With study after study revealing the true damage being done by plastic, the world is finally waking up to the fact that we need to stop relying on this convenient but destructive material.
Thankfully, scientists are finding more and more biodegradable packaging alternatives that are derived from natural sources and don’t cause nearly the damage to our environment and our health as plastic does.
From cornstarch-based PLA (polylactic acid) to mushroom-based mycelium packaging to bagasse, which is used to create all sorts of different types of packaging, these modern sustainable solutions that decompose naturally offer a beacon of hope and prove that we can break free from the clutches of plastic – if we want to.
As these materials are able to break down over time, this means we can use them and they can return to the earth without leaving behind toxic residues or polluting microplastics.
This reduced reliance on plastic not only stops us from leaving harmful waste all over the planet, but with less petroleum being used to create it, this also reduces our consumption of fossil fuels.
Bagasse
As mentioned above, one of the most promising biodegradable alternatives to plastic is bagasse. Derived from sugarcane fibres, bagasse is a sustainable byproduct of the sugar industry that’s helping owners of food businesses and their customers reduce the amount of plastic they’re using.
Bagasse brings several advantages to the table which makes it a popular choice. These include the following:
Versatility:
As well as being eco-friendly, bagasse is also adaptable and can be used to create a broad range of food packaging items. This versatility means it can be utilised for multiple applications, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice for many manufacturers of eco-friendly packaging.
Biodegradability:
Although we touched on this already, there’s no harm in mentioning the environmental benefits of bagasse twice!
Unlike its plastic counterparts, bagasse will break down naturally over time, meaning it wont leave harmful or toxic residue behind that can harm us and the wildlife we share the planet with.
Renewable Resource:
Bagasse’s biodegradability isn’t the only reason it’s good for the environment. As it’s made from leftover sugarcane fibres, this renewable resource doesn’t require additional cultivation, reducing its environmental footprint.
Furthermore, if this waste produced by the sugarcane industry wasn’t being used for bagasse, it would have to be disposed of, so the environmental advantages are threefold.
Sturdiness:
One of the biggest advantages of plastic that’s encouraged us to get into the mess we have is its durability. Thankfully, despite being less harmful to the planet, bagasse packaging also shares the sturdiness of plastic, making it a worthy alternative that’s sure to keep food items protected.
Heat Resistance:
Bagasse is naturally heat resistant which makes it an ideal choice for hot and cold food items. As well as keeping warm food piping hot, if you’re using it to swerve cold food then it’ll keep warmth out, making it a great all-rounder.
Legal Requirement
So if you’re the owner of a food business and you’re trying to find packaging that’s strong, versatile and great for the planet, it’s clear that bagasse packaging tickets all of these boxes. But those aren’t the only reasons you should for these sustainable options. The main reason is it’s now the law!
If you’re a takeaway or food outlet business, then you should know by now about the government’s changes to the rules on food packaging. Recently, they introduced a ban on all plastic packaging and cutlery which means any business serving food to customers must now use sustainable, biodegradable items instead.
If you fail to abide by the new rules then you run the risk of getting in some pretty big trouble with your local authorities and Trading Standards.
So that’s pretty much all there is to know about bagasse. The biodegradable nature of this material not only reduces the environmental impact of packaging waste, but it also ensures you comply with the law which is vital for obvious reasons!
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
