’ble CM Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji. 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. With this biggest investment in the company’s 50 years legacy, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited continues to pave the way for an eco-friendly, self-reliant India, positioning the country as a global leader in biopolymer manufacturing.”

Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, expressed her gratitude, saying: “This plant is a testament to the synergy between progressive policy frameworks and private sector innovation. This plant will augment in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in biopolymer production, boosting industrial growth and making India a key player in the bio-based economy, globally by tapping into the rich biomass reserves of the country and paving the way for its emergence as a key export hub. By attracting both domestic and foreign investments, we can meaningfully contribute in strengthening India's circular economy and reduce reliance on plastic imports.”