Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML), a leading integrated sugar company in India, has taken a significant step towards promoting bioeconomy awareness and sustainable innovation. The company recently collaborated with CIPET Ahmedabad to host 'Bioyug on Wheels', an innovative outreach program aimed at fostering understanding and engagement in the bioeconomy sector.

Bioyug on Wheels: A Mobile Exhibition of Sustainable Innovation

The 'Bioyug on Wheels' initiative, which took place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, served as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements in the bioeconomy. The event featured interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and insightful discussions, bringing the vision of a circular economy to life for attendees.

Key Highlights of the Event

The day-long program offered a range of immersive activities, including:

• A live tour showcasing innovative bio-based items made from 100% compostable PLA bioplastics
• Live demonstrations and expert Q&A sessions with industry leaders
• Interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities
• Networking sessions with innovators from academia and industry
• A seminar and panel discussion focused on the future of the bioeconomy and sustainable development

Expert Insights and Industry Perspectives

The event featured prominent speakers, including Dr. S. K. Nayak, former Director General of CIPET, and Shri Paritosh Diwasali, Director of CIPET Ahmedabad. Dr. Nayak shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of bio-based industries in India, while Shri Diwasali highlighted CIPET's ongoing efforts in promoting innovation and skill development in the field of bioplastics.

Senior officials from leading companies such as Deltora Biopolymers Pvt. Ltd. and Vision Industries, Ahmedabad, also participated, offering industry perspectives on the practical applications and commercial potential of bio-based technologies.

Driving Sustainable Growth

Ms. Shweta Suryawanshi, Sales Head of BCML's PLA Division, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "The enthusiastic engagement and knowledge exchange witnessed in Ahmedabad underscore the growing momentum for sustainable solutions within the region. We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving systemic change, supporting India's environmental objectives, and promoting sustainable growth within the bioeconomy."

Nationwide Impact

The 'Bioyug on Wheels' initiative has been making its way across India since its launch in Mumbai. After successful engagements in Bhopal and Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the program reached Gujarat. Following its success in Ahmedabad, the initiative is set to continue its journey southward, with Kochi, Kerala, as its next destination.

Looking Ahead

As Balrampur Chini Mills continues to lead the sector with innovative, eco-friendly solutions, the 'Bioyug on Wheels' initiative stands as a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy-making, BCML is fostering a collaborative approach to building a more sustainable, circular economy in India.

The success of this initiative in Ahmedabad, a key industrial and innovation hub, reflects the growing market demand for viable bio-based alternatives and underscores the potential for transformative change in India's approach to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, a leading sugar producer in India, has reported mixed results for the first quarter, with contrasting performance across its business segments.

Revenue Growth Amid Production Challenges

The company witnessed revenue increases in both its Sugar and Distillery segments, driven by higher volumes and improved realizations. However, sugar production saw a significant decline of 65.00% following a 66.00% drop in sugarcane crushing operations during a shorter crushing season.

Sugar Segment Performance

Balrampur Chini's sugar recovery rate declined to 11.28% from 11.72% in the previous year. Despite this setback, management remains optimistic, expecting improvement in recovery rates over the next two years. The company is focusing on strengthening cane availability through development initiatives and varietal rebalancing to enhance future seasons' performance.

Ethanol and Distillery Operations

The Distillery segment contributed positively to the company's performance, with increased revenues. Balrampur Chini has been actively participating in the government's ethanol blending program, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported fuel.

Progress on PLA Project

Balrampur Chini continues to make strides in its Rs. 2,850.00 crore Polylactic Acid (PLA) project, having invested Rs. 927.00 crore to date. The project, targeted for commissioning in October 2026, represents a significant diversification into bioplastics.

Market Development for PLA

The company has engaged with over 175 potential customers for PLA, currently serving more than 50 clients and conducting over 30 ongoing trials. This phased market development approach is helping Balrampur establish early customer relationships and ensure market readiness for the transition to in-house production.

Management Commentary

Vivek Saraogi, Chairman and Managing Director of Balrampur Chini Mills, commented on the results during the earnings conference call: "Our focus remains on strengthening cane availability through development initiatives and varietal rebalancing in future seasons. We are closely tracking policy developments, particularly in ethanol pricing and the Minimum Sale Price (MSP) of sugar, which would be instrumental in supporting the sector."

Outlook

Looking ahead, Balrampur Chini Mills is positioning itself for sustainable growth through innovation and disciplined capital allocation. The company views its pioneering PLA project as a structural pivot that will diversify its portfolio into bioplastics, contributing to India's transition towards a circular economy and a more self-reliant, sustainable future.

As the sugar industry in India faces potential surplus production in the upcoming season, Balrampur Chini remains focused on maximizing value from every stick of cane and leveraging its integrated model to navigate market challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the bioplastics sector.