Sugarcane, or bagasse, is a by-product of the sugarcane industry. It is what remains after crushing sugarcane stalks to extract their juice and is mainly composed of fibrous materials, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Instead of being treated as waste, this natural fibre can be moulded into durable takeaway packaging such as burger clams, plates and bowls. Here we discuss key material features and available products utilising this agro-waste-based material.

Why moulded sugarcane is used in food packaging

Moulded sugarcane fibre has become one of the most widely used materials for compostable food packaging because it is incredibly mouldable and can be formed into various insulating shapes that perform well in demanding food-service environments.

Food-contact safety

Moulded sugarcane pulp is widely used in food packaging and complies with food-contact requirements in key markets, including U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and Germany’s LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch). *See notes in PFAS further below in regards to chemical additives in manufacturing.

Versatility in packaging formats

Moulded fibre pulp has been used forever, protecting eggs—something super fragile, so we know it works. Moulded sugarcane fibre can be formed into a wide range of food-service packaging formats including plates, bowls, clamshell containers, trays and takeaway meal boxes. Bagasse has been heavily used in replacing polystyrene food containers such as clamshell burger clams and takeaway boxes commonplace in fast food service. The moulding process allows manufacturers to create rigid packaging that holds its shape while protecting hot or heavy foods.

Sugarcane burger clams at Wise Boys

Use of an agricultural by-product

Bagasse is what remains after crushing sugarcane stalks to extract their juice and is mainly composed of fibrous materials, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Using this agro-waste-based material for packaging solutions reduces reliance on virgin materials while diverting this leafy biomass from incineration or landfilling on the fields.

Home and industrial compostability

Due to its organic structure, bagasse can decompose efficiently in home compost piles (and faster in industrial facilities). Sugarcane packaging certified to industrial - EN 13432 and equivalent standards, are required to disintegrate after 12 weeks, and fully biodegrade after six months. In home compost piles, in accordance with the TÜV AUSTRIA, OK compost HOME and AS 5810 standards are required to disintegrate within 180 days and achieve ultimate biodegradability (90% absolute biodegradation) within 12 months.

Is sugarcane food packaging compostable?

Yes. Certified, untreated bagasse that is manufactured and certified to globally recognised compostability standards can be composted at end of life.

Compostability of bagasse packaging is certified through certification bodies to either industrial or home compostability standards. The main certification bodies are:

* TÜV Austria

* DIN CERTCO

* Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

* Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)

These standards confirm that packaging will break down in industrial composting conditions into water, carbon dioxide and biomass, without leaving harmful residues.

When composting infrastructure is available, moulded fibre packaging can therefore be diverted from landfill, in addition to food scraps and processed with food and garden waste.

500ml sugarcane bowl at Lulu's

PFAS and moulded food packaging

During pulp processing, additives can be added to improve bagasse functional properties - such as grease and oil resistance. It is then pressed into a desired mould by applying pressure at a high temperature.

Where fibre-moulded packaging can become problematic is where composting standards and material testing aren’t regulated. Research conducted for the Ministry for the Environment identified sugarcane packaging as contaminants due to PFAS treatments. The tested sample - was not certified compostable. Businesses, councils or organics collection services are not always aware of this.

This highlights how important certification, testing and sector knowledge are if we want the sector to grow and for industrial composting to deliver real recovery and value.

However, due to environmental and health concerns, many responsible packaging manufacturers now test products to confirm the absence of intentionally added PFAS. Independent laboratory testing can measure Total Fluorine levels, which helps verify that moulded fibre packaging does not contain PFAS above recognised thresholds.

Testing to compostable standards ensures that Total Fluorine concentrations do not exceed 100ppm. Each applicant must sign a self-declaration that no PFAS (as defined by the OECD) is added to the product and supply the relevant test results.

Ecoware products using

We can meet current demands for convenience while removing fossil fuel single-use plastics from our environment. We have various items made of sugarcane fibre, clams, divided food boxes, plates, trays, sauce containers and bowls. Examples include:

Sugarcane lidded bowls

Sugarcane wide rim bowls

Sugarcane plates

Sugarcane trays

Sugarcane sauce containers

Sugarcane burger clams

Sugarcane 2-compartment clams

Sugarcane 3 compartment food box with lid

These packaging formats combine renewable materials with certified compostable systems designed to support food-waste recovery.

Exploring bagasse sugarcane packaging for your business?

If you’re material-curious or exploring ways to reduce reliance on petrochemical plastics, we’re always happy to talk. Ecoware sugarcane packaging is certified to:

EN 13432, the European Standard adapted for home composting (verified by TÜV Austria, OK compost HOME)
EN 13432 for industrial composting (verified by TÜV Austria, OK compost INDUSTRIAL)

For product information, samples or custom branding enquiries, email hello@ecoware.co.nz to start the conversation.

By Tracey Creed

What is sugarcane (bagasse) packaging?