No more plastic knives and forks, and no more paper plates. The future of disposable food packaging is here and it is made of sugar cane fibre!
Bagasse is a by-product of the sugar cane industry. This is the fibre left over after sugar cane has been pressed. It is a waste material, so by using Bagasse, food packaging manufacturers are using something that would be thrown away anyway and now is being given a useful purpose before it ends up on the compost heap.
What Are the Benefits of Bagasse?
- It is sustainable and renewable – sugar cane takes just one year to regrow.
- It is a waste material (so a \’new\’ material does not have to be manufactured) and has minimal environmental impact.
- It is strong (good for holding food).
- It holds its shape well (also good for holding food!).
- It can be used as paper – saving the trees, too.
- Bagasse is certified GM Free.
- Packaging made from Bagasse is non-toxic, even when heated up.
- It is compostable. It can be used in a home or commercial compost heap. It will compost and feed the soil. Bagasse breaks down faster than any other biodegradable packaging.
What Type of Products Can Be Made of Bagasse?
- Takeaway food containers – perfect for restaurants, food trucks, and festivals.
- Disposable cups – perfect for a café!
- Disposable plates, bowls and ice cream cups – perfect for picnics, parties, and large gatherings of people in general.
Features of Bagasse Products
- Similar in price to paper and foil products (so eco-friendly doesn’t have to be more expensive!).
- Microwave safe (great for leftovers at home or the office).
- Freezer friendly (won’t get soggy like paper).
- Oil proof.
- Water resistant (won’t leak, unlike it happens with thin paper-based containers).
- Heat resistant up to 100 degrees.
- Breathable (your food won’t sweat like with plastic).
