World · India Bureau
India receives 200-tonne biotech machinery for sugarcane-to-plastic conversion
A massive processing unit has arrived in Uttar Pradesh as part of a major bioplastics manufacturing initiative. The equipment will enable conversion of sugarcane into biodegradable plastic at a facility being developed in the region.
LSN India ·
A 200-tonne industrial machine has reached Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh following an international logistics operation spanning thousands of kilometers. The equipment, originally sourced from Belgium, was transported to India's eastern coast before being relocated inland via specialized 308-wheeled transport carriers to its destination site.
The machinery forms the centerpiece of an ambitious bioplastics production facility currently under construction. The plant, developed at an estimated investment of approximately ₹3,080 crore, represents a significant venture into sustainable polymer manufacturing using agricultural feedstock.
The facility is designed to process sugarcane into polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable agricultural sources. PLA serves as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, addressing growing environmental concerns over plastic waste and carbon emissions in India's manufacturing sector.
The project aligns with broader initiatives to develop green chemistry capabilities within India while creating economic value from agricultural biomass. Once operational, the facility is expected to contribute to domestic production capacity for biodegradable materials used in packaging, textiles, and other consumer applications.