Bagasse (Sugarcane Pulp): A Plant Fibre-Based Alternative to Plastic
Looking for a sustainable, compostable packaging solution that reduces reliance on plastic and paper? Bagasse, also known as sugarcane pulp, is emerging as a game-changing material for packaging. It’s plant-based, rapidly renewable, and part of the solution to global waste and deforestation.
In this article, we explore what bagasse is, how it's made, why it's gaining momentum across foodservice industries, and how it fits into a truly circular economy.
What Is Bagasse?
Bagasse is the fibrous substance left over after sugarcane plants are harvested for their juice. Once considered a waste product, this agricultural byproduct is now repurposed into high-performance, plant fibre packaging that looks and feels like moulded cardboard.
At Biopackable, we combine bagasse with other plant-based pulps to create a strong, durable material that we call plant fibre, which is used across our entire packaging product range. These products offer a plastic-free, microwavable, and home-compostable alternative to traditional packaging.
Why Businesses Are Switching to Bagasse
From supermarket brands to quick-service restaurants, businesses are turning to bagasse for its:
Sturdy, functional performance
Low environmental impact
Clean, natural aesthetic
Ability to biodegrade and close the loop on waste
Explore our comprehensive product range, including plates, bowls and more.
How Bagasse Packaging Is Made
The production of bagasse-based packaging is efficient and environmentally responsible:
Harvest: Sugarcane is harvested annually for its juice.
Extract: The remaining fibrous material, bagasse, is blended with water to form a pulp.
Form: This pulp is mixed with natural additives and moulded using pressure and heat.
Finish: The result is a durable, compostable food container, free of plastic and harmful chemicals.
Our plant fibre packaging is not only strong and lightweight—it’s also suitable for use in microwaves and ovens. Free samples are available to help businesses conduct fit-for-purpose testing.
Compostable & Certified: What You Need to Know
Our Bagasse plant-fibre packaging is:
Plastic-free
Home compostable (certified to AS5810 and NF T51-800)
Industrially compostable (certified to AS4736 and EN13432)
It breaks down within 40–90 days, returning nutrients to the soil and helping close the loop on packaging and food waste.
🔎 Learn what PFAS is and why we never use it in our packaging.
Why Not All Plant Fibre Products Are Home Compostable
Some meals require a higher level of grease resistance. Traditionally, PFAS (a harmful additive) was used for this purpose. However, plant fibre packaging with added PFAS cannot be composted. That’s why we’ve invested in R&D to develop a PFAS-free grease-resistant solution that maintains performance and compostability.
Our product range is easily identified as home-compostable packaging thanks to clear, trusted certifications.
Is Bagasse Recyclable?
Yes, clean bagasse packaging can be recycled with cardboard, making it a versatile, low-waste solution. However, products with food residue should be composted instead. Check with your local council for the most up-to-date recycling guidelines.
Is Bagasse Renewable?
Absolutely. Sugarcane is a rapidly renewable crop, harvested annually and grown widely. In 2020, over 1.9 billion tonnes of sugarcane were harvested globally, with only 30% of the total used for sugar products (FAO). The rest, including bagasse, can be reclaimed and repurposed into high-value products, such as compostable packaging.
This makes bagasse a powerful ally in reducing waste, adding value to crops, and promoting circular economy principles.
A Circular Solution for the Food Industry
Bagasse packaging doesn’t just perform well—it completes the sustainability loop:
Made from plant waste
Used for food service
Composted with food waste
Returned to the soil as nutrient-rich compost
Bagasse helps improve soil health, retain moisture, and increase drought resilience, especially when composted correctly.
Explore Our Plant Fibre Packaging
Switch to a renewable, compostable and PFAS-free packaging solution with Biopackable. Explore:
Explore our Materials Hub to discover more insightful knowledge about plant fibres
Let your packaging work for the planet, not against it.
