The foundation stone for the country’s first biopolymer plant was laid in Lakhimpuri Khiri on Saturday by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who attributed its establishment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and environment-friendly India.
The plant, coming up at a cost of Rs 2,850 crore, will manufacture bottles, plates, cups and carry bags. These will be completely disposable and dissolve in the soil in three to six months. It is being set up on the premises of the Kumbhi sugar mill.
जनपद लखीमपुर खीरी में ₹2,850 करोड़ की लागत से निर्मित होने वाले भारत के प्रथम बायो पॉलिमर संयंत्र का आज शिलान्यास किया।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 22, 2025
यह संयंत्र आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के विजन 'मेक इन इंडिया' और 'आत्मनिर्भर भारत' को आगे बढ़ाने के साथ ही पर्यावरण प्रदूषण से मुक्ति एवं… pic.twitter.com/OfzUJVdo8f
Biopolymers is an umbrella term that covers materials that are produced wholly or in parts using renewable resources such as plant waste and algae. While conventional polymer production requires the use of fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases, biopolymers break down into carbon dioxide, methane and water without giving off any poisonous emissions.
पर्यावरण को बचाने के लिए आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी का जो अभियान है...
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 22, 2025
उसके लिए बलरामपुर चीनी मिल्स लिमिटेड ने एक बड़ी पहल को आगे बढ़ाया है... pic.twitter.com/KDHnD36LHV
The specific kind of polymer produced at the plant will be polylactic acid (PLA), which is made of renewable plant-based materials like corn, sugarcane, and cassava. Hence the choice of locating it on the grounds of a sugar mill. PLA is biodegradable, compostable, and a viable non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based polymers. It is shiny, transparent and maintains good stability even at low temperatures.
Besides the uses mentioned above, PLA can also be used in tissue engineering, drug delivery, orthopaedic and medical devices. In addition, 3D-printed objects can also be made with it.
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Labelling it a ‘Mahakumbh of investment’, Adityanath said that the plant – which will use waste from the sugar mill, will provide employment to thousands of youth. The UP government will sign an MoU with the plant for skill development of the youth in the local area so that they can work in the plant.
The plant will be a zero liquid discharge unit hence no waste will flow into rivers or drains. The sugar mill will connect with industrial training institutes, polytechnics and colleges to train youth.
