Bagasse is the fibrous residue of sugar cane. Once the plant has been crushed to extract its juice, the remaining fibre can be reused. This revolutionary natural material, mainly made up of the plant’s cellulose, is reused to make biodegradable objects. These materials are then reconditioned to create containers, packaging and other everyday objects.
Bagasse: a natural, and therefore biodegradable component
How is bagasse produced and what is it used for?
Bagasse is produced using a composting method. During the sugar production process, the cane is crushed to recover the juice, but the residue is not discarded . Once dried and transformed into granules, the cellulose fibre is used to:
- generate energy by combustion (bioelectricity)
- serve as fertiliser in agriculture
- feed livestock over 2 years old
- construction materials (compressed fibreboard)
- paper production
- packaging and containers
- crockery (cutlery, plates, cups, etc.)
A biological material that’s also economical
For both manufacturers and customers, bagasse offers a number of advantages. From an ethical point of view, this environmentally-friendly material helps to limit our carbon footprint as well as our waste. Bagasse takes just 45 days to degrade in compost.
In terms of figures, bagasse yields around 300 kg of DM (dry matter) per tonne of crushed cane. Its production cycle lasts just 12 to 18 months, making it a productive crop. Finally, global production is around 250 million tonnes a year. This explains why bagasse is becoming an increasingly popular resource, thanks to its versatility and sustainability.
Products and applications: what does bagasse replace?
In the family of biodegradable materials, I ask for bagasse
Of course, bagasse is replacing plastic. Since 2021 in France, for examble, various laws have banned the use of single-use plastic. All containers and packaging must therefore evolve to limit our waste. Between now and 2025, new measures will reinforce this ecological policy in France. Food containers for cooking and serving will be banned in institutions, as will packaging made from polymers. In short: new packaging solutions are possible with bagasse.
To go further on the subject of legislation, the certifications awarded to bagasse are:
- Ecolabel: reduced environmental impact throughout the life cycle
- OK Compost: guarantees that the product is compostable (domestic/industrial)
- EN 13432: biodegradability and compostability of packaging
What are the main applications for bagasse?
Bagasse can be used to produce compostable packaging and biodegradable containers from simple waste. In many sectors, this environmentally-friendly material makes sense for both the circular economy and green industry.
Bagasse for biodegradable packaging
Sugar cane bagasse can be turned into compostable packaging instead of plastic. Boxes, bags and protective films can then be transformed into sustainable materials. In the cosmetics, food and packaging sectors, there’s so much to choose from!
The future of food resonates with bagasse
Bagasse can be polymerised to replace disposable plastic tableware. Made from fibres, this natural material is widely used to produce cutlery, plates, straws, disposable cups and so on. Ideal for restaurants and takeaways, bagasse keeps the heat in!
Bagasse in the fashion industry
This moulded fibre is suitable for shipping and packaging products. As well as hangers and containers, bagasse is now used by major brands to package their clothes. The brand’s image is undoubtedly enhanced.
The advantages of bagasse: ecology and reduced waste
- a renewable raw material: this agricultural waste is abundant and easy to recover
- low-cost production: bagasse is inexpensive and can be used to manufacture a wide range of products
- a 100% biodegradable material: ecological and compostable, bagasse decomposes naturally and does not pollute the environment
- versatile: bagasse is used in a wide range of sectors
- waste limitation: this by-product, commonly known as waste, does not add to the volume of waste.
The limits of bagasse: a truly sustainable material?
- not water-resistant: bagasse can easily be damaged if exposed to water for long periods of time
- limited shelf life: because of its sensitivity to humidity, bagasse must be stored in a dry place to avoid deterioration
- energy requirements: like all products, bagasse requires electricity for processing (drying, packaging, etc.)
- geographical availability: it depends on sugarcane production, and is therefore limited to certain regions of the world
- processing costs: although bagasse is free, processing it into finished products requires investment and can increase the final cost
- a fragile material: unlike plastic, bagasse products have a shorter lifespan (rigidity, permeability, etc.)
Bagasse is a 100% biosourced and 100% biodegradable material. It is one of the most promising ways of reducing the use of conventional plastics in a wide range of sectors. From its manufacture, through its use, to its end-of-life, bagasse has not stopped turning heads. But what if PHA takes over?
