Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. (BCML) brought its Bioyug on Wheels awareness campaign to Rajkot on Wednesday, introducing visitors to compostable PLA (polylactic acid) bioplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics. The event, held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Art Gallery grounds near Racecourse, attracted more than 500 visitors, including students, educators, and members of the public.

The campaign featured live demonstrations, product displays, and interactive exhibits explaining the production and use of PLA bioplastics derived from sugarcane. Organisers said the initiative is part of the company's nationwide outreach programme focused on raising awareness of bio-based materials and circular economy practices.

During the exhibition, visitors explored compostable products made from PLA and learned about their potential applications in place of conventional plastic items used in daily life.

The company also referred to findings from a recent study conducted by a government institution, which reported that PLA microplastics degraded significantly under Indian soil conditions. According to the study, the number of PLA microplastic particles declined from 287 particles per kilogram of soil to 18 particles per kilogram within 180 days, unlike conventional plastic particles that remain in the environment for much longer.

The event was attended by Pragnesh Solanki, Management and Environment Engineer at Rajkot Municipal Corporation (West Zone), Dipal Kathad, Management Manager at Rajkot Municipal Corporation (West Zone), and retired Water Disaster Officer Dipak Pandit.

In a statement issued during the event, Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director of Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd., said the campaign received participation from representatives of the plastics industry, municipal authorities, and residents. She said the initiative aims to increase public awareness of bio-based alternatives and their applications in products such as bottles, cutlery, garbage bags, and cold beverage cups.

Balrampur Chini Mills said Bioyug on Wheels is travelling to different cities to demonstrate compostable products and explain the environmental characteristics of PLA bioplastics. The campaign forms part of the company's wider efforts in bio-based materials.

BCML is one of India's integrated sugar producers, with sugar, distillery, and power generation operations across Uttar Pradesh. The company is also establishing a poly lactic acid (PLA) manufacturing plant with an annual production capacity of 80,000 tonnes, according to information released by the company.