Balrampur Chini Mills to launch India’s first industrial bioplastic plant

In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, one of the largest integrated sugar mill complexes in India, has announced a forward integration and business diversification plan with the launch of its upcoming Polylactic Acid (PLA) manufacturing venture. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving the net zero emissions target set by India for 2070, aligning with the sustainability goals outlined by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to combat climate change.

With an estimated investment of Rs. 2000 crores, phased over approximately 2.5 years, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited is setting the foundation for what is expected to be the first-ever industrial bioplastic plant in India. The state-of-the-art PLA factory, boasting a global-scale capacity of 75,000 tons per annum, is poised to revolutionize the country’s approach to plastic production and consumption. Scheduled for completion within 30 months, the plant will be situated on a greenfield site adjacent to one of the company’s existing sugar plants, leveraging the existing local infrastructure to facilitate rapid development.

This venture represents a pivotal shift from traditional linear consumption manufacturing models towards a more sustainable, circular, and regenerative paradigm. Utilizing sugar as a raw material, the project aims to produce Polylactic Acid (PLA) and bioplastics, offering a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional single-use plastics (SUP), which can significantly reduce India’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

Stefan Barot, a veteran in the bioplastic industry with over 35 years of experience globally, has been appointed as the President (Chemicals) to lead this ambitious project. His vast experience, including 13 years in the bioplastics sector, is expected to drive the venture towards achieving its lofty goals. Moreover, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited’s strategic minority stake acquisition in Konkan Speciality Polyproducts Private Limited (Konspec) further strengthens its position in the specialty polymers, biopolymers, intermediaries, and chemicals market.

Vivek Saraogi, CMD of Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, and Ms. Avantika Saraogi, the Executive Director, have both expressed their enthusiasm for the PLA project. They highlighted its alignment with the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its potential to redefine standards in India’s sustainable economic landscape. Additionally, Mr. Vinod Bondal, Managing Director of Konspec, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the project’s role in fostering a sustainable and circular economy, contributing to a greener environment, and helping the industry meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) commitments.

This initiative not only represents a significant milestone in Balrampur Chini Mills Limited’s journey towards sustainable and responsible manufacturing but also positions India at the forefront of the global movement towards reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the environmental impact of plastic production. As the project unfolds, it promises to redefine the standards of sustainability and innovation in the country’s manufacturing sector, offering a model for others to follow in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.

The Balrampur Chini Mills Limited’s PLA venture is a testament to the company’s foresight and commitment to sustainability. By integrating forward into bioplastic production, they are not only addressing the global need for sustainable materials but also positioning India as a leader in the bioplastics industry. This project could serve as a blueprint for others, showcasing how traditional industries can innovate and transition towards more sustainable practices without compromising on growth or profitability. The strategic partnership with Konspec amplifies this potential, marking a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable and circular economy in India.