Balrampur Chini Mills Welcomes Uttar Pradesh's Bioplastic Policy

Key Takeaways from Balram Chini Mill Bioplastic Policy:

• Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) supports Uttar Pradesh's new bioplastic policy aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
• The policy offers incentives for investments over ₹1000 crore, including up to 50% subsidies and interest support for seven years.
• It promotes innovation in bioplastic materials and engages stakeholders in waste management and recycling.
• The policy encourages using sugarcane biomass for producing polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, linking agriculture and industry.

The new policy includes significant incentives for companies investing in bioplastic production, such as a subsidy of up to 50% for investments of Rs 1000 crore or more, interest support for seven years, and 100% reimbursement of SGST for ten years. It also offers duty-free electricity for ten years and stamp duty exemptions on relevant transactions. 

In addition to financial support, the policy encourages innovation by promoting research in new bioplastic materials and engaging various stakeholders, including waste management and recycling services. 

It emphasises the use of biomass, like sugarcane, as a key raw material for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics, thus linking agriculture with industry and supporting agro-based economies.

About Balram Chini Mills Limited:

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) is one of India's largest integrated sugar companies. In addition to sugar production, the company also runs distilleries and generates power. It currently operates ten sugar factories in Uttar Pradesh, with a total sugarcane crushing capacity of 80,000 tons per day (TCD) and distillery and power generation capacities of 1,050 kiloliters per day (KLPD) and 175.7 megawatts (MW), respectively. The company is also working on setting up India's first Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) plant, which will have a capacity of 75,000 tons per year.

The Cetirizine tablets will be produced at Indoco's manufacturing facility in Verna, Goa. These tablets are designed to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other allergic conditions.

Commenting on the achievement, Aditi Panandikar, Managing Director said, “This approval is a testament to Indoco’s commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable healthcare solutions to global markets. We are proud to contribute to providing effective allergy relief medicines and remain focussed in expanding our portfolio in the OTC space." 

About Indoco Remedies Limited:

Indoco Remedies Limited is a comprehensive pharmaceutical company focused on research and has a strong presence worldwide. The company generates a revenue of $212 million and employs over 6,000 people, including more than 400 skilled scientists and field staff. Indoco operates 11 manufacturing facilities, with 7 for finished drug forms (FDFs) and 4 for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It also has a modern R&D centre and a clinical research organisation (CRO) facility. These facilities are approved by major regulatory authorities, including the USFDA and UK-MHRA.

Indoco creates and manufactures a variety of pharmaceutical products for both Indian and global markets, issuing over 106 million prescriptions each year from around 235,000 doctors in different specialties. The company has 8 domestic marketing divisions and a strong range of brands in various therapeutic areas, such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, and pain management. Some of its well-known brands include Cyclopam, Febrex Plus, and Sensodent-K. Internationally, Indoco collaborates with large generic companies around the world.

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• The contract comprises 13 units, comprising 100 passenger hybrid electric ferries and 200 passenger twin-deck hybrid electric ferries.
• The contract amount is approximately ₹226.18 crore (excluding GST).
• The work will be executed in 30 months from the date of entering into the contract.

As per a stock exchange filing, the contract involves a total of 13 units, which include 100 non-air-conditioned hybrid electric ferries designed for cross-ferry operations and 200 twin-deck hybrid electric ferries with air conditioning on the main deck. This domestic contract is valued at approximately Rs. 226.18 crore (excluding GST) and is expected to be executed within 30 months from the effective date of signing.

Additionally, the company confirmed that none of its promoters or group companies have any interest in the entity awarding the contracts, ensuring that the transaction is conducted at arm's length. A detailed contract is currently under finalisation and will be signed shortly.

The agreements are expected to place special emphasis on the improvement of inland water transport in West Bengal with environmentally friendly hybrid electric ferries. As the scheme covers sustainable transport in the government plan, the connectivity on water route passages in the state is being sought to be improved.

About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. is a premier shipbuilding company in India, specialising in building various types of vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. With a rich history dating back to 1884, GRSE has established itself as a leader in shipbuilding and engineering services, contributing significantly to India's maritime capabilities. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability in its operations and product offerings.

Key Takeaways from the Announcement

• The South Bopal outlet expands Thomas Cook India's network to four locations in Ahmedabad and ten across Gujarat.
• The outlet is designed to serve diverse customer segments, including families, couples, millennials, business professionals, and seniors.
• Growth drivers include Gujarati-specific group tours with Gujarati-speaking tour managers and customised vegetarian cuisine options.

Located in a preferred residential area with excellent connectivity to the airport, railways, and business hubs, the South Bopal outlet is strategically positioned to serve the local community. With the festive season approaching, Thomas Cook aims to meet the significant demand for travel bookings among Gujarati customers.

The new outlet offers a comprehensive range of travel services, including international and domestic holidays, group tours, personalised vacations, and value-added services like travel insurance. Additionally, Thomas Cook's AI booking platform enables customers to plan their trips in real-time by checking availability and making reservations quickly.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Ahmedabad is an important source market for us, and as we continue to witness growing demand from the city, especially during peak travel seasons like Diwali, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at South Bopal. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the diverse needs of customers in the region, offering easy access and seamless services – right at their doorstep! We also have exclusive Gujarati group tours with co-travelers from the State, featuring departures from Gujarat, accompanied by a Gujarati-speaking expert Tour Manager. On behalf of my Team, I extend a warm welcome to our customers from Ahmedabad. My Team and I look forward to cocurating memorable holidays for each of our customers – both within India and international.”

Travel trends indicate that Gujaratis are enthusiastic travellers who maximise public holidays and weekends for mini-vacations. Group tours featuring Gujarati-speaking managers and pure vegetarian cuisine are particularly popular among this demographic. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in experiential travel and luxury cruise vacations to destinations like Lakshadweep, Dubai, and Singapore.

About Thomas Cook (India) Limited

Thomas Cook provides a wide range of services, including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Leisure Travel, Visa & Passport services, and E-Business. The company established its first office in India in 1881.

The Thomas Cook India Group operates in over 25 countries across five continents and employs more than 8,388 people. It has 19 brands under its umbrella, including SITA, TCI, and Distant Frontiers.