BCML’s Bioyug converts sugarcane into a sustainable solution

Balrampur Chini Mills has launched Bioyug, India’s first industrial-scale PLA biopolymer brand, offering a compostable, sugarcane-based alternative to plastic. With ₹2,850 crore invested, the Uttar Pradesh plant will produce 80,000 tonnes annually by 2026. Powered by renewable energy, Bioyug connects agriculture with sustainable manufacturing, advancing India’s climate goals and creating new income streams for sugarcane farmers.

In a significant leap for India’s green manufacturing ambitions and agri-industrial integration, Kolkata-based Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd (BCML) has unveiled Balrampur Bioyug, India’s first industrial-scale PLA (Polylactic Acid) biopolymer brand. Positioned as a sustainable, plant-derived alternative to fossil-based plastics, Bioyug reflects a broader vision of transitioning towards a circular, low-emission economy powered by agriculture.

With a phased investment of ₹2,850 crore, the Bioyug facility is under construction in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh, next to BCML’s existing sugar mill, and is expected to become operational by end-2026. The plant will have the capacity to produce 80,000 tonnes of PLA annually—a 100% compostable material derived from renewable feedstocks like sugarcane. Target applications span food packaging, medical devices, textiles, disposable cutlery, and 3D printing.

More than just a bioplastic substitute, Bioyug is being positioned as a holistic sustainability platform. It integrates the entire value chain—from agricultural feedstock to finished biopolymer—at a single site, all while running on renewable energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The model not only lowers lifecycle emissions but also creates direct economic benefits for sugarcane farmers, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. By shifting focus from conventional sugar and ethanol production to high-value, non-edible derivatives, BCML aims to diversify farmer income and strengthen rural economies.

The project is in line with India’s broader sustainability agenda, including the Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat, and net zero by 2070 goals. It also supports government initiatives under the BioE3 and Bioplastic Policy frameworks, demonstrating how surplus agricultural biomass can be converted into high-performance, export-ready materials.

The name Bioyug—a blend of “Bio” (denoting plant-based, biodegradable materials) and “Yug” (meaning “era” in Sanskrit)—signals the beginning of a new era of bio-circularity. Launched at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, the event drew participation from scientists, policymakers, and sustainability experts, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.