Balrampur Chini Mills (BCML), a player in India’s sugar industry, announced the launch of Balrampur Bioyug—the country’s first industrial-scale, fully integrated Polylactic Acid (PLA) biopolymer plant. With a phased investment of ₹2,850 crore, the facility is set to become operational by the end of 2026.
Sustainable Production at Scale
Situated in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, next to BCML’s existing sugar mill, the facility will produce 80,000 tons of PLA annually. Unlike conventional plastic production, Bioyug uses sugarcane derivatives in a closed-loop process powered by renewable energy. This method yields a 100% compostable, plant-based alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastics.
Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML said, “The Bioyug initiative is centred around a fully integrated facility that will convert sugarcane derivatives directly into PLA.”
A Circular, Green Innovation
As reported by Projects Today, Bioyug represents a major step toward circular manufacturing in India. The project not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also aligns with national missions such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Broad Applications and Economic Impact
The PLA produced at Bioyug will support a range of industries, including packaging, food service, biomedical, textiles, and 3D printing. More importantly, it offers a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics, many of which are now banned in India.
BCML envisions Bioyug as a catalyst for MSME participation in sustainable packaging and green technology development. It also aims to provide direct value linkage for sugarcane farmers and strengthen rural economies. The project aspires to establish India as a future leader in biopolymer technology.
