Category: Blog

Bagasse is the fibrous residue that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is a byproduct of the sugar production process and is often used as a renewable resource for various applications. Here are some key points about bagasse: Composition: Bagasse is primarily composed of cellulose fibres, which give it its fibrous texture. It also contains a small amount of lignin, hemicellulose, and other organic compounds. Renewable Resource: Bagasse is considered renewable because it is derived from agricultural waste. Sugarcane is a fast-growing crop, and its byproduct, bagasse, can be continuously produced as long as sugarcane is harvested. Industrial Uses: Bagasse has several industrial applications. One of the most common uses is as a biofuel. Bagasse can be burned to produce steam and generate electricity in sugar mills, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. It can also be used as a feedstock for the production of bio-based chemicals and materials. Food Packaging: Bagasse is widely used in the production of disposable food packaging, such as plates, bowls, cups, and trays. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic or foam-based products. Bagasse-based food packaging is biodegradable, compostable, and often microwave-safe. Agricultural Uses: Bagasse can be utilised as a mulching material in agriculture. It can help improve soil moisture retention, control weed growth, and provide insulation to protect plants from extreme temperatures. Animal Feed: Bagasse can also be used as feed for livestock. It is rich in fibre and can be mixed with other feed ingredients to provide supplementary nutrition to animals. Environmental Benefits: Utilising bagasse has several environmental benefits. Using bagasse as a renewable resource helps reduce waste and reliance on non-renewable resources. Also, bagasse-based products have a lower carbon footprint than their plastic counterparts. Bagasse products are eco-friendly disposable plates made from sugarcane waste fibre, known as bagasse. Bagasse is the fibrous residue left behind after extracting the juice from sugarcane stalks. The manufacturing process of bagasse plates involves several steps: Collection and Cleaning: Sugarcane bagasse is collected from sugar mills or other sources. It undergoes a cleaning process to remove impurities like dirt and debris. Pulping: The cleaned bagasse is then finely shredded and mixed with water to create a pulp. This pulping process breaks down the bagasse fibres and separates them from the lignin (a natural binding material) present in the sugarcane. Pulp Treatment: The bagasse pulp is treated with additives such as starch or other natural binders to improve its strength and flexibility. These additives help the pulp bind together during the plate-making process. Forming the Plates: The treated bagasse pulp is poured into specially designed moulds or presses. The moulds are shaped like plates, and the excess water is drained away. Pressure is applied to compact the pulp and remove additional moisture. Drying: The moulded bagasse plates are transferred to drying racks or conveyor belts for further drying. They are usually dried using natural methods like air drying or low-temperature ovens to reduce energy consumption. Trimming and Finishing: Once the plates are completely dry, they are trimmed to remove any excess material and achieve the desired shape and size. Any rough edges or imperfections are smoothed out during this process. Quality Control and Packaging: The finished bagasse plates undergo a quality control inspection to ensure they meet the required standards. The plates are then packaged in sets or stacks, ready for distribution and sale. It's important to note that the manufacturing process may vary slightly depending on the specific machinery and techniques used by different manufacturers. However, the general steps mentioned above provide an overview of the bagasse plate manufacturing process.

Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous material that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract juice. This material is often used to make a variety of products, including disposable tableware, food packaging, and building materials. Here are some of the benefits of using sugarcane bagasse products: Renewable resource: Sugarcane is a renewable resource that grows quickly and can be sustainably harvested, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Biodegradable: Sugarcane bagasse products are biodegradable and compostable, breaking down naturally over time and reducing the environmental impact of waste. Low carbon footprint: The production of sugarcane bagasse products has a lower carbon footprint compared to the production of traditional petroleum-based plastics, as sugarcane is a renewable resource and the process of manufacturing bagasse products requires less energy. Safe for food contact: Sugarcane bagasse products are safe for food contact and can be used for a variety of food packaging and tableware applications. Versatile material: Sugarcane bagasse can be used to make a wide range of products, from disposable tableware to building materials, making it a versatile and useful material. In conclusion, sugarcane bagasse products offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, with a lower environmental impact, a biodegradable and compostable life cycle, and a lower carbon footprint. By using these products, we can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainability.

