Frequently Asked Questions
Bagasse (Sugarcane)
Bagasse is a by-product of making sugar, when sugarcane stalks are harvested, they are pressed to extract their juices, which then gets processed into sugar. This leaves behind a dry fibrous substance. Using a high heat and pressure process this material is then molded into various containers and tableware such as bowls and plates. The top 5 sugarcane producers are Brazil, India, Europe (such as France), China, and Thailand. The conditions within these countries make it perfect for sugarcane to grow. What’s so great about the sugarcane plant is its complete versatility, not only does this plant product food containers but it can be used as a fuel source named biofuel which helps battle the environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Sugarcane is used as animal feed, which composts creating emissions such as ethanol, these gases are turned into biofuels which are used in transportation, power generation, heat energy or paper products (food containers).
Bagasse is 100% compostable and biodegradable material and it biodegrades in 60-90 days. By using this product, you are contributing to a sustainable planet. Bagasse is a tree-free readily renewable resource and provides a superior alternative to petroleum derived products.
Bagasse or sugarcane is fully compostable and breaks down best in commercial compost facilities. In commercial composting conditions, bagasse will compost in approximately 45-60 days.
Bagasse is suitable for both hot and cold products, meaning it’s very useful for food packaging and tableware. Additionally it can be put in the freezer as well as the microwave. It’s water resistant, suitable for greasy foods and suitable for hot applications (up to 120℃).
Industrial composting.
Bagasse can be sent to an industrial composting facility alongside food waste, to be composted under specific conditions.
However, you have to make sure these facilities exist locally and double check to see if they accept bagasse products (usually alongside standard food and organic waste).
PLA
Polylactic acid, also known as PLA, is a thermoplastic monomer derived from renewable, organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics, which are produced using fossil fuels through the distillation and polymerization of petroleum.
Despite the raw material differences, PLA can be produced using the same equipment as petrochemical plastics, making PLA manufacturing processes relatively cost efficient. PLA is the second most produced bioplastic (after thermoplastic starch) and has similar characteristics to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS), as well as being biodegradeable.
Certified compostable PLA by ASTM are required to degrade within 180 days in a commercial composting facility. Home composting systems may take more than 180 days to biodegrade. Based on the thickness, kind of resins, the PLA can have varying rates of decomposition. The corn cutlery, cold cups, drinking straws and the biobags can take up to 180 days in a commercial composting facility. The potato cutlery will also take 180 days or more to degrade in a commercial facility. Biodegradation will be faster if the products are broken down to small pieces or ground up.