
Balrampur Chini unveils eco-friendly input for making single-use products
With a bit of policy support in India, PLA can replace polyethylene, the raw material for single use plastic.
Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. (BCML), one of India's biggest sugar manufacturers has taken the lead to tap this opportunity and is popularising PLA under the brandBalrampur Bioyug which will be supplied to small-scale units to make eco-friendly single-use products. The brand was formally unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
BCML is currently setting up a PLA plant with an investment of ₹2,850 crore at its existing sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. This plant would be India's first industrial-scale biopolymer plant and powered by 100% renewable energy for its entire production process. This will be the first plant location where sugarcane will be transformed into PLA in a single, integrated site, as per the company.
To popularise the products among producers and consumers, the company has rolled out a fully equipped bus called Bioyog on Wheels that will go around the country to demonstrate the production of eco-friendly products on the spot and carry the message of circular economy and sustainable living.
Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, BCML said, 'Our PLA venture is well- aligned with the sustainability goals ...to combat climate change. India has got its first BioE3 policy which boasts of a fantastic forward-looking framework driving sustainability through bioenergy, bioeconomy, and green innovation.
'Additionally with the roll-out of the Uttar Pradesh Government's first-ever Bioplastic Policy, we felt empowered to confidently enter this dynamic sector, aligning growth with national environmental goals,' he said.
Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML said, 'Today, we didn't just unveil a brand — we launched a transformative movement. Bioyug marks a pivotal step in India's transition to a bio-based, low-carbon economy.'
'With its strong agro-industrial base, Maharashtra can emerge as the nation's leading bioplastic market. I humbly urge all stakeholders to support MSMEs through policy incentives, regulatory support, and awareness-building. Together, we can shift from fossil-based pollution to plant-based progress,' she said.
Stefan Barot, President – Chemicals Division, BCML said, 'With an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, Balrampur Bioyug will produce 100% bio-based, industrially compostable PLA—offering a credible and scalable solution to the global plastic crisis.'
'As a versatile polymer derived from renewable resources, PLA has the mechanical strength and durability needed for a wide range of uses while being far more sustainable,' he said.
'It is ideally suited to replace banned single-use plastic items such as straws, disposable cutlery, trays, bottles, and curd cups—without compromising on performance or safety,' he added.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Tesla opens shop at BKC; right city, right state: CM
1 2 Mumbai : Tesla's long awaited India debut finally took place with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating its showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Elon Musk-led car maker unveiled its Model Y compact all-electric SUV at its 'Experience Centre' in Bandra-Kurla Complex with the CM describing it as the "right city and the right state" for the launch. "Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability. In 2015, when I went to the US, I had my first ride in a Tesla, and then I thought we need such a vehicle for mobility in India. But it took 10 years for it to come to India. But we are very happy that finally you are here. They will have one of their best markets in India," Fadnavis said. He was accompanied by transport minister Pratap Sarnaik and transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar. The CM said the state's EV policy encourages manufacturing of electric vehicles. He said Maharashtra's EV policy is the best in the country and offers incentives and improved e-charging infrastructure. Tesla is also expected to set up its own charging stations in the city. "On a single charge, you can travel over 500 km and this will reduce range anxiety," he added. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai But will Tesla be able to cater to bad road conditions and waterlogging in cities like Mumbai? A showroom executive said, "the car had good suspension and was adaptable to Mumbai roads" as test runs were undertaken for over a year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cách giao dịch ETH/USD mà không cần nắm giữ Ether IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo It also had a front bumper camera to provide visibility for blind spots. Tesla announced that it will set up four charging stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. "These will come up in Lower Parel, BKC, Thane and Navi Mumbai, with 16 superchargers and 16 destination chargers. Each supercharger gives a range of 267 km for just 15-minute charging," said Tesla regional director Isabel Fan. Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant told the state assembly on Tuesday that Tesla had chosen Maharashtra over other states in the country to set up its first showroom because it was a preferred destination for industry on the global map."They chose India and then Maharashtra. This once again proves that Maharashtra is the top choice," said Samant. He was replying to a debate on industry and Marathi language in the assembly.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Power ministry bets Rs 1,000cr on energy-smart MSMEs
New Delhi: The power ministry on Tuesday launched a ₹1,000-crore scheme to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting energy-efficient technologies. Under the Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE) scheme, the government will provide an interest subvention of 5% for micro and small enterprises, and 3% for medium enterprises on loans. The scheme is also designed to offer end-to-end handholding through investment-grade energy audits, detailed project reports, and post-implementation monitoring and verification. Ads By Google Ad will close in 29 Skip ad in 4 Skip Ad It covers 14 energy-intensive sectors, including brass, bricks, ceramics, chemicals, fishery, food processing, forging, foundry, glass, leather, paper, pharma, steel re-rolling, and textiles. ADEETIE will be rolled out in phases, beginning with 60 industrial clusters in the first phase, followed by another 100 in the second phase. "With the right mix of incentives and support mechanisms, we are catalysing investments in cleaner, more efficient technologies," said power minister Manohar Lal. The scheme will be implemented over three years, starting in FY26, the ministry said in a statement. ET had earlier reported on the scheme being conceived by the ministry through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Of the total outlay, ₹875 crore is allocated for interest subvention, ₹50 crore for investment-grade energy audit support, and the remainder for handholding support through BEE. The scheme is expected to catalyse ₹9,000 crore in investments, including ₹6,750 crore in MSME lending.


