Press Release
Press Release
GBL Executive Director Dr Sangeeta Srivastava awarded prestigious ‘Honorary Fellow Title 2025’ by Biotech Research Society of India
www.chinimandi.com | Dec 15, 2025
GBL Executive Director Dr Sangeeta Srivastava awarded prestigious ‘Honorary Fellow Title 2025’ by Biotech Research Society of India
Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), has been awarded the prestigious Honorary Fellow Title 2025 by the Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI). The honour was presented during the opening session of the XXII BRSI Convention, hosted alongside the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Structural Biology (ICABSB-2025) at IIT Roorkee. BRSI is a non-profit, scientific, professional society dedicated to promote excellence and competence in the field of biotechnology for the benefit of mankind, according to the press release.
The Honorary Fellow recognition is among the highest distinctions awarded by BRSI, reserved for eminent individuals whose contributions have advanced national capabilities in biotechnology, research translation, and bioeconomy development. Dr Srivastava was selected by an expert jury for her extensive work in renewable chemicals, industrial biotechnology, bioprocess innovation, and for strengthening industry–academia collaboration in India.
Speaking about the recognition, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said, “This honour recognises the sustained scientific and industrial work carried out to advance India’s bioeconomy. Our focus has remained on technologies that can scale, remain cost-efficient and deliver clear environmental value. The portfolio now spans renewable chemicals, fermentation platforms and bio-derived molecules with strong future potential. Circular-economy principles and research partnerships continue to guide how we develop and deploy solutions. The BRSI Honorary Fellow title reinforces the responsibility to keep translating biotechnology into practical industrial applications, contribute to the country’s energy transition and create outcomes that benefit both industry and society.”
Dr Sangeeta Srivastava’s contributions at GBL have advanced circular-economy practices and driven innovations in renewable chemicals, bio-based fuels, and sustainable bioprocesses that support India’s green energy and energy security goals. With over three decades of experience in research and development, she holds more than 20 patents and has authored several publications. Her expertise spans ethanol, chemicals, sugar, power, and integrated biorefining. Beyond GBL, she serves on multiple national and international committees, including CHEMEXCIL; the Sectoral Expert Committee on Specialty Chemicals & Biopolymers under the Department of Biotechnology; the Energy & Climate Change Leadership Group of ICCA; the Technology and Expert Committee of the Indian Chemical Council; and the National Chemical Committee of FICCI. She also contributes to the editorial advisory boards of Bharat Bio-Energy Horizon and the Industrial Biotechnology Journal.
Dr Srivastava has also spearheaded breakthrough initiatives at GBL, including:
Validated patents in the EU, UK, and Spain for novel bio-derived molecules, including an anticancer compound
Advocacy and scientific leadership in the transition to ethanol and bio-based fuels to advance India’s energy security
Public thought leadership on the role of bio-based chemicals in reducing fossil dependence and powering a low-carbon economy
Advancing circular-economy practices across bioprocesses and operations
Driving innovations in renewable chemicals, fermentation platforms, and sustainable materials
The Honorary Fellow title marks a significant addition to Dr Sangeeta Srivastava’s professional achievements and reflects the depth of scientific and industrial work shaping GBL’s biotechnology programmes. The recognition also highlights the organisation’s growing role in advancing research-led innovation and strengthening India’s bio-based manufacturing landscape.
Godavari Biorefineries Limited Announces Investment in a New Corn/Grain-Based Distillery to Enhance Ethanol Production
Dec 16, 2024(Strategic Investment of approximately ₹130 Crore to Boost Ethanol Capacity with Dual-Feedstock Flexibility, Aligning with India’s Green Energy Goals.)
Mumbai, December 16, 2024: Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) (BSE: Script Code 544279 | NSE: GODAVARIB), a pioneer in renewable chemicals and biofuels, has announced an investment in corn/grain-based ethanol to further strengthen its ethanol production capabilities. The company plans to invest approximately ₹130 crore in a new 200 KLPD corn/grain-based distillery as part of its existing operations, enhancing flexibility through dual-feedstock capability. The company reported a 25% Y-O-Y increase in revenue growth in H1FY25, demonstrating its operational strength and focus on sustainable growth.
