Sugarcane residue tableware: A more environmentally friendly dining solution
Innovative Eco-Friendly Tableware from Agricultural Waste
What is bagasse?
Sugarcane bagasse is a fibrous by-product generated during the sugar production process of sugarcane. According to the data from the China Sugar Industry Association in 2024, China produces approximately 8 million tons of sugarcane bagasse every year, of which about 35% is used in the production of environmental protection products. This natural plant fiber is mainly composed of cellulose (40-50%), hemicellulose (25-35%), and lignin (15-25%), and it has excellent renewability and degradability.
Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, bagasse (a by-product of sugarcane processing) is derived from agricultural waste and is a truly circular economy material. Its unique fibrous structure makes it an ideal raw material for manufacturing eco-friendly tableware.
The production process of sugarcane residue tableware
The production of sugarcane residue tableware adopts advanced pulp molding technology. The specific process is as follows:
Raw Material Pre-treatment
- The sugarcane bagasse is cleaned and screened to remove impurities
- The fiber length is controlled within the range of 1.5 - 2.5mm
- Hydrogen peroxide bleaching is employed, resulting in a whiteness of 75 - 85%
Pulping Process
According to the requirements of GB/T 36787-2018 standard:
- Concentration of sugarcane bagasse pulp: 3-5%
- Pulping degree: 35-45°SR
- Addition of food-grade waterproofing agent: 1.0-2.0%
- Dosage of enhancer: 0.5-1.0%
Molding and Hot Pressing
- Vacuum Molding: Vacuum degree -0.08 to -0.1 MPa
- Hot Pressing Temperature: 180 - 220℃
- Molding Pressure: 2 - 5 MPa
- Holding Pressure Time: 45 - 90 seconds (depending on product thickness)
Post-processing Procedures
- CNC edge trimming, with an accuracy of ±0.3mm
- Ultraviolet disinfection (wavelength 254nm, for 30 minutes)
- Quality inspection (full inspection + sampling inspection)
The core advantages of sugarcane residue tableware
Outstanding Environmental Performance
- Renewable Raw Materials: Utilizing agricultural waste, each ton of product reduces CO₂ emissions by 1.2 tons
- Excellent Degradation Performance: Completely degrades within 45-90 days under industrial composting conditions
- Low Carbon Footprint: The total carbon emissions throughout the product's lifecycle are only 0.9 tons of CO₂e per ton of product
Excellent Performance
- High Temperature Resistance: Operating temperature range: -18℃ to 220℃
- Oil and Water Resistant: Tested in accordance with GB/T 22805-2008
- Strong Load-bearing Capacity: Dishware capacity ≥ 2.5kg
- Microwave Compatible: Safe for use in microwave ovens
- Cost Advantage: 25-35% lower than PLA tableware costs
- Policy Support: Enjoy environmental protection tax benefits
- Market Recognition: Consumers are willing to pay 15-20% more
Quality Assurance System
Physical Performance Indicators
- Drop Test: No damage at a height of 0.8 meters
- Sealing Performance: No leakage after being exposed to 100℃ water for 30 minutes
- Stack Stability: No deformation when 20 units are stacked in a group
Safety Performance Certification
- Passed the GB 4806.8-2022 food contact material certification
- The amount of heavy metal migration is less than the standard limit by 50%
- The total number of colonies is less than 100 CFU/g
Comparison and Analysis of PLA Tableware
| Comparison Dimension | Sugarcane Fiber Tableware | PLA Tableware |
|---|---|---|
| Source of raw materials | Agricultural waste | Cereal crops |
| Production cost | Lower (about 30% lower) | Higher |
| Heat resistance | 220℃ | 60℃ |
| Degradation period | 45-90 days | 90-180 days |
| Carbon emissions | 0.9 tons CO₂e per ton | 1.8 tons CO₂e per ton |
| Market price | $0.012 per set | $0.018 per set |
Customized Service Plan
Packaging Options
1. Individual Packaging
- Biodegradable film packaging
- Paper-based individual packaging
- Compliant with e-commerce platform requirements
2. Combination Sets
- Tableware + Dinner Plates Set
- Mixed Specifications Packaging
- Brand Customized Packaging
Brand Customization
- Relief Logo Craftsmanship
- Color Printing Service
- Personalized Packaging Design
Wholesale Purchasing Guide
Capacity Assurance
- Daily production capacity: 50,000 - 80,000 units
- Delivery cycle: 15 - 25 days
- Minimum order quantity: 5,000 units
Quality Commitment
- Product qualification rate ≥ 98%
- On-time delivery rate ≥ 97%
- Quality issues warrant unconditional return or replacement
Environmental Impact Assessment
Resource utilization efficiency
- Raw material utilization rate ≥ 92%
- Water recycling utilization rate ≥ 95%
- Waste recovery rate ≥ 90%
Contribution to Carbon Emission Reduction
Based on life cycle assessment:
- Replace 1 ton of plastic tableware
- Reduce carbon emissions by 2.3 tons
- Save petroleum resources by 3.2 tons
Market Application Prospects
Policy Support
According to the "2025 Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan" issued by the National Development and Reform Commission:
- Target for the substitution rate of biodegradable tableware by 2025: 30%
- Priority policy for the procurement of environmental-friendly products
- Tax incentives for support
Market Demand
- Annual growth rate: 35%
- Market size: Expected to reach 8 billion yuan by 2024
- Consumer awareness: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. How is the heat resistance of the sugarcane residue tableware?
Answer: It can withstand a temperature of 220℃ and is suitable for use in a microwave oven.
2. What conditions are required for degradation?
Answer: Under industrial composting conditions, complete degradation occurs within 45 to 90 days.
3. Is it suitable for children to use?
Answer: 100% safe, having passed all food contact material tests.
4. Is it durable for outdoor use?
Answer: It has excellent load-bearing performance and is suitable for outdoor activities.
5. How long is the customized production cycle?
Answer: Sample production takes 7 to 15 days, and batch production takes 15 to 25 days.
Conclusion
Sugarcane residue tableware, as an innovative and environmentally friendly product, has significant advantages in terms of raw material sustainability, performance during use, and cost-effectiveness. Its excellent environmental benefits and practical performance make it an ideal alternative to traditional plastic tableware.
With technological advancements and industry maturity, sugarcane bagasse tableware will continue to be optimized in the following aspects:
1. Performance improvement: Enhance waterproof and oil-resistant properties
2. Cost reduction: Reduce costs through large-scale production
3. Application expansion: Expand to more usage scenarios
We believe that sugarcane residue tableware will play an increasingly important role in promoting green consumption and sustainable development.