In a world moving steadily towards eco-conscious consumerism, industries are reimagining waste not as a burden, but as a valuable resource. For sugar factories, bagasse—once considered a low-value by-product—can now be transformed into high-demand, 100% compostable tableware. This innovative diversification aligns perfectly with the goals of sustainability, zero-waste manufacturing, and carbon neutrality.
Why Bagasse Tableware?
-Bagasse is the fibrous residue left after extracting juice from sugarcane.
– Traditionally used as boiler fuel or sold at minimal cost, it now presents a lucrative opportunity to produce eco-friendly, durable, and biodegradable tableware, replacing plastic and polystyrene.
Advantages of Bagasse Tableware:
Strong & Durable – Firmer than paper or plastic due to the natural fiber structure. Performs well under heat and moisture.
-Only water and heat used; no harmful processes.
100% Biodegradable & Compostable – Decomposes within 90 days under composting conditions.
Heat & Water Resistant – Can withstand hot food, microwave heating, and light washing.
Ideal for Foodservice Industry – Takeaways, food trucks, catered events, office cafeterias, etc.
PRODUCT RANGE:
Round Plates (various sizes)
Compartment Meal Trays
Clamshells and Takeaway Boxes with Lids
Bowls and Lids
Rectangular and Square Plates
Serving Trays
Biodegradable Bags and Sheets
Sustainability Impact:
Promotes circular economy by upcycling agri-residue.
Reduces dependency on plastic, styrofoam, and paper.
Integrates with carbon-neutral vision of the sugar industry.
Generates employment and revenue through a new industrial vertical.
PLANT & MACHINERY:
Suppliers (Bagasse Tableware Units in India):
>M/s Spherona Biodegradable Pvt. Ltd., Morbi, Gujarat
Website: https://www.spherona.in
Cell No. 98253 98292
Mr Nirav Rajpara..Marketing Manager
Offers complete turnkey plants for molded fiber products from sugarcane bagasse.
>Hytek Gme, Delhi
Specializes in bagasse pulp molding machinery for tableware and packaging.
Kalyan Industries, Yamunanagar, Haryana
Supplies eco-friendly pulp molding equipment with technical consultancy.
>Beston Eco Group, India/China
Global supplier of semi-automatic and fully automatic bagasse plate-making machines.
>Prime Thermals, Kolkata
Indian manufacturer of thermoforming machines suitable for bagasse pulp.
Why Sugar Factories Should Invest:
Raw Material Readily Available – On-site availability of bagasse.
Minimal Additional Infrastructure – Can be set up within existing industrial premises.
Government Incentives – Schemes under MSME, Startup India, PMFME, and sustainability grants.
Market Potential – Growing demand from eco-conscious consumers and regulatory bans on plastic.
CASE IN POINT:
M/s Spherona Biodegradable Pvt. Ltd., based in Morbi, Gujarat, is a leading example of successful integration of this technology, supplying bagasse-based tableware to national and international markets. Their products demonstrate that strength, appearance, and durability can be achieved without compromising sustainability.
Conclusion:
Sugar factories can turn the page on waste by embracing the bagasse-based tableware industry. With ample raw material, rising demand, and growing environmental concerns, this is not just a business opportunity—it is a bold step towards a greener, circular, and resilient industrial future.
P.G. Medhe is the former Managing Director of Shri Chhatrapati Rajaram Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd and sugar industry analyst. He can be contacted at +91 9822329898.