Key Highlights of the Investment:
- Proposed Capacity: 200 KLPD corn/grain-based distillery.
- Investment Required: Approximately ₹130 crore.
- Mode of Finance: Internal accruals and debt.
- Commissioning Timeline: Q4 FY 2026.
This strategic move aligns with GBL’s long-term vision of supporting India’s transition to green energy while ensuring resilience against climate-induced risks. The new facility will offer operational fungibility, enabling the use of alternative feedstocks such as maize to mitigate disruptions caused by factors like poor monsoons and policy changes.
Mr. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries, said, “We are investing in new corn/grain-based ethanol production to complement our existing sugarcane-based operations. This will give us a dual-feedstock capability and will ensure more resilient ethanol production, even during climate-related disruptions, and position us to meet the growing demand under India’s ethanol blending program. This expansion will help us maintain production stability and contribute to India’s energy security goals.”
The expansion comes at a pivotal time as India’s ethanol demand rises, driven by its ambitious blending targets and increasing energy requirements for mobility. By leveraging dual-feedstock technology, GBL aims to strengthen its market position and ensure consistent growth.
About Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL):
Godavari Biorefineries Limited (BSE: Script Code 544279 | NSE: GODAVARIB), flagship company of Somaiya Group, is a leading integrated biorefinery specializing in bio-based chemicals, ethanol, and sugar production. The company operates cutting-edge facilities in Sakarwadi, Maharashtra, and Sameerwadi, Karnataka, and houses advanced R&D facilities in Mumbai and plant locations. Listed on the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), GBL has a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, driving progress in renewable energy and green chemistry. For more information about Godavari Biorefineries, please visit www.godavaribiorefineries.com.
Godavari Biorefineries Limited Secures Exclusive License Agreement with Catalyxx Inc for manufacturing Biobutanol and Higher Alcohols in India
Dec 02, 2024(Pioneering partnership sets the stage for sustainable innovation in the chemical industry through Catalyxx’s bio-based chemicals technology)
Mumbai, December 02, 2024: Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), a pioneer in renewable chemicals and biofuels, is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic international license agreement with Catalyxx Inc. This partnership grants GBL exclusive rights to leverage Catalyxx’s cutting-edge technology for the conversion of ethanol to for up to 30,000 tons of biobutanol and other higher alcohols in India and selling globally.
Godavari will in the first phase, construct and operate a state-of-the-art facility designed to produce 15,000 metric tons of biobutanol and higher alcohols annually, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability.
Strategic Importance
- Positions GBL at the forefront of the global bio-based chemicals market.
- Enhances GBL's product portfolio with sustainable and eco-friendly solutions made from renewable resources.
- Establishes the new biobutanol plant as a benchmark for the industry, driving innovation and contributing to a greener future.
- Reflects the shared commitment of Godavari Biorefineries and Catalyxx to advancing the global green transition.
- Highlights the strengths of both organizations and Positions the partnership as a key player in delivering bio-based solutions to industries worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GBL, said, "This partnership with Catalyxx Inc reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable chemistry and underscores our leadership in the bio-chemicals sector. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our business, the environment, and the communities we serve."
"This agreement is the culmination of years of rigorous development and innovation, reflecting our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable chemistry," said Joaquín Alarcón, CEO of Catalyxx. "This strategic partnership with Godavari Biorefineries, a company with an exceptional track record in sustainability, demonstrates the global recognition of our technology's impact and sets the foundation for the next phase of Catalyxx growth. Together, we are pioneering a more sustainable future for the chemical industry."
About Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL): (BSE: Script Code 544279 | NSE: GODAVARIB)
Godavari Biorefineries Limited is a leader in the renewable chemicals and biofuels industry, dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that contribute to a circular economy. Listed on the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), GBL has a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, driving progress in renewable energy and green chemistry. For more information about Godavari Biorefineries, please visit www.godavaribiorefineries.com.
