Sugar cane is a very versatile plant that produces sugar and biofuel for vehicles. But did you know similar to bamboo and corn starch, it can also be an excellent alternative to plastic packaging?
Don’t believe us? Read on to find out more…
Production process
To begin with, the main ingredient in sugar cane packaging isn’t necessarily sugar cane itself, but a by-product called bagasse. Bagasse is the dry pulpy residue left after the juices and sugars are extracted from the plant.
After its extraction, bagasse fibres are finely blended with water. This process creates a pulp with a consistency similar to wood pulp.
Next, pressure and heat is added to transform and mold the pulp into a variety of different products. As a result, you have sugar cane or bagasse packaging!
Characteristics and properties
There are many benefits to using this type of packaging!
For one, it has a high tolerance to heat because bagasse is able to tolerate heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it oven-safe.
In addition, it’s grease and water resistant, durable, freezer safe and microwaveable!
However, that’s not even the best part because bagasse packaging is biodegradable and compostable!
Bagasse can fully biodegrade in the soil in 180 days and takes 45-60 days to compost in a composting facility.
Most importantly, it’s a highly renewable source of packaging because sugar cane reproduces in cycles of less than one year, whereas, trees for paper production usually take 7 to 10 years to reach maturity. As a result, replacing wood pulp with bagasse can help preserve rainforests and reduce pollution!
Overall, given its characteristics and properties, this material is a great eco-friendly packaging option!
Why should your business use sugar cane packaging?
Bagasse packaging is an excellent replacement for paper products, Styrofoam and plastic packages! That’s why it’s ideal for packaging food, textiles, and beauty!
For example, let’s take a look at Bulldog’s Skincare for Men. They’re the world’s first male skincare brand to use sugarcane as a raw material in their packaging! So instead of using plastic from fossil fuels, Bulldog’s tubes use sugarcane plastic, made from Brazilian sugarcane!
Likewise, consider the takeout industry. Now more than ever, fast food restaurants are also opting for sugar cane takeout containers.
As a result, these companies are able to gain a competitive edge against their competitors!
How you might ask? Well, for one since bagasse is 100% recyclable, its can be repurposed and helps to cut down costs in the long run.
Secondly, by using bagasse packaging, you can attract new customers and position yourself as a green business, resulting in higher profitability! If you ask us, that’s a win-win situation for you and the environment!
Interested in finding out more? Contact us today for a free consultation!
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