Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Formalises Commercial Launch of Bio-based Biodegradable Plastic under BioE3

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today formally launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA), marking an important step in India’s transition towards next-generation sustainable manufacturing.

The initiative, being taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) under the Government’s BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) framework, combines biotechnology, sustainable manufacturing and commercial translation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the initiative represents a significant milestone in India’s bioeconomy journey, where biotechnology is moving beyond laboratory research towards commercial products, sustainable manufacturing and employment generation. He said India’s bioeconomy, which was around US$10 billion in 2014, has grown to nearly

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale, Secretary, DBT, DG-BRIC and Chairman, BIRAC, said the initiative takes biotechnology beyond laboratory science towards an integrated manufacturing ecosystem involving validated processes, pilot facilities, skilling and commercial-scale production. (UPDATED ON 24TH SEPT 2026)