In a historic move for India’s green manufacturing sector, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) officially launched ‘Balrampur Bioyug’, the country’s first brand of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) biopolymers, marking a major milestone in India’s transition towards sustainable, plant-based industrial solutions.
The brand was launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis at a high-profile event hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The launch was attended by leading figures from government, industry, and academia, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, MPs Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, and ICICI Bank MD & CEO Sandeep Bakhshi.
India’s First Integrated PLA Plant Powered by Renewable Energy
The upcoming PLA plant will be built adjacent to BCML’s sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, with a capital investment of ₹2,850 crore. The facility will be the first industrial-scale PLA biopolymer plant in India, uniquely integrating the complete conversion of sugarcane to PLA on a single site. Importantly, the entire production process will be powered by 100% renewable energy, making it a model of circular, resource-efficient manufacturing.
Stefan Barot, President – Chemicals Division at BCML, noted that the facility will have a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes per year of fully bio-based, industrially compostable PLA, offering a scalable and credible alternative to fossil-based plastics. Applications will range from straws and cutlery to packaging trays, bottles, and curd cups — enabling industries to meet single-use plastic bans without compromising on quality or safety.
Bioyug on Wheels: Taking the PLA Revolution to the People
To amplify the impact of this green innovation, BCML also launched ‘Bioyug on Wheels’, a first-of-its-kind mobile exhibition designed to showcase the versatility of PLA. The unit offers a hands-on, immersive experience for communities and businesses through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and real-world applications of biopolymers.
The initiative aims to build consumer awareness, accelerate adoption, and educate stakeholders about the environmental and economic benefits of PLA, while also inviting dialogue with BCML’s business development team.
A Vision for Green Growth & Atmanirbhar Bharat
Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director of BCML, said:
“The launch of Balrampur Bioyug is not just about introducing a new brand—it represents India’s entry into the next generation of material innovation. We are deeply inspired by Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and net zero emissions by 2070. Our PLA project aligns perfectly with India’s BioE3 policy and the first-ever Bioplastic Policy rolled out by the UP Government.”
Ms. Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML, described the launch as a “transformative movement,” stating:
“Bioyug — ‘The Era of Bio-Circularity’ — symbolizes our commitment to ecological responsibility and innovation. ‘Bio’ stands for sustainable, plant-based materials and our integration with India’s agri-value chain. ‘Yug’, from Sanskrit, signifies a new era of responsible industry. With Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh backing this initiative, we aim to lead India’s PLA revolution.”
She also urged policymakers to support MSMEs in bioplastics through incentives, regulatory clarity, and awareness campaigns, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable materials.
About Balrampur Bioyug
Balrampur Bioyug is the sustainability venture of Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd, dedicated to producing industrial-scale PLA — a 100% bio-based, compostable polymer derived from sugarcane. The venture reflects BCML’s broader mission to advance India’s green economy and reduce dependency on fossil-based plastics through world-class innovation, manufacturing, and environmental stewardship.