Do you remember going to your local night market and sipping on some sweet, refreshing sugarcane juice from a bag? Those were good times. But you probably never gave any second thought to the sugarcane husks lying around and just saw them as useless waste.
Believe it or not, sugarcane husks are useful as an environmentally friendly substitute for materials like paper and plastic.
What is sugarcane paper?
Sugarcane paper is made from dried remains of the sugarcane’s stalks. The process of turning sugarcane into paper pulp was first discovered by Clarence Birdseye sometime in the 1930s. Today, sugarcane-to-paper-pulp conversion is practised in tropical and subtropical countries where there are plenty of sugarcane plants.
How to make paper from sugarcane bagasse?
The first step in converting sugarcane plants to pulp involves decontaminating and degumming the plants to remove any marrows and gums that have poor interweaving strength.
The prepared bagasse is then added to a digester to be cooked. During this process, the cold blow technique is used to prevent fiber damage and improve pulp quality. Afterwards, the bagasse pulp is washed multiple times and screened to remove any unwanted impurities. Finally, the bagasse pulp is bleached to achieve the same white color as printer or notebook paper.
What is the difference between sugarcane paper and wood paper?
Paper made from sugarcane has different properties and environmental impacts that separate it from wood paper.
| Properties | Bagasse paper | Wood paper |
| Chemical composition | Contains a higher percentage of lignin, giving it a darker color. | Contains a lower percentage of lignin. |
| Fiber length | Has longer fibers, making it stronger and more durable. | Has shorter fibers, making it ideal for writing or printing. |
| Environmental impact | Has a lower impact on the environment due to bagasse paper being derived from a waste product. | Has a higher impact on the environment as wood paper requires the harvesting of trees. |
Read ‘Eco-Friendly Paper — All You Need To Know’ to discover more sustainable alternatives.
What is the use of sugarcane paper?
With its increased strength and durability, sugarcane paper can be processed into boxes, newspapers, and tissues. Moreover, because bagasse pulp is processed in food factories, which typically have high hygiene standards, the material is ideal for making food containers.
Types of sugarcane paper products
Some of the most common products that are made using sugarcane paper include:
Sugarcane toilet paper
Sugarcane toilet paper contains natural fibers that do not cause skin irritation or rashes, making it safe for people with sensitive skin.
Sugarcane paper plates
Sugarcane paper plates are resistant to water, grease, and heat. Thus, they can hold any food for all occasions, be it picnics or event catering.
Sugarcane paper straws
Unlike wood paper straws, sugarcane straws do not get soft when soaked in liquids. This eliminates the need for waterproof coatings, which may affect the drink’s taste and harm human health.
For more sugarcane bagasse products, read The Sustainable Shift: Why Sugarcane Fiber Products Are The Future.
What are the advantages of sugarcane paper?
Sugarcane paper has numerous advantages that make it the superior choice to wood-based and recycled paper. These include:
- It is renewable.
- It is biodegradable and compostable.
- It can be molded to suit various applications.
- It is heat and water-resistant.
- It reduces deforestation.
- It consumes less energy during manufacturing.
What are the disadvantages of sugarcane paper?
Despite their numerous benefits for both humans and the environment, sugarcane paper also comes with its own set of drawbacks. These include:-
- It has a limited shelf life.
- It has higher production and transportation costs.
- Sugarcane may not be widely available.
- Sugarcane paper may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can contaminate the soil and water when composted.
FAQs
Can I eat sugar cane paper?
No, sugarcane paper comes from bagasse, which is a non-edible by-product of the sugarcane plant.
Is sugarcane toilet paper septic safe?
Yes, sugarcane toilet paper is septic-safe and can break down quickly without leaving behind sludges that can clog your septic systems.
Is sugar cane paper good?
Sugarcane paper is more durable than wood paper and is resistant to water and heat. It does not harm trees and can be composted to keep plants healthy.
Where can I get sugarcane bagasse paper?
You can buy sugarcane paper products at any online retailers, eco-friendly stores, or at trade shows.
Conclusion
If you are still using traditional paper products, replace them with sugarcane paper versions. Not only is sugarcane bagasse durable and versatile, but you can minimize harm to the environment by reducing deforestation and breathing new life into agricultural waste.
Thinking of making the switch to more sustainable products? Read Sugarcane Utensils: From Waste to Cutlery.
