80,000 tons/year! The first large-scale PLA plant in India was laid

Balrampur Chini Mills (BCML) on February 22 laid the foundation stone for India's first industrial-scale polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer manufacturing plant in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. The ceremony was held in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This landmark project positions Uttar Pradesh as a leader in sustainable industrial growth. Located in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, next to BCML's existing sugar mill, the plant, with a total investment of Rs 285 crore (about 2.367 billion yuan), will be India's first industrial-scale biopolymer plant, setting a new global benchmark. Its entire production process will run on 100% renewable energy, demonstrating a true closed-loop sustainability model. With an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, the plant will produce 100% bio-based, industrially compostable polylactic acid, a material with a wide range of applications. Especially as an ideal substitute for banned single-use plastic products (SUP), such as straws, disposable tableware, food trays, bottles, tote bags, etc. This PLA can also be digested anaerobic to produce biogas and fertilizer, thus solving waste and emissions problems. The production process emits 68 percent less greenhouse gases than conventional plastics, and being the world's first PLA plant powered entirely by renewable energy will further reduce emissions. This PLA project is expected to create 225 direct jobs in manufacturing, R&D and operations, as well as over 2,000 indirect jobs along the value chain, in line with Uttar Pradesh's Bioplastics Industry Policy 2024. Economically, the facility will strengthen the industrial economy of Uttar Pradesh by positioning it as a hub for biopolymer production and export. This is expected to attract domestic and foreign investment and boost the development of green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing, while promoting India's circular economy and reducing dependence on imported plastics. The project, which is aligned with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Swachh Bharat' initiatives, has enhanced India's global reputation in the field of sustainable manufacturing. In addition, collaborations with government and industry bodies will help drive mass adoption of plastic alternatives in packaging, food service utensils, biomedical, textile and other industries. Mr. VivekSaraogi, Chairman and Managing Director of Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, said, "We are honoured to have the Honourable Chief Minister, His Excellency Shriyoji Giadityanathji, present at the ground-breaking ceremony for this project. The establishment of India's first PLA biopolymer manufacturing facility represents a major leap forward in the country's industrial sustainability journey. By producing PLA on an industrial scale, we are not only reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are also setting a new benchmark for responsible manufacturing. I sincerely congratulate our team for achieving this important milestone. This is the biggest investment company was set up in 50 years, BalrampurChiniMillsLimited will continue to pave the way for eco-friendly, self-reliance of India, to make the country become the world leader in the field of biological polymer manufacturing.