Corporate Development     

Published: March 31, 2024
Updated: March 31, 2024

Balarampur Chini MIlls

All set to produce bioplastic

Balrampur Chini Mills (BCML) has inked agreements with three renowned technological experts — Sulzer AG, Alpine Engineering GmbH and Jacobs – for the production of bioplastic.

BCML’s collaboration with Alpine Engineering GmbH represents its second engagement, centred on technology provision and technical advisory services for the manufacturing of PLA grade lactic acid from sugar. Alpine’s contribution is pivotal in establishing the groundwork for producing PLA, utilizing cutting-edge fermentation technology alongside advanced distillation and purification processes. With over 35 years of expertise, Alpine Engineering excels in biotechnological processes, specializing in fermentation-based production of organic acids and amino acids. Their proficiency extends to engineering production plants, encompassing conceptual design through to successful implementation.

The third agreement involves Jacobs Solutions India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Jacobs Solutions Inc., tasked with providing engineering, procurement, construction management (EPCM) services for the complete setup and integration of lactic acid and polylactic acid production facilities. Additionally, Jacobs will oversee the engineering of utilities, civil infrastructure, and other essential components, optimizing inter-unit energy flow and recirculation loops. Jacobs is a renowned American technical professional services firm with a global presence and annual revenue of approximately $16 billion.

JOINING FORCES

Speaking on this development, Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “It is our absolute pleasure to join forces with the new tech partners, putting our collective knowledge and expertise together to solve problems of plastic pollution and shape the next generation of innovative and sustainable solutions. The PLA venture is our dream project, and we intend to provide unmatched technological support to build it from scratch. This association is an outcome of our implicit trust in these global players and their world-class offerings. With conjoint efforts, we intend to drive a technologically sound, sustainable shift in the Indian bioplastic space.”

BCML is one of the largest integrated sugar companies in India. The allied businesses of the company comprise distillery operations and cogeneration of power. The company presently has ten sugar factories located in the eastern and central regions of Uttar Pradesh, having an aggregate sugarcane crushing capacity of 80,000 tcd, and distillery and co-generation operations of 1,050 klpd and 175.7 MW (saleable) respectively. BCML is considered among the most efficient sugar producers in the country.