Sugarcane bagasse fibre

Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane. It is recognized for its eco-friendly attributes and is a versatile and sustainable alternative material. It is commonly used to manufacture disposable items such as plates, bowls, and packaging. The production process involves converting the fibrous pulp into a biodegradable material, reducing waste that would otherwise likely be burned and providing a second life to a byproduct that would otherwise be discarded. Sugarcane bagasse products are celebrated for being compostable, renewable, and often free from harmful chemicals.

Finishes

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Bleached fibre

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Sustainability

Carbon reduction

Fossil fuel reduction

Home compostable

Industrial compostable

Recyclable paper

Renewable materials

Certifications

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The Good

Sugarcane bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane processing, utilizing the waste material from the sugar industry and reducing overall agricultural waste
Bagasse products are biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into natural components in composting conditions and contributing to soil enrichment without leaving harmful residues
The production of bagasse-based products typically requires less energy compared to traditional materials like styrofoam or plastics, leading to a lower carbon footprint
Bagasse is versatile and can be molded into various shapes, making it suitable for the production of disposable plates, bowls, food containers, and packaging
Bagasse products are often produced without the need for additional chemicals, making them a potentially safer option for food packaging compared to some alternatives.

The Bad

While bagasse products can withstand some moisture, they may not be as water-resistant as certain plastic or coated paper alternatives
Bagasse-based products may be more expensive to produce than conventional plastic or paper products
Bagasse products may not be as durable as some traditional materials, particularly in applications requiring prolonged use or exposure to certain conditions
Effective disposal requires access to home or industrial composting facilities. In regions lacking such infrastructure or awareness, bagasse products might end up in regular waste streams, diminishing their environmental benefits.

Raw materials

Bagasse

Annually, approximately 1.87 billion tonnes of sugarcane globally yield significant waste in the form of bagasse, which can be processed to produce bio-based polymers like PET and PE, with performance akin to petroleum-based plastics, while also commonly utilized for compostable and recyclable molded fiber applications.

Recycled pulp

Recycled pulp is produced through pulping, breaking down used paper and cardboard into fibers, involving shredding waste, washing to remove contaminants, and dissolving glue or resin via chemical or mechanical pulping methods.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is pivotal in bioplastic production, as it undergoes biorefining where its juice is extracted, fermented into ethanol, and further processed into various chemicals like butanol, a key component in bioplastic manufacturing.

Frequently asked questions

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Resources

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