Interview/ Avantika Saraogi, executive director, Balrampur Chini Mills
Q/ Balrampur is a leading sugar mill in the country. But you chose a different path of sustainability via Balrampur Bioyug.
We believe sugarcane is a renewable resource, and PLA (Polylactic Acid, a biodegradable, thermoplastic polyester made from sugarcane and a sustainable alternative to petroleum plastics) aligns perfectly with that belief. It is plant-based, low-carbon and compostable. By locating India’s first industrial-scale PLA facility next to our sugar complex, we gain operational efficiencies. Our focus is to create a reliable domestic supply to replace conventional plastics. Bioyug is our commitment to enabling India’s transition away from fossil-fuel single-use plastics.
Q/ You come from a traditional business family. How did you convince family members in the business on what you wanted to do and how it was the future?
I grew up where every major decision was grounded in long-term vision. My task was to demonstrate how PLA aligns with our history of progressive diversification. I realised how transformative PLA could be for the Indian market—both environmentally and economically.
I explained how India’s dependence on traditional plastics must be reduced and how PLA offers a sustainable alternative. Crucially, I showed how we could leverage existing strengths: deriving a high-value product from the same sugarcane stick enhances utility and delivers greater value to our farmers. Once they understood the scale and strategic fit, the alignment was natural. This mirrors the vision behind my father’s expansion into ethanol—innovation anticipating future needs.
Q/ How do you intend to scale Bioyug over time?
Our plan is to scale PLA as a viable domestic alternative because India’s plastic challenge needs urgent solutions. The country produces over 5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste annually. As industries seek sustainable options, demand for PLA will rise.
We will begin manufacturing with 80,000 tonnes per annum. India’s first industrial-scale PLA plant is designed to anchor a circular bio-economy. Today, the Indian PLA market is small, but the potential is vast—the straw market alone exceeds 1,00,000 tonnes. Our focus is to build early demand and a scalable ecosystem.
Q/ What kind of investment will this business see?
The investment reflects our conviction in sustainable materials. We are investing Rs2,850 crore in phases to set up an 80,000-tonnes-per-annum PLA plant. This marks one of the largest diversification moves in our history, positioning us beyond the traditional sugar-ethanol cycle.
As we scale production and build awareness, we expect Balrampur Bioyug to become a sizeable contributor to BCML’s growth. It is a strategic, future-oriented pillar at the forefront of India’s bio-based materials revolution.