Biodegradable, Hygienic, and Compostable Tableware from Hybrid Sugarcane and Bamboo Fibers as Plastic Alternative

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> In this study, we developed a pathway to valorize sugarcane bagasse left from sugar production to food-related end products through pulp molding, which represents a sustainable material and clean manufacturing. The sugarcane bagasse from the sugar industry is naturally safe for food-related applications. The produced tableware is fully biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly. We also developed a hybrid fiber strategy that long bamboo fibers were blended with short sugarcane fibers, which formed abundant physical interwinding in the obtained tableware with superior performances as required for food containers, including high tensile strength, superior oil stability, excellent hydrophobicity, and low heavy metal content. Of note, our tableware was mostly biodegraded under natural conditions within 60 days, which is largely shorter than the degradation time for synthetic plastics. Moreover, in comparison with polystyrene production, pulp molding produced much less CO₂ emission. The tableware made from biomass thus represents an eco-friendly, low cost, and biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastics for food packaging.