Monday, 18th March, 2024: Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) has inked agreements with three renowned technological experts: Sulzer AG, Alpine Engineering GmbH, and Jacobs for its upcoming PLA- Bioplastics manufacturing facility
Sulzer AG will provide state-of-the-art polylactic acid (PLA) production technologies to support the establishment of India’s inaugural bioplastics plant. Utilizing sugar cane as its primary feedstock, the facility aims to produce 75,000 tonnes of compostable, fully recyclable bioplastic annually, aligning with BCML’s commitment to national sustainability objectives. Sulzer’s involvement encompasses the delivery of manufacturing technologies for critical process stages, including lactide synthesis, lactide purification, and polymerization. Sulzer stands as a global leader in supplying essential equipment for bioplastics production, boasting extensive expertise utilized in numerous PLA manufacturing plants worldwide, supported by a vast network of 160 top tier facilities and service centres across the globe.
BCML’s collaboration with Alpine Engineering GmbH represents their second engagement of the day, 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 interunit energy flow and recirculation loops. Jacobs, a renowned American technical professional services firm with a global presence, an annual revenue of approximately $16 billion and a workforce exceeding 60,000, brings prior experience in EPCM projects and offers a comprehensive range of consulting, technical, and project delivery services for both government and private sectors.
Speaking on this development, Mr Vivek Saraogi, Chairman & Managing Director, BCML said, “It is our absolute pleasure to join forces with the new tech partners putting our collective knowledge & expertise together to solve problems of plastic pollution and shape the next generation of innovative & sustainable solutions. 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.”
Mr. Stefan Barot, President – Chemical Division, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited expressed, “We are elated to closely engage with Sulzer, Alpine and Jacobs for our PLA business. Together with them, BCML brings the ‘globally first sugar cane to PLA factory’ at one site – to India. For BCML it’s very important to use the best-in-class technology and we are very happy that all our technology-partners are leaders in their respective fields. This alliance marks a significant milestone in BCML’s journey towards sustainable innovation and it reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability and drives the positive change for future generations as envisaged by the Indian government.”