Victoria has become the latest state in Austral to implement the nationwide mission to ban single-use plastic products. Effective 1 February 2023, the following products are banned from import and sale: Drinking straws Cutlery Plates Drink stirrers Cotton bud sticks Expanded polystyrene food service items Expanded polystyrene drink containers. Australia has implemented a ban on single-use plastics in some areas to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment. It is important to note that the ban on single-use plastics is not a nationwide ban, and some states and territories have yet to implement such a ban. Nevertheless, the ban is a positive step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability in Australia. The ban has been implemented in all states and territories except Northern Territory and Tasmania. NT has proposed to start in 2025 while Tasmania has not set any commitments announced yet.  The ban aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean and harms marine life, as well as reduce the environmental impact of plastic production. The ban is part of a larger effort to increase sustainability and protect the environment in Australia. Single-use plastics are a major environmental problem because they are used only once and then discarded, often ending up in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats. Here are some of the most significant problems caused by single-use plastics: Litter: Single-use plastics are often littered, making the environment look unsightly and posing a risk to wildlife, as they can ingest or become entangled in plastic items. Marine pollution: A significant amount of plastic waste ends up in oceans, where it can harm marine life, such as birds and fish, that mistake it for food or become entangled in it. This can lead to injury and death. Microplastics: When single-use plastics break down, they become tiny particles known as microplastics. These particles are small enough to be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain, potentially causing harm to animals and even humans. Carbon footprint: Plastic production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and the overall carbon footprint. The production of plastic also requires large amounts of oil and other non-renewable resources. Landfill space: Single-use plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, taking up valuable space and potentially releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Bioplastic was seen as a potential replacement for single-use plastics. This material was thought to break down naturally over time, reducing the environmental impact of waste. However, the use of biodegradable plastics is not a straightforward solution to the problem of plastic waste. While biodegradable plastics can break down, they may not do so in all environments, such as landfills, where the conditions are not favourable for degradation. In these cases, biodegradable plastics can persist in the environment just like traditional petroleum-based plastics. Additionally, some biodegradable plastics can release microplastics as they degrade, which can have similar negative effects on the environment as traditional plastic waste. Single-use plastics are a major environmental problem that needs to be addressed. Reducing the use of these items and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives is essential to protect the environment and reduce the impact of plastic waste. While biodegradable plastics may offer some benefits, they are not a silver bullet solution to the problem of plastic waste. It is important to consider the full life cycle of these materials, from production to disposal, when evaluating their environmental impact. The most effective way to reduce the impact of plastic waste is to reduce consumption and increase recycling. Additionally, transitioning to more sustainable materials, such as paper, glass, and metal, can provide a more long-term solution to the problem of plastic waste. The alternative is sugarcane bagasse and wooden products that Leavesware Australia makes readily available in the market. Bagasse is waste products from sugar production while wooden products are made from responsibly managed forests. 

South Australia’s ban on single-use plastics commenced on 1 March 2021, banning single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cutlery. On 1 March 2022, polystyrene food & beverage containers as well as oxo-degradable plastics will be added to the ban. Details here. Consultation is currently open on additional plastic items that may be added to the SA ban. The ACT Government’s ban on single-use plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and polystyrene food and beverage containers commenced 1 July 2021, with straws, fruit & veggie barrier bags and degradable plastics on the list to be phased out on 1 July 2022 following further consultation. Details here. Consultation is currently open on additional plastic items that may be added to the ACT ban. The Queensland Government’s ban on single-use plastics commenced on 1 September 2021, banning single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and polystyrene food & beverage containers. Details here. Consultation is currently open on additional plastic items that may be added to the QLD ban. The New South Wales Government has passed laws to ban single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and bowls, expanded polystyrene food service items, plastic cotton bud sticks, and microbeads in cosmetics. Lightweight plastic bags will be phased out by 1 June 2022 and the remaining plastics will be prohibited from 1 November 2022. Details here. The Western Australia Government has passed laws to ban plastic plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, stirrers, straws, thick plastic bags, polystyrene food containers, and helium balloon releases by 2022. In stage two, now to be completed by 2023, takeaway coffee cups/lids containing plastic, plastic barrier/produce bags, cotton buds with plastic shafts, polystyrene packaging, microbeads and oxo-degradable plastics will be banned. Details here. Victoria‘s government has committed to banning single-use plastics by February 2023, including single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, polystyrene food and drink containers, and plastic cotton bud sticks. In correspondence with AMCS, the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has confirmed oxo-degradable plastics will also be included in the ban. Details here. Tasmania and the Northern Territory have made no commitments to ban single-use plastics. National commitmentsAustralia’s National Packaging Targets set a goal to phase out problematic single-use plastics by 2025. At a meeting of federal, state and territory environment ministers on 15 April 2021, Ministers identified eight ‘problematic and unnecessary’ plastic product types for the industry to phase out nationally by 2025 (or sooner in some cases) under the National Waste Policy Action Plan, although this is understood to be a voluntary target. These are lightweight plastic bags; plastic products misleadingly termed as ‘degradable’; plastic straws; plastic utensils and stirrers; expanded polystyrene (EPS) consumer food containers (e.g. cups and clamshells); EPS consumer goods packaging (loose fill and moulded); and microbeads in personal health care products. Details here. Under the National Plastics Plan, the Commonwealth Government has committed to phase out loose fill and moulded polystyrene packaging by July 2022, as well as expanded polystyrene foodware, oxo-degradable plastics, and PVC packaging labels by December 2022. Courtesy of Australian Marine Conservation Society

Palm Leaf plates and bowls are easily available today in the market. They are the most classic, standard and most eco-friendly disposable plates available. They are handcrafted from the naturally fallen leaf of the Areca Palm tree. They are durable and elegant and can be used for weddings, parties, business events, or even a simple gathering at home. They have a sleek design, made from sustainably sourced renewal material. The products have natural patterns that sometimes appears to be wooden plates. They have a soft, smooth texture and unique natural designs.  Palm leaves are abundantly available in South Asian countries. When the leaf matures and falls off the plant, they are collected. This practically stops deforestation. It does not harm the living palm trees. These palm leaves would have otherwise been collected, burned, and disposed of, so repurposing them helps the environment.  The collected palm sheaths are thoroughly and left to air dry. Once dry, they are processed to give a shape using heated moulds. Several can be made from just one sheath. They don’t use any form of chemicals or toxic such as bind or coat to give a better look.  Weddings, parties and large events are hard on the environment – piles of waste is produced. While the environment may not be a priority while organising such events, thinking about it will convert the event into ecofriendly. Such events have now become trendy. They are far better than bleached papers or plastics.  The elegant and stylish look of the palm leaf plates would enhance the standard of the event. Their wood-grain finish goes well with any table setting or centerpiece and serves as a great conