Commercial use of PLA-based biodegradable plastic launched under BioE3

National Science & Technology Environment & Climate Science & Technology

Commercial use of PLA-based biodegradable plastic launched under BioE3

24 September 2026

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA).
The initiative is being taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) under the BioE3 framework.
A ₹75 crore grant from 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 manufacturing complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Minister said India's bioeconomy has grown from about US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
The venture converts renewable sugar-based feedstock into PLA and bioplastics.

BIRAC grant: ₹75 crore Pilot capacity: 100 TPA Bioeconomy: US$195 billion

Why it matters for exams: BioE3 policy, bioplastics and the bioeconomy figures are frequent science and environment questions.

Kerala PSCUPSC

24 September 2026 Source: Press Information Bureau

In plain words

PLA Polylactic Acid — A bio-based, biodegradable plastic made from renewable feedstock such as sugar.

BioE3 Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment — The Government's policy framework to grow biomanufacturing.

BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council — A public-sector enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology that funds biotech innovation.