Union Minister of Dr. Jitendra Singh, has formally launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA), marking a step towards sustainable manufacturing and the commercial translation of biotechnology research. The initiative is being advanced under the Government’s BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) framework.
The initiative is being taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) and combines biotechnology, industrial manufacturing and research-driven product development. A ₹75 crore grant from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology is supporting a 100-tonne-per-annum pilot-scale R&D facility for PLA and co-polymers.
The facility is planned at BCML’s integrated manufacturing complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. It will focus on developing specialised PLA grades and advanced PLA co-polymers for high-value applications, while generating techno-economic data and process know-how to support product development, customer validation and technology indigenisation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the initiative as an important milestone in India’s bioeconomy, highlighting the transition of biotechnology from laboratory research to commercially viable products, sustainable manufacturing and employment generation. He noted that India’s bioeconomy has expanded substantially from around US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
The Minister also emphasised the potential of India’s diverse biomass resources to support a “waste to wealth” approach. Converting biological resources and waste streams into higher-value materials could create new bioeconomy value chains while supporting sustainable industrial production.
The BioE3-backed initiative is expected to strengthen indigenous biomanufacturing capabilities and promote collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions. The development and scale-up of bio-based materials such as PLA could also support India’s participation in the global shift towards more sustainable material technologies.