{"id":2485,"date":"2020-04-02T09:10:23","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T09:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rialtofoods.co.za\/?p=2485"},"modified":"2023-04-12T09:20:14","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T09:20:14","slug":"bagasse-a-compostable-and-biodegradable-material-used-in-food-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rialtofoods.co.za\/packaging-news\/bagasse-a-compostable-and-biodegradable-material-used-in-food-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Bagasse, a compostable and biodegradable material used in food packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the effort to reduce single-use plastic packaging, using bagasse as packaging material is a sustainable alternative to food packaging requirements.<\/p>\n

What is bagasse? It is the fibrous matter that remains after the juices of the sugarcane has been extracted by crushing the stalks. In the past this residue was considered as waste material and burnt. It can also be used as a biofuel to produce power.<\/p>\n

Extensive research and trials have been done to use bagasse as raw material for food packaging containers. The sugarcane pulp is disinfected, saponified to improve the fibre\u2019s binding ability and during the moulding process most of the water content is removed. In the final stages of moulding with heat and the compression of the material all remaining water is removed, the bonding between fibres increased and the material is strengthen. A wide range of food containers are manufactured today from bowls to food trays.<\/p>\n

What are the advantages of using bagasse packaging?<\/p>\n

It is compostable and biodegradable<\/p>\n

The raw material is a plant-based renewable resource<\/p>\n

It is eco-friendly to the planet<\/p>\n

It forms part of a closed loop cycle<\/p>\n

Reduces waste going to landfills<\/p>\n

At Multi-cup Solutions we have recognised the value that bagasse packaging containers can add to our enviro-friendly range of products. An exciting new development is the extension of our range with bagasse food trays for meat and fresh produce, adding to the existing range of food containers and plates.<\/p>\n

In order to test the degrading process of the products we at Multi-cup Solutions did an internal test with inserting bagasse food boxes into a typical home composting situation. Within a short space of time (two weeks) the degrading process had started. Furthermore we had some external tests done by a South African based company. The food trays were placed in a windrow without any pre-treatment of the material and pre-treated with water to simulate used packaging. In both situations within a two week period micro-organism activity was clearly visible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>