Launched in the grand presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis formally launched India’s first Poly Lactic acid (PLA) brand ‘Balrampur Bioyug’, to be produced by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable innovation. Held at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the launch event marked a pivotal moment, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from the entire value chain to celebrate a groundbreaking advancement in biopolymer manufacturing and sustainable industrial practices. The lamp lighting ceremony was graced by Mr. Sharad Pawar, Member of Parliament; Ms. Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML; Mr. Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, BCML; Mr. Manoj Kr. Singh (IAS), Chief Secretary & IIDC, Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Stefan Barot President – Chemical Division, BCML.
Strategically located adjacent to BCML’s existing sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, the upcoming PLA plant integrates operational synergies to enhance resource efficiency and optimize supply chain management. With a gross investment of Rs 2,850 Crores, the plant leverages cutting-edge technology from global technology providers. This plant is going to be India’s first industrial scale biopolymer plant C also set a new global benchmark.
Alongside the unveiling of Balrampur Bioyug, the event also launched Bioyug on Wheels, a first-of-its-kind mobile experience designed to demonstrate the transformative potential of PLA (Polylactic Acid) – a bio- based, eco-friendly alternative to fossil-based plastics. This unique mobile unit offers an immersive, guided journey into the future of sustainable living. The initiative brings the versatility of PLA directly to communities and stakeholders through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and real-world applications across packaging and consumer products. The experience aims to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire the adoption of green materials in everyday life. Supported by Bioyug’s Business Development team, the initiative also provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to engage directly, ask questions, and explore how Bioyug’s innovations can contribute to their sustainability goals.
Featuring insightful plenary sessions and thought-provoking discussions with industry veterans, academicians and policy makers such Manoj Kumar Singh, (IAS) Chief Secretary s IIDC Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Alka Sharma, Scientist H, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Government of India, Dr. Smita Mohanty Principal Director (Sr. Principal Scientist) CIPET – LARPM , Dr. Sunil Pandey, Director Circular Economy and Waste Management The Energy and Resources Institute, Dr. SK Nayak Chief Advisor, Balrampur Bioyug, Former Director General CIPET, Ms. Aruna Vahini, Packaging Development Brittania Industries Limited, among notable others, the launch event offered a comprehensive exploration of PLA biopolymers. The discussions spanned key enablers of accelerated adoption, including policy formulation, technological innovation, and consumer awareness.
Mr. Vivek Saraogi, Chairman s Managing Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited 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 – the launch of our PLA brand, Balrampur Bioyug. Our PLA venture is well- aligned with the sustainability goals envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, in order to combat climate change. Under his leadership, India got its first BioE3 policy which boasts of a fantastic forward-looking framework driving sustainability through bioenergy, bioeconomy, and green innovation. Additionally with the roll-out of the Uttar Pradesh Government’s first-ever Bioplastic Policy, we felt empowered to confidently enter this dynamic sector, aligning growth with national environmental goals. With an investment of Rs 2850 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 c8 per cent 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.”
Ms. Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited said, “Today, we didn’t just unveil a brand — we launched a transformative movement. Bioyug, symbolizing ‘The Era of Bio- Circularity’, marks a pivotal step in India’s transition to a bio-based, low-carbon economy. ‘Bio’ reflects our commitment to sustainable, plant-based materials like PLA and our integration with India’s agri-value chain, especially sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh. ‘Yug’, from Sanskrit, signifies a new era built on ecological responsibility and circularity.
We are deeply inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision for Atmanirbharta and green growth through policies like BioE3 — and BioYug aligns with his call for a Viksit Bharat. While the foundation stone was laid by Hon’ble CM Yogi Adityanath Ji in Uttar Pradesh, the brand was formally launched by Hon’ble CM Devendra Fadnavis Ji in Maharashtra — two powerhouse states with the potential to lead India’s PLA revolution.
Maharashtra is not only a major sugarcane producer but also a vital pillar of India’s industrial economy. With its strong agro-industrial base, it can emerge as the nation’s leading bioplastic market. I humbly urge Hon’ble CM Fadnavis Ji and all stakeholders to support MSMEs — the backbone of innovation — through policy incentives, regulatory support, and awareness-building. Together, we can shift from fossil-based pollution to plant-based progress.
Through ‘BioYug on Wheels’, we aim to drive awareness, accelerate adoption, and support lasting behavioural change across the country. At its core, Balrampur BioYug seeks to fast-track India’s green transition by leveraging surplus biomass for low-carbon innovation — creating value for the planet, the economy, and especially our farmers.”
Mr. Stefan Barot, President – Chemicals Division, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited said, “At the launch of Balrampur BioYug, we are proud to introduce BCML’s wholly owned unit, which will establish India’s first industrial-scale PLA biopolymer plant—an important step in advancing our long-term sustainability agenda while setting a new global benchmark. This facility will be the first in the world to seamlessly integrate the entire conversion of sugarcane into PLA at a single location, powered entirely by renewable energy. It exemplifies a truly circular and resource-efficient manufacturing model that redefines how bio-based materials can be produced at scale.
With an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, Balrampur Bioyug will produce 100 per cent bio-based, industrially compostable PLA—offering a credible and scalable solution to the global plastic crisis. As a versatile polymer derived from renewable resources, PLA (Polylactic Acid) has the mechanical strength and durability needed for a wide range of uses while being far more sustainable. It is ideally suited to replace banned single-use plastic items such as straws, disposable cutlery, trays, bottles, and curd cups—without compromising on performance or safety.
To ensure holistic awareness and prompt engagement across the ecosystem, the launch event was thoughtfully curated 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.”
