Every month, we present 5 facts about a member of European Bioplastics. This time, Stefan Barot, President – Chemical Division (PLA), shares some interesting insights on the company.

Stefan Barot, President – Chemical Division (PLA)

5 Facts about Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML)

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) is one of the largest integrated sugar companies in India. The allied businesses of the Company comprise distillery operations and cogeneration of power. The Company presently has ten sugar factories located in Uttar Pradesh (India) having an aggregate sugarcane crushing capacity of 80,000 TCD, distillery and co-generation operations of 1050 KLPD and 175.7 MW (Saleable) respectively.

  1. Transforming Sustainability in Bio Manufacturing: India’s First PLA Plant with a Rs. 2850 Crore Capex – Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) marked a memorable milestone with the setting up of India’s first industrial scale biopolymer manufacturing facility strategically located adjacent to BCML’s existing sugar factory in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh in phases over a period of around 2.5 years to be commissioned by Q2 2026. This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant integrates operational synergies to enhance resource efficiency and optimize supply chain management; the new project is aimed to fuel India’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2070. It will be powered by 100% renewable energy for its entire production process, and the first plant location where sugarcane is transformed into PLA in a single, integrated site, showcasing a truly closed-loop sustainability mode. The PLA venture is well- aligned with the sustainability goals envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, 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.

2. Building India’s Bioplastics Ecosystem: With an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum, the plant will produce 100% industrially compostable & bio-based PLA- Poly Lactic acid which finds a wide range of applications. Specially as an ideal alternative to the banned Single Use Plastic items (SUP), such as straws, disposable cutlery, food trays, bottles, curd cups, and carry bags etc. This PLA can also be anaerobically digested to produce biogas and fertilizer, tackling both waste and emissions. The production process emits 68% less greenhouse gases than conventional plastics, and as the world’s first PLA plant fully powered by renewable energy, we will cut emissions even further. This pioneering initiative positions Uttar Pradesh as the epicentre of India’s biopolymer revolution, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

3. Bio – Circular Economy Landscape: This PLA project is expected to generate 225 direct jobs in manufacturing, R&D, and operations, while also creating over 2,000 indirect jobs across the value chain, in line with the Uttar Pradesh Bioplastic Industry Policy 2024. Simultaneously the skill development collaborations with technical institutions will empower women and young professionals in sustainable industries. Economically, this facility will strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s industrial economy, positioning it as a hub for biopolymer production and exports. It is expected to attract foreign and domestic investments, driving advancements in green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing while promoting India’s circular economy and reducing reliance on imported plastics. Made in India: Aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ & ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiatives, this project enhances India’s global reputation in sustainable manufacturing. Additionally, collaboration with government and industry bodies will help drive large-scale PLA adoption across sectors like packaging, food service ware, biomedical, textiles, and others.

4& 5. Technology Partnerships and Global Collaboration: Sulzer AG will provide state-of-the-art polylactic acid (PLA) production technologies to support the establishment of India’s inaugural bioplastics plant. Utilizing sugar cane as its primary feedstock, the facility aims to produce 80,000 tonnes of compostable, fully recyclable bioplastic annually, aligning with BCML’s commitment to national sustainability objectives. Sulzer’s involvement encompasses the delivery of manufacturing technologies for critical process stages, including lactide synthesis, lactide purification, and polymerization. Sulzer stands as a global leader in supplying essential equipment for bioplastics production, boasting extensive expertise utilized in numerous PLA manufacturing plants worldwide, supported by a vast network of 160 top tier facilities and service centres across the globe. BCML’s collaboration with Alpine Engineering GmbH represents their second engagement of the day, centred on technology provision and technical advisory services for the manufacturing of PLA grade Lactic acid from sugar. Alpine’s contribution is pivotal in establishing the groundwork for producing PLA, utilizing cutting-edge fermentation technology alongside advanced distillation and purification processes. With over 35 years of expertise, Alpine Engineering excels in biotechnological processes, specializing in fermentation-based production of organic acids and amino acids. Their proficiency extends to engineering production plants, encompassing conceptual design through to successful implementation. The third agreement involves Jacobs Solutions India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Jacobs Solutions Inc., tasked with providing Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) services for the complete setup and integration of lactic acid and polylactic acid production facilities. Additionally, Jacobs will oversee the engineering of utilities, civil infrastructure, and other essential components, optimizing interunit energy flow and recirculation loops. Jacobs, a renowned American technical professional services firm with a global presence, an annual revenue of approximately $16 billion and a workforce exceeding 60,000, brings prior experience in EPCM projects and offers a comprehensive range of consulting, technical, and project delivery services for both government and private sectors.