Praj Industries has reached a remarkable milestone in the bioplastics sector with the inauguration of India’s first demonstration facility for biopolymers.

Source: TheBridgeChronicle

Located in Jejuri, near Pune, this cutting-edge unit was officially opened on October 13, 2024, by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for the Ministry of Science & Technology, along with Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, and Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of the National Chemical Laboratory.

The facility features Praj’s locally developed Polylactic Acid (PLA) technology and is integral to the company's goal of spearheading the global shift towards bio-based products and a circular economy.

Renowned for its Bio-Mobility portfolio in the biofuels industry, Praj has strategically ventured into Renewable Chemicals and Materials (RCM) through its Bio-Prism portfolio, with bioplastics such as PLA taking center stage.

Praj’s demonstration facility is a pioneering effort in advancing homegrown technologies to produce eco-friendly plastics. It exemplifies India’s technological innovation and commitment to tackling plastic pollution while supporting the goals of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India.'

Spanning 3 acres, this advanced demonstration unit includes areas for fermentation, chemical synthesis, separation, and purification.

It has the capacity to produce 100 tons per annum (TPA) of lactic acid, 60 TPA of lactide, and 55 TPA of PLA. This project underscores Praj’s dedication to tackling the global plastic pollution crisis by promoting biodegradable and compostable bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to harmful fossil-based plastics.

Dr. Rajesh Gokhale praised Praj’s initiatives, highlighting their alignment with the recently introduced Bio-E3 policy and the Bio-RIDE scheme, which aim to foster biotechnology for economic development, environmental sustainability, and job creation.

We are committed to making India a global bio-manufacturing hub and addressing the plastic crisis while ensuring a sustainable future for Vikasit Bharat.

Dr. Ashish Lele stressed the need to transition to biodegradable plastics to address India’s escalating plastic waste issue, noting that the country generates approximately 25 million tons of plastic each year, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans.

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, pointed out that the company’s decision to explore bioplastics during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point.