The Print
6 hours ago
- The Print
Tesla drives into India via import route with Model Y price starting at Rs 59.89 lakh
The mid-sized electric SUV Model Y, which was once the world's best-selling car, will be offered in India in two variants — rear-wheel drive with base price at Rs 59.89 lakh and long-range rear wheel drive at a base price of Rs 67.89 lakh. Tesla, led by American tech billionaire Elon Musk who had in the past cited India's high import tariffs for the company not entering the country earlier, will be importing the Model Y as a completely built unit (CBU), from its Shanghai manufacturing facility in China. Mumbai, Jul 15 (PTI) Global EV giant Tesla on Tuesday made its much-awaited entry into India, launching its Model Y with price starting at Rs 59.89 lakh while opening its first experience centre here. The deliveries are slated to start in the third and fourth quarter of 2025, respectively, for the two variants. Initially, registration and delivery will start in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurugram, the company said, adding that through its Tesla Design Studio, customers will be able to customise their Model Y exterior, interior, and even its features. The rear-wheel drive variant has a range of 500 km while that of the long-range rear wheel drive is 622 km on a single charge. The Model Y will compete with a range of electric luxury cars from German automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. Electric vehicles from Indian manufacturers Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are priced below Rs 30 lakh. In the US, the Model Y long-range rear-wheel drive variant is available at USD 37,490 on cash payment. Tesla's first experience centre in India at the Maker Maxity Commercial Complex, in Bandra Kurla Complex here was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Tesla chief for APAC region Isabel Fan at the launch event said Tesla has redefined transportation and the company's goal is to set a great ecosystem to share technology. Mumbai Experience Centre is meant for engaging customers, she said, adding that plans are to set up four charging stations each in Mumbai and Delhi. Tesla said it is 'committed and excited' to help drive a zero-emission and greener future in India. 'As part of Tesla's commitments in India, the company will continue to develop the experience center, service and support, and charging infrastructure in the country, aimed at delivering a seamless Tesla ownership experience,' the company said. Tesla's drive into India through the import route comes amid the government wooing EV makers to set up manufacturing plant in the country. Last month the government had notified guidelines under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India, allowing import of up to 8,000 electric four-wheeler units annually at a lower import duty of 15 per cent, against 70-100 per cent currently, provided they commit an investment of Rs 4,150 crore for setting up local manufacturing facilities. The scheme was first announced on March 15 last year. US President Donald Trump has said if Tesla were to build a factory in India to circumvent that country's tariffs, it would be 'unfair' to the US. Tesla CEO billionaire Elon Musk had said in April last year that his visit to India had been delayed due to the company's heavy obligations. He had said in 2022 that Tesla, which was earlier seeking reduction in import duties to sell its vehicles in India, would not manufacture its products unless it is allowed to first sell and service its cars in the country. The electric car maker was seeking an initial tariff concession that would allow it to offset 70 per cent of customs duty for cars priced less than USD 40,000, and 100 per cent for cars of higher value. However, earlier this year, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India will not tailor its policies to suit Tesla, and its laws and tariff rules will be formulated to attract all-electric vehicle manufacturers from across the globe to set up a base in the world's fastest-growing economy. Speaking at the launch event, Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government wants to see Tesla establish its research and development and manufacturing facilities in India, and invited the global EV major to consider the state as a partner in its journey. 'We wish to see research and development and manufacturing being done in India. I am sure Tesla will think about it at an appropriate stage,' Fadnavis said. 'Consider Maharashtra as a partner in your journey,' he said. Last month, Tesla India took on lease 24,565 sq ft warehousing space in Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai for five years. In June, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said the electric carmaker is not interested in manufacturing cars in India but keen on establishing showrooms in the country. Tesla has made its India debut at a time when it is facing reduced sales in Europe and China. Last week, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd — the Indian subsidiary of the company — had received a trade certificate from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Andheri. Such a certificate allows the company to showcase its vehicles, conduct test drives, and begin sales. Trade certificates are a necessary requirement under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for vehicle dealers or manufacturers looking to operate unregistered vehicles for trials or promotional activities. PTI ND PSJ IAS RKL TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.