Balrampur Chini Mills, India’s top sugar producer, is launching a new bioplastic production capacity to reduce environmental impact and increase resource efficiency. With ten plants and 80,000 tonnes per day crushing capacity, the company is committed to sustainability.
India is the largest producer of bioethanol for fuel and also generates power from sugar mill waste. The company is launching a new bioplastic production capacity to support its transition to net zero.
The company has selected Sulzer’s polylactic acid production technologies to support the bioplastics plant, aiming to produce 75,000 tonnes of compostable, fully recyclable bioplastic annually.
Sulzer will provide manufacturing technologies for lactide synthesis, purification, and polymerization in a plant for PLA manufacturing. As a top global supplier, they will assist with commissioning and start-up processes.
The sugar market is highly regulated, limiting margin expansion. The company’s new bioplastics plant will support sustainability objectives and diversify its bioethanol and power generation plans, while the rising demand for bioplastics due to lower production energy costs and environmental advantages.
Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, BCML, said, “The integration of a globally first PLA plant, processing sugarcane to bioplastic in one location, will significantly contribute to the company’s sustainability portfolio and corporate goals. The commercial proposition presents an excellent opportunity for further diversification, as it provides an excellent market for our end product. Sulzer is confident in the success of the project due to their proven track record in delivering bioplastic production technology for plant optimization.”
Uwe Boltersdorf, Chemtech Division President, Sulzer, said, “We strategically aim to enhance economic and sustainable performance by supporting industrialists in more professional project execution. India’s first integrated bioplastics plant offers clients the opportunity to diversify revenue streams and contribute to reducing plastic pollutants. We look forward to working with BCML and other forward-thinking clients as we continue to strive to deliver improved energy efficiency, raw material efficiency, and higher yields.”