About Catalyxx Inc:
Catalyxx Inc. is a leading company in sustainable chemistry. Catalyxx is dedicated to replacing the use of fossil-based chemicals and committed to transform the industry making it greener, more efficient and sustainable. For more information about Catalyxx, please visit www.catalyxxinc.com.
Inauguration of Specialty Chemicals Plant at Sakarwadi by Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma and Hon'ble Mr. Bart De Jong, Consul General of Netherlands in Mumbai
May 24, 2024
We are delighted to announce the grand inauguration of our state-of-the-art Specialty Chemicals Plant at Sakarwadi, Maharashtra. The ceremony was honored by the esteemed presence of Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma and Hon'ble Mr. Bart De Jong, Consul General of the Netherlands in Mumbai, along with other distinguished guests.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in our journey towards innovation and excellence in the production of specialty chemicals. This advanced facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, underscores our commitment to the highest standards of safety and environmental sustainability.
Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma, a luminary in the field of chemical engineering, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony and delivered an inspiring address. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in the chemical industry and praised our efforts in establishing a plant that represents the future of specialty chemicals manufacturing.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of Hon'ble Mr. Bart De Jong, Consul General of the Netherlands in Mumbai. In his address, Mr. De Jong emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing technological and industrial growth.
GBL receives financial assistance for scaling up 2G ethanol technology from MoP&NG
Oct 13, 2023
GBL receives financial assistance of 15 Crore for scaling up its 2G ethanol technology from Centre for High Technology (CHT) - Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Government of India under PM – JIVAN yojana.
The funds will be utilized to scale up GBL’s 2G ethanol technology at Sameerwadi Karnataka.
GBL has developed innovative technology for conversion of sugarcane bagasse to value added fuels and bio chemicals in-house. GBL is currently operating 1TPD biomass processing plant at Sameerwadi Karnataka.
Godavari Biorefineries honoured with two SISSTA Awards
Aug 29, 2022
Mumbai, 29 August 2022: Godavari Biorefineries Ltd (GBL), a pioneer in manufacturing ethanol-based chemicals in India and one of the largest producers of ethanol in India, has been awarded with two prestigious accolades at the 51st Annual Convention hosted by SISSTA.
We believe that based on the extensive and qualitative work done, the first award that was bestowed upon Godavari Biorefineries was the Platinum Award for “Best Sugarcane Development (2021-2022)” in the Karnataka Region. Secondly, Godavari Biorefineries’ paper titled, ‘Performance Enhancement of Biological Treatment Plan’ authored by Mr. Suryaprakash, GM (Co-gen), was selected for the ‘Best Paper Award in Process’ and was honoured with a Shri Mydur Anand Gold Medal for the same.
The awards were presented during SISSTA’s 51st Annual Convention which was held on 26th August, 2022 at Rahul Convention Centre, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. More than 600 individuals, including members, mill owners, technocrats, research-institutions, government officials and other dignitaries of the sugar industry participated in the event. The convention comprised the latest research papers of scientific, technological and managerial importance with respect to sugar and its allied industries.
Speaking about winning the two prestigious awards, Mr. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said, “We are truly honoured to receive these awards, especially from such a reputable association like SISSTA. This is a testament to the hard work we have been putting in. We were here last year, as Godavari Biorefineries won the Silver Award for Best Distillery in Karnataka Region at SISSTA’s 50th Annual Convention, and I am certain we will be here next year as well.”
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. is one of the largest producers of ethanol and a pioneer in manufacturing ethanol-based chemicals in India. The company has a diversified product portfolio that comprises bio-based chemicals, sugar, rectified spirits, ethanol, other grades of alcohol and power.
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About Godavari Biorefineries
Godavari Biorefineries Limited, established in 1956, is the flagship company of the diversified Somaiya group, which has interests in inter alia, the education, agricultural research, renewable energy and healthcare industries. We utilise sugarcane as a feedstock to manufacture a wide range of products, including sugar, ethanol, bio-based chemicals and power and were among the first few companies in India to utilise sugarcane juice and syrup for the production of ethanol. We currently have two manufacturing facilities, one manufacturing facility located in the Bagalkot district in Karnataka (“Sameerwadi Manufacturing Facility”) and another manufacturing facility located in the Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra (“Sakarwadi Manufacturing Facility”).
