India has launched the first biopolymer manufacturing unit in Kumbhi, Lakhimpur district of Uttar Pradesh and the launch event was inaugurated by CM Yogi Adityanath. Biopolymer or Polylactic Acid (PLA), is a sustainable polymer variant that is biodegradable and an eco-friendlier alternative for plastics.
It is created with raw materials like sugar, corn, and tapioca and the material can also be used to make biodegradable everyday items like cups, cutlery, straws and more.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the facility’s contribution to India’s net zero emissions goal, highlighting biopolymer’s role as a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics in various applications. The CM also emphasised the use of biodegradable materials for packaging, biomedical applications, food service ware, textiles, and various industrial uses, to curb the constant threat of increasing global warming.
In addition to this, the State Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh also highlighted the potential of India being a leader in PLA production. The global annual production of PLA currently stands at 21 lakh tonnes every year.
However, experts, including BCML’s Chemical Division president Stefan Barot, stressed the importance of stricter enforcement of single-use plastic bans for PLA products to be economically viable. Barot also cited the massive consumption of plastic cutlery and straws in India, urging stronger enforcement to support PLA-based alternatives.
The Rs 2,880 crore project, slated to begin operations in December 2026, will be powered by renewable energy ensuring sustainable energy consumption pattern.
BCML Executive Director Avantika Saraogi explained that technological advancements are key to reducing the cost of PLA production, as the current process requires a significant amount of sugar per kilogram of PLA.
BCML has partnered with European companies Alpine and Sulzer for technology transfer and aims for an initial production capacity of 80,000 tonnes, with plans for future expansion.
