27-05-2025
Balrampur Chini unveils eco-friendly input for making single-use products
With single-use plastic products facing regulatory curbs, those made of an eco-friendly material viz. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), produced from sugarcane, is finding acceptance as an alternative across the world.
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.
