This project, which may be established in the Jagatsinghpur district, will manufacture 200 tons of bio bags per annum. The plant will be operational within nine months.A London-based company has shown interest in setting up three projects to manufacture 100% plastic-free bio bags, recycle lithium-ion batteries, and process maize seeds in Nabarangpur. The company, founded by Arun Kar, an Odisha native, will invest INR 125 crore in these three projects.
To advance the projects, Kar's Xpertnest and Earthnest companies signed MoUs with the Odisha govt at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave here on Wednesday. It will create 330 direct employment opportunities and 650 indirect employment opportunities, official sources said.
The first project, a plastic-free bio bag factory, will be established with an investment of INR 50 crore. "We will try to engage women from self-help groups (SHGs) in our factory so that they can become financially independent. We will ensure the active involvement of women-led micro-enterprises in production and supply chain management," said Kar.
He said the factory will produce bio-bags made from renewable resources like cornstarch, cassava, or sugarcane derivatives, which are fully biodegradable and compostable. "Conventional plastic has become a health and environmental hazard. Our plastic-free bio-bags will reduce single-use plastic pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment in Odisha and beyond," he added.
This project, which may be established in the Jagatsinghpur district, will manufacture 200 tons of bio bags per annum. The plant will be operational within nine months.
The second project, a lithium-ion battery recycling plant, will address the growing need for sustainable waste management in the renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. This initiative will be in collaboration with a UK/Canadian technology partner.
Critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered from used batteries using advanced recycling technologies. "A scientist from Cambridge University has a patent in this technology. We can do this here in Odisha for clients in India and abroad," he added.
This INR 50-crore project promotes a circular economy by reusing materials and reducing dependency on raw material imports. It will create direct employment for 100 workers and 200 indirect jobs in logistics and supply chain operations.
"Paradip can be a good place for this plant that can recycle 500 metric tons of used lithium-ion batteries per annum. This project will be ready within one year," he added.
The third project, a maize seed processing unit, will be established in Nabarangpur district with an investment of Rs 25 crore. The deadline for the project is nine months. It aims to boost agricultural productivity and empower local farmers, especially tribal communities. The company will source maize directly from local farmers, ensuring fair prices and reducing post-harvest losses.
"We will use advanced machinery for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging maize seeds. Around 230 people will get direct and indirect employment through the project. Our aim is to enhance agricultural productivity with high-quality seeds, supporting food security and sustainable farming. The plant will process 50,000 tons of maize seeds per annum," said Kar.
