What is bagasse?
Bagasse, also known as sugar cane pulp, is a by-product of sugar cane production. It’s the fibrous waste that remains after the juice has been extracted from the sugar cane stalks. As aby-product, it doesn’t require additional land and energy to grow and doesn’t increase deforestation.
Bagasse is relatively renewable, since we can regrow the sugarcane in 12-16months, unlike the trees take 7-10years to grow. It looks and feels like cardboard or paper because it has a high level of cellulose (around 50%).Bagasse products are typically white, but naturally it’s brown.
Why does bagasse make good food packaging and tableware material?
Bagasse is suitable for both hot and cold food products, making it very useful for food packaging and tableware. Additionally, it can be put in the freezer and the microwave. It’s water-resistant and suitable for greasy foods and hot applications (up to 120℃).
Composting
Bagasse can be sent to an industrial composting facility alongside food waste to be composted under specific conditions.