Did you know you could use disposables, made straight out of plant waste? Typically, bagasse or more commonly known as sugarcane pulp, is a by-product that is generated during sugarcane juice production. Simply put, it is a fibrous waste that is left behind once the juice is extracted from sugarcane stalks. And, being plant waste, it does not require any land or trees to be cut for the manufacturing process. This plant waste is usually dumped in landfills and is burnt, leading to excessive amounts of air pollution. However, we, at EcoSoul, upcycle this very waste and carve it out in everyday essentials like bagasse plates, hot cups, and bowls. Bagasse and products made out of bagasse usually feel and look like paper, because they have a high cellulose content. However, unlike trees that take over 30 years to grow out, sugarcane is ready for harvest in just 6 months. Plus, unlike other resources like trees or plastic, bagasse products like bagasse hot cups are relatively renewable, because they are made from agro-waste. What is Bagasse and How Is It Made? As stated above, bagasse is a fibrous residue left behind during sugarcane juice production. This by-product, being agro-waste, is usually burnt in landfills. However, it can pose as an excellent option for single-use plates, bowls, and much more. Moreover, while paper and bagasse almost look the same, they are pretty different from one another. For starters, while paper comes from trees, bagasse is simply a by-product of sugarcane production. Paper is the result of wood pulp from trees. Bagasse, on the other hand, is sourced from the waste left behind after the juice is extracted from sugarcane stalks. Another astonishing difference between bagasse and paper is how long they take to regenerate. Did you know that an average tree takes almost 30 years to grow just 36 inches? The point is trees take a long time to grow, making them very hard to harvest repeatedly. However, sugarcane is mostly grown in moist highlands after six months. Plus, bagasse being a by-product doesn't actually account for resource depletion. However, with over 1 million different species living on a single tree, wiping down trees just to produce paper can be highly devastating. Here's how bagasse is made and formulated into everyday essentials like compostable hot cups and compostable clamshells: Sourcing of Bagasse Rather than burning bagasse in landfills, which is super bad for the air, we upcycle this plant waste to make some pretty awesome and super durable bagasse plates, bowls, and hot cups. Moreover, unlike single-use plastic disposable plates, our bagasse plates are kinder to the planet. For starters, they do not rely on non-renewable resources like trees and plastic. Plus, these bagasse plates and other products are compostable. Unlike single-use plastic plates, our bagasse products go back into the soil by breaking down into compost, leaving no plastic behind. Cleaning & Drying Once we source bagasse into our manufacturing units, we give the collected bagasse a long warm scrub! To get rid of any kind of unwanted germs or water, we soak the collected bagasse in water. Once the bagasse is all cleaned up, the next process is to separate the fibrous parts and non-fibrous parts of the bagasse. This happens with the help of a machine called dipither, which churns bagasse and leaves behind only the most fibrous parts of bagasse, which is entirely free from impurities, and toxins. The Pulping Stage Once the collected bagasse is all clean and dried up, we shred the source material and send it to our pulping section. This is where the actual fun happens. The shredded pieces of bagasse are added to huge containers where they are continuously churned, leaving behind a thick mixture of just pulp. And, because we value quality more than anyone out there, our source material, bagasse, goes through three pulping containers, to ensure the end product is of premium quality. Molding & Shaping Once we have the perfect thick blend, the next process is to mold and shape. To ensure our bagasse products like bagasse plates hold their shape, no matter what, we use high-pressure hot presses to get the pulp in shape. The process starts with the pulp being transferred to the hot press section. Once the pulp is transferred, it is infused in the desired molds and pressed at a very high pressure under our heating presses. Pressing & Checking Once our pulpy bagasse has taken the right shape, it's time for some huge hugs from our hydraulic presses, which squeeze out any moisture from the plates or compostable bagasse bowls. These products also go through presses where they are further shaped and all the impurities or hard surfaces are trimmed out. With smooth edges, a soft base, and perfect quality, we move to the next step. Final Quality Checks Once we have the final product, every bagasse product is individually inspected for quality. The products that fail to match the industry standards are discarded, ensuring that only the best reaches you. Environmental Benefits of Bagasse By choosing bagasse products, you are helping us make the planet more greener. Unlike trees, bagasse, and bagasse products, are ultra-sustainable, and here are some reasons why: They are low on resources. As stated above, an average tree takes almost 30 years to reach maturity. And, chopping them off not only decreases the air quality but also immensely affects the ecosystem of countless other species. Our bagasse products like compostable bowls and plates are made from just bagasse, making them ultra-sustainable. They have a low carbon footprint. Traditional tableware like single-use plates and bowls are made from non-renewable resources like plastic, which is obtained from petroleum. However, our bagasse products are made from just plants and are very low on resources. They are certified compostable. Our entire bagasse range is certified for being compostable. To be precise, these plates and bowls are certified to break down into compost within 90-180 days post-disposal. Moreover, unlike plastics, which leave a long trail of microplastics behind, the compost formed from our bagasse products is ultra-rich in compost. How Long Does Bagasse Products Take To Decompose? Typically, disposable products made from bagasse take only a couple of weeks to break down. In fact, our range of bagasse essentials are certified for being compostable, and start breaking down into compost within just 90-180 days. Bagasse Over Plastic/Paper: The Conclusion Here to make your meal times safer and more convenient, our bagasse essentials can just be the right choice to ditch single-use plastics and choose something super gentle on the Earth. And, while sustainability is a key highlight, our bagasse products are also super durable, and ultra-sturdy.