Sugarcane to Sustainability: India’s First Fully Integrated PLA Plant by Balrampur Chini Mills

Lucknow | 3, Jul5 2025 : Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd (BCML) has taken a giant leap toward India’s sustainable future with the launch of Bioyug, India’s first fully integrated PLA (Polylactic Acid) biopolymer brand. This milestone project transforms humble sugarcane into an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics — and sets India on track to become a global bioplastics hub.

Where Innovation Meets Agriculture: The Kumbhi Plant

A One-of-a-Kind Fully Integrated PLA Plant

The groundbreaking facility in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, is the first in India — and the world — to convert sugarcane biomass directly into PLA in a single, integrated location. This means the entire supply chain — from sugarcane fields to renewable energy generation to the final compostable plastic pellets — operates under one roof.

Why PLA Matters: The Sustainable Plastic Alternative

What is PLA?

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable, plant-based polymer that can replace single-use plastics in packaging, food service, textiles, 3D printing, and even medical devices.

Environmental Impact

Compared to traditional plastics, Bioyug’s PLA emits 68% less CO₂ over its lifecycle. Combined with renewable power sourced from bagasse and other agro-waste, the Kumbhi plant exemplifies India’s commitment to a low-carbon circular economy.

Key Facts: India’s First Fully Integrated PLA Plant

Phased Investment and Capacity

• Investment: ₹2,850 crore
• Annual Production: 80,000 tonnes of PLA
• Operations Start: End of 2026

This capacity positions India as a serious player in the global bioplastics market.

Empowering Farmers and MSMEs

New Opportunities for Sugarcane Growers

Beyond sugar and ethanol, sugarcane now fuels a lucrative downstream industry for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. This means higher rural incomes and reduced crop residue waste.

Boost for Local MSMEs

The Bioyug project is designed to collaborate with MSMEs for packaging innovation, compostable product design, and distribution networks — boosting India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.

Voices of Support

At the Mumbai launch event, dignitaries like Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and CIPET’s former DG S.K. Nayak praised Bioyug as a major leap for India’s green manufacturing ecosystem.

Policy Alignment: Green Goals for a Viksit Bharat

The Bioyug project aligns perfectly with India’s net-zero ambitions, the BioE3 framework, and the Bioplastic policy push. It also supports Invest UP and state-level green industrial clusters.

Why This Plant is a Game-Changer

A Global Benchmark for Sustainable Plastics

By closing the loop — from feedstock to finished product — in a single site, BCML’s Bioyug project sets a new standard for circular bioeconomies worldwide.

Model for Future Expansion

This model can inspire similar biomass-based plants across India, unlocking massive export potential for compostable biopolymers.

Key Takeaways

Bioyug Highlights

• First fully integrated sugarcane-to-PLA plant in India and globally.
• Powered entirely by renewable energy.
• Farmer-friendly, MSME-supportive supply chain.
• Supports India’s net-zero by 2070 target.

The Road Ahead

BCML aims to kickstart production by end-2026 and expand capacity in phases. If successful, Bioyug could propel India into the league of leading producers of sustainable bioplastics, creating jobs, uplifting farmers, and delivering climate resilience.

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