Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore to establish India's first-ever industrial bioplastic plant. The Kolkata-based integrated sugar mill company aims to contribute to India's sustainability goals and combat climate change through the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA). The ambitious project, expected to be completed in the next 30 months, aligns with India's vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
BCML's Executive Director, Avantika Saraogi, highlighted the significance of the project in propelling India towards sustainability. The state-of-the-art PLA facility will boast a global-scale production capacity of 75,000 tonnes per annum, making it a landmark venture in the country. The plant will be strategically located on a "greenfield site" adjacent to an existing sugar plant, taking advantage of the existing infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, where BCML owns ten sugar mills.
PLA, derived from sugar, emerges as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, supporting BCML's eco-friendly initiatives. Vivek Saraogi, BCML's CMD, emphasized the company's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering innovation in plastic production. The move towards bioplastics is further solidified by BCML's acquisition of a minority stake in Konkan Speciality Polyproducts Private Limited (Konspec), a prominent player in specialty polymers, biopolymers, intermediates, and chemicals.
The venture signifies a pivotal shift from linear consumption to circular and regenerative principles in manufacturing. Officials believe that PLA and PLA compounds have the potential to replace a significant portion of India's single-use plastics consumption. Stefan Barot, appointed as the President (Chemicals) and a senior management team member, brings over 35 years of global experience, including 13 years in the bioplastic sector, adding expertise to BCML's innovative endeavor. The project not only aims for financial growth but also seeks to redefine standards in India's sustainable economic landscape.