Basmati rice producer KRBL builds furfuryl alcohol plant in Punjab

KRBL Ltd, which owns India Gate basmati rice, has set up a furfuryl alcohol plant at Dhuri (Sangrur district in Punjab) as part of its forward integration strategy. The plant, set up with an investment of Rs 7 crores, is expected to start commercial production very shortly. 

Furfuryl alcohol is a liquid organic chemical, manufactured from furfuryl oil, which is produced from rice husk that arises as a by-product during the processing of rice. “The company, through this plant, intends to further convert furfuryl oil into refined furfuryl alcohol as there is huge demand for this product in India,” said KRBL Ltd in a statement.

Derived from plant-based waste such as sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs, wheat bran, etc, demand for furfuryl alcohol is increasing global as the end-user industries look for eco-friendly chemicals produced from renewable resources. Industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, foundry, etc are expected to propel the demand for this alcohol in India. 

According to Future Market Insights report, rising demand for bio-based products owing to increasing awareness among consumers coupled with rising environmental regulations is expected to drive the furfuryl alcohol market in future.