In a landmark moment for India’s green industrial evolution, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) officially launched Balrampur Bioyug, India’s first Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) biopolymer brand. The historic unveiling was led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, signifying a bold new step in sustainable industrial practices. The event brought together an array of dignitaries, industry leaders, and policy makers, with the ceremonial lamp lighting graced by Mr. Sharad Pawar, Member of Parliament; Ms. Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML; Mr. Vivek Saraogi, Chairman and Managing Director, BCML; Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary and IIDC, Uttar Pradesh; and Mr. Stefan Barot, President – Chemical Division, BCML.
Mr. Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, BCML, said:
“We are deeply honoured by the presence of the Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji at this landmark moment in our sustainability journey. Our PLA venture is well-aligned with the sustainability goals envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.. With Balrampur Bioyug, we’re not just launching a brand, we’re pioneering a revolution in sustainable materials.”
He emphasized: “With an investment of ₹2,850 crores over a period of around 2.5 years, this project is aimed to fuel India’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2070. PLA is a bio-based, compostable material that emits 68% less CO₂ over its lifecycle compared to fossil-based plastics, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for a sustainable planet. With Balrampur Bioyug, we’re not just launching a brand, we’re pioneering a revolution in sustainable materials. Our PLA venture embodies our commitment to innovation, environment, and India’s green future.”
A First-of-Its-Kind PLA Facility
Strategically located next to BCML’s sugar plant in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, the upcoming PLA plant is globally unique: it is the first site to fully convert sugarcane into PLA in a single integrated process, powered entirely by renewable energy.
Mr. Stefan Barot, President – Chemicals Division, BCML, highlighted:
“This facility exemplifies a truly circular and resource-efficient manufacturing model… With an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, we will produce 100% bio-based, industrially compostable PLA—offering a credible and scalable solution to the global plastic crisis.”
With the capacity to significantly replace single-use plastic items, Balrampur Bioyug is set to offer sustainable alternatives without compromising on performance or safety.
Launch of “Bioyug on Wheels”
To extend the reach of this green innovation, BCML also introduced “Bioyug on Wheels” — a pioneering mobile experience unit designed to educate and engage the public with real-world PLA applications. The initiative delivers an immersive journey showcasing how bio-based alternatives can transform industries and households alike.
Ms. Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML, shared:
“Today, we didn’t just unveil a brand — we launched a transformative movement. ‘Bioyug’ marks a pivotal step in India’s transition to a bio-based, low-carbon economy… Through ‘BioYug on Wheels’, we aim to drive awareness, accelerate adoption, and support lasting behavioural change across the country.”
She also underlined the powerful synergy between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, calling both states key enablers of India’s bioplastic revolution.
Leaders, Policymakers & Experts Unite
The grand launch of Balrampur Bioyug witnessed the presence of several prominent dignitaries and thought leaders who brought their expertise and vision to the forefront. Among them were Member of Parliament Mr. Sharad Pawar; Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary and IIDC, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Alka Sharma, Scientist H from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India; Dr. Smita Mohanty, Principal Director at CIPET – LARPM; Dr. Sunil Pandey, Director of Circular Economy and Waste Management at TERI; Dr. SK Nayak, Chief Advisor to Balrampur Bioyug and Former Director General of CIPET; and Ms. Aruna Vahini from the Packaging Development division at Britannia Industries. Their participation in the event’s panel discussions provided valuable insights into key enablers of biopolymer adoption, ranging from progressive policy formulation and market preparedness to technological innovation and the vital role of public-private collaboration in accelerating India’s green transition.
Ms. Saraogi emphasized:
“‘Bio’ reflects our integration with India’s agri-value chain, especially sugarcane farmers. ‘Yug’, from Sanskrit, signals a new era of ecological responsibility. We urge policymakers to empower MSMEs — the true engines of innovation — with incentives and regulatory support to scale this movement.”
Mr. Saraogi added:
“PLA emits 68% less CO₂ over its lifecycle compared to fossil-based plastics. With Bioyug, we hope to fuel India’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future.”
A Milestone for Make in India’s Green Transition
The launch of Balrampur Bioyug goes far beyond branding — it symbolizes a national commitment to low-carbon growth, industrial sustainability, and global leadership in biopolymer innovation, with a series of thought-provoking plenary sessions where stakeholders delved into key themes around adoption, market readiness, and value-chain alignment. This launch not only marks a decisive leap in sustainable manufacturing but also signals a significant shift in how India approaches material innovation for a circular, cleaner, greener future.
