Commercial launch of PLA-based biodegradable plastic under BioE3
24 September 2026
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched on 24 September 2026 the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA), at the Department of Biotechnology in New Delhi. The initiative is taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) framework. A ₹75 crore grant from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, supports a 100 TPA pilot-scale R&D facility for PLA and co-polymers. The facility will be set up at BCML's integrated manufacturing complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh; BCML's commercial PLA venture is based on converting renewable sugar-based feedstock into PLA. The Minister said India's bioeconomy has grown from around US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
In plain words
PLA Polylactic Acid — A biodegradable polymer made from lactic acid obtained by fermenting sugars.
BioE3 Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment — The Union Government's policy framework to promote high-performance biomanufacturing.
BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council — A public-sector enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology that funds biotech start-ups and industry.
TPA tonnes per annum — A measure of yearly production capacity.