Today, the world is seeking greener and renewable feedstocks in its search for sustainability. India holds immense potential in the biochemicals and renewable materials space, largely due to the country’s rich agricultural resources and the increasing need for sustainable solutions. With the growing demand, as well as investments in capacity and innovation, India is well-positioned to become a leader in this sector.
“We already have a presence in global supply chains, and with increasing investments in technology and innovation, we can take the lead in offering sustainable solutions. The focus on clean energy, environmental responsibility, and circularity in India is driving the industry forward, making India an attractive player in the global biochemicals market,” explains Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, ED at Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL).
With a PhD in organic chemistry and over 28 years of experience, she has been instrumental in driving innovation, sustainability, and ESG alignment at the company. A holder of 19 Indian patents and a respected voice in national industry forums, Srivastava brings a unique blend of scientific acumen and strategic leadership to the evolving landscape of biorefining.
“GBL offered me a valuable platform to explore the world of research while broadening my perspective beyond the laboratory. Although I joined as a technical officer, I was encouraged to engage with cross-functional teams and senior leadership, which deepened my understanding of how businesses operate holistically. At GBL, I learned that being hands-on is a critical trait of effective leadership. Equally important is taking ownership, of both success and failure, with passion and accountability,” she adds.
GBL is a producer of ethanol and a pioneer in ethanol-based chemical manufacturing in India. Its diversified product portfolio comprises bio-based chemicals, sugar, rectified spirits, ethanol, other grades of alcohol, and power. It is the only company in India to have such a vast portfolio of bio-based products such as MPO, natural 1,3 butylene glycol, ethyl vinyl ether, and other bio-based chemicals.
Financials speak
GBL recently declared its results. For Q4 FY25, with an operating profit (EBITDA) margin of 21 per cent and a profit after tax (PAT) margin of 16.6 per cent, reflecting operational efficiency and strategic execution, the company demonstrated a strong performance. In fact, the revenue from operations stood at Rs579.5 crore in Q4 FY25, compared to Rs615.2 crore in Q4 FY24. EBITDA was Rs121.7 crore, and PAT stood at Rs96.4 crore.
Speaking on the results, Samir Somaiya, CMD says: “FY25 was a defining year for GBL, showcasing our agility, disciplined execution, and strategic progress. Our bio-based chemicals segment delivered over two times growth in EBITDA, propelled by our shift towards high-value, sustainable solutions and enhanced operational efficiencies. We also achieved a record cane crushing of 24.65 lakh tonnes for sugar season 2024-25 at our Sameerwadi facility. The restoration of the ethanol blending programme using sugarcane juice enabled us to better utilise our ethanol capacity during the crushing season.”
Somaiya also serves as Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, President of Somaiya Vidyavihar, and Chairman of Somaiya Trust and the KJ Somaiya Trust, among other roles. Over a career spanning close to 30 years, he has focused on a multitude of sectors from rural development and education to manufacturing. In 1993, he joined GBL and has taken the company forward through a focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability supported by research and innovation. Under his guidance, institutions under the Somaiya umbrella manage over 30 educational institutions, including the University.
Capital allocation
GBL has invested in capacity and innovation. But what guides this capital allocation and investment strategy? Says Srivastava: “Our capital allocation strategy at GBL is driven by two primary factors: sustainability and innovation. We are focused on enhancing our production capabilities and expanding into new product categories that align with global sustainability trends. Our investment strategy is also guided by the potential to create long-term value through co-creating with our customers. By integrating renewable materials into various industries – whether it’s for bio-based solvents, chemicals, or packaging – we aim to create scalable, sustainable solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and market demands.”
She adds: “For GBL, innovation starts at the farms where we generate our feedstock, gets created in the lab and takes shape with customers’ inputs. Such innovation, paired with smart capacity building, enables us to stay ahead of the curve and cater to emerging global needs.”
Meanwhile, the company has announced that its European patent for a novel anti-cancer molecule has been validated in Spain, the United Kingdom, and as a Unitary Patent covering multiple EU member states. This milestone underscores the company’s growing presence in high-impact scientific innovation, led by its dedicated Anti-Cancer Research segment.
The patented molecule has demonstrated efficacy against both cancer cells and cancer stem cells, marking a promising advance towards more targeted and effective cancer therapies. It has shown potential in the treatment of various cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, with encouraging efficacy and safety profiles in preclinical animal studies. The molecule is currently in Phase 1a clinical trials to assess safety in human patients with advanced solid tumours as well as in healthy volunteers.
“This patent validation marks a significant milestone in our journey towards advancing original, high-quality scientific research,” said Srivastava. “It reflects the dedication of our teams and our aspiration to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge and innovation,” she added.
GBL’s products are in sectors – pharma, cosmetics, food and fragrance, coatings – which are the key growth drivers for bio-based solutions. “We see strong momentum in several sectors, particularly in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals,” says Somaiya. He sees the rising consumer awareness and regulatory shifts; these industries are increasingly prioritising sustainability and safety. 1,3 Butylene glycol, for instance, is already used in a wide range of personal care products, including skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. These are highly sensitive formulations where safety, stability, and efficacy are non-negotiable.
“We work closely with our clients in these sectors to provide bio-based ingredients that contribute to not just performance but also compliance and consumer trust. As global demand for clean-label and sustainable products grows, we see our solutions playing an increasingly strategic role,” discloses Srivastava.
As GBL moves forward, it is placing bold bets on advancing its bio-based product portfolio, with a focus on sustainable materials and new technologies such as microbial fermentation technologies and biotransformation. “We are also expanding our geographic reach to markets that are increasingly emphasising sustainable solutions, especially in Europe and North America. These regions have strong regulatory frameworks supporting the use of bio-based chemicals, and we are looking to increase our presence there,” explains Srivastava, exploring new verticals, particularly in advanced materials and sustainable agriculture. “By diversifying into new product categories, we aim to offer holistic solutions that not only cater to existing industries but also unlock entirely new markets for sustainable bio-based products.”
Now, the Government of India is promoting ethanol production as announced in the ‘Roadmap for Ethanol Blending’. This ethanol blending programme helps India meet its energy security, combat climate change, and ensure farmer incomes. In line with this policy, GBL expanded its ethanol capacity from 2 lakh litres per day to 4 lakh lpd. The company is now planning to increase capacity to 6 lakh lpd in the next few months. More than 40 per cent of the sugarcane feed to Godavari will be diverted to make ethanol.
“Looking ahead, our 200 KLPD grain/maize distillery is progressing as planned and is expected to be commissioned in Q4 FY26. We are also exploring multi-feedstock options for greater flexibility, while undertaking debottlenecking and expansion initiatives focused on specialty products. FY25 has laid a solid foundation for future growth, and we remain committed to delivering value through innovation, sustainability, and disciplined growth,” concludes Somaiya, a squash enthusiast, yoga practitioner, swimmer, and black belt in Taekwondo.