The chemicals manufactured by us comprise of ethanol-based chemicals such as ethyl acetate, bio-ethyl acetate, MPO, 1,3 butylene glycol, crotonaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, bio- acetic acid and paraldehyde (“Bio-based Chemicals”). The Bio-based Chemicals manufactured by us find application in various industries, including the agrochemical, cosmetics, flavour and fragrance, food, fuel, paints and coatings and pharmaceutical industries, while the ethanol manufactured are sold to oil marketing companies and also find application in the beverages, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
To learn more about our product portfolio please visit www.godavaribiorefineries.com.
Disclaimer
“Godavari Biorefineries Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the book running lead managers, Equirus Capital Private Limited at www.equirus.com, and JM Financial Limited at www.jmfl.com, and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at www.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see "Risk Factors" of the RHP, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.
The Equity Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any other applicable law of the United States and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in offshore transactions as defined in and in compliance with Regulation S and the applicable laws of the jurisdiction where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering in the United States.”
For more details, please contact:
Pushpendra Dhansoia | 90290 37173 | dhansoia.pushpendra@somaiya.com
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd is now a part of a Bonsucro multi-site certificate
Oct 23, 2021Our ethanol and biochemical plant in Sameerwadi, Karnataka and Sakarwadi, Maharashtra are now a part of a Bonsucro multi-site certificate which comes under the Bonsucro MB Chain of Custody Standard. Bonsucro’s Chain of Custody Standard ensures the traceability of sustainability claims along the supply chain from the farm to the end user. This scope of certification covers the following current and near-future products — ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, butyl acetate, butylene glycol, butanol. Our plants would be the first in India to receive the same.
About Bonsucro
Bonsucro is the global sustainability platform for sugarcane, one of the world’s most important crops. Its purpose is to collectively accelerate the sustainable production and uses of sugarcane – for farmers, millers, buyers, and end users. It convenes its members and other partners to address critical challenges in the sugarcane sector, and drive performance and impact through its system of sustainability standards for sugarcane.
Bonsucro works across all sugarcane products and derivatives – sugar, ethanol, molasses, and bagasse. It also works across both traditional and newer market sectors, from sugar and alcohol to biofuels and bioplastics.
To learn more about Bonsucro, visit its website: www.bonsucro
Godavari Biorefineries Limited to set up India’s largest capacity sugarcane syrup based ethanol plant
Apr 27, 2021
Mumbai, April 27, 2021: Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), one of the pioneers in the manufacture of alcohol and alcohol-based chemicals in India will be expanding its current distillery capacity to become India’s largest syrup-based ethanol plant. Godavari has appointed Praj Industries for its expansion plans. As a part of this project, Praj will expand Godavari's existing ethanol manufacturing capacity from 400 KPLD to 600 KLPD, using sugarcane syrup.
While the world is moving towards sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints, governments all over the world are promoting policies/programs to encourage companies/industries to incorporate green practices. The Government of India has also made several strategic interventions by way of expanding the ethanol blending programme, enabling the conversion of sugarcane juice/syrup to ethanol, other progressive policies, and conducive financial mechanisms. This helps India meet its energy security for transportation fuel by using biofuels, further helping fight climate change. It also helps bring more stability to farmer incomes by giving optionality to companies using sugarcane to make either sugar or ethanol. This capacity expansion planned by GBL is in line with the government’s biofuel policy to increase the ethanol manufacturing quantity in India using various sugary feed stocks.
The expansion capacity at GBL Plant will continue to be a zero liquid discharge facility.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Samir Somaiya, Chairman & Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Limited said, “Responding to government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we decided to divert sugar cane syrup to distillery to manufacture Ethanol during the current season and expanded from 320 to 400 KLPD to continue our journey . We are happy to associate with Praj as our technology partner for our expansion plan. Praj will design, engineer, supply, install and increase our capacity from 400 KLPD to 600 KLPD ethanol production using sugar syrup as raw material. We look forward to building on our mutually rewarding relationship with Praj with our new ventures.”
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., one of the first companies to associate with the government’s expanded program and supplied a large quantity of ethanol to the “Ethanol Blending Program” last year. Last year, the company delivered 45 million liters of ethanol to the program. Godavari Biorefineries pioneered the use of sugarcane syrup for making ethanol by diverting almost 30% of sugarcane directly following the Brazilian model. This year, the company is contracting to deliver more than 75 million litres for the ethanol blending programme. In the future, the company plans to produce more than 100 million litres in a single location.
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Godavari Biorefineries Ltd:
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. a member of the Somaiya Group, was established in 1939 and is one of India’s leading and sustainable company producing sugar, other foods, biofuels, chemicals, power, compost, waxes, and related products, using sugarcane and other biomass as the primary feedstock. Our manufacturing plants are located at Sameerwadi, Bagalkot district in Karnataka and Sakarwadi, Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra.
Using molasses, a by-product of sugar production, as a feedstock, we are among the larger producers of ethanol in India. Now we are expanding our ethanol capacity by using Sugar Syrup. A pioneer in the use of ethanol as a feedstock of the production of chemicals, we make various chemicals, such as acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, crotonaldehyde, MPO, paraldehyde. Our products are used in thousands of everyday products including adhesives, solvents, inks, flavours, plastics, and several others.
We have a multi-storeyed state-of-the- art research facility to focus on research and innovation to address the significant and growing demand for chemical products made from renewable feedstock. To learn more about our product portfolio please visit www.somaiya.com
For more information, please contact:
Pushpendra Dhansoia, +91 9029037173, dhansoia.pushpendra@somaiya.com
Shri S.G. Mokashi takes over as Chairman of CHEMEXCIL w.e.f. 15th February 2021
CHEMEXCIL | Feb 15, 2021Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. Expands Its Ethanol Production
Dec 16, 2020
Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., one of the pioneers in the manufacture of alcohol-based chemicals in India has increased its ethanol manufacturing capacity from 320,000 liters per day to 400,000 litres ethyl alcohol per day. The company is targeting to divert 40% of its sugar in cane to make ethanol using sugarcane juice and B Heavy molasses. With this development, the company will have a capacity of over 100 million liters of ethyl alcohol in a single location.
Sugar, a low carbon source of energy, is not just an environmentally friendly source to produce ethanol but also drives the rural economy. The livelihood of a significant number of small farmers in rural India depends on the farming of sugarcane, production of Ethanol using sugar will support the growth of such farmers.
Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said, “Since the inception of the company, we have worked towards building an environmentally friendly eco-system in our company. With the increase in capacity of production of Ethanol, we are not only growing our business but also helping the entire ecosystem flourish.”
While the world is moving towards sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints, governments all over the world are promoting policies/programs to encourage companies/industries to incorporate green practices. One of such programs introduced by the Indian government is the Ethanol Blending Program, which sought to promote the use of alternative and environment-friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements. The Government expanded the size of this programme by allowing the use of sugarcane juice/syrup and more recently other feedstocks.
Godavari biorefineries Ltd., one of the first companies to associate with the expanded program and supplied a large quantity of ethanol to the Ethanol Blending Program last year. Earlier this year, the company delivered 38 million liters of ethanol to the program. Godavari Biorefineries pioneered the use of sugarcane syrup for making ethanol by diverting almost 30% of sugarcane directly following the Brazilian model. This year, the company is contracting to deliver more than 70 million litres for the ethanol blending programme. In the future, the company plans to produce more than 100 million litres in a single location.
About Godavari Biorefineries Limited
The Godavari Sugar Mills Ltd., incorporated in 1939, demerged to Godavari Biorefineries in 2009. Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. promoted by Late Shri. Karamshibhai Jethabhai Somaiya (Padmabhushan) and his son, Dr. Shantilal Karamshibhai Somaiya, was incorporated in 1939 and has been contributing to the industrial development of India for more than six decades.The Company with three Sugar mills is fully integrated and is among the top ten Sugar complexes out of around 500 sugar manufacturers in India. The Company is one of the largest producers of Alcohol & a pioneer in manufacture of Alcohol based Chemicals in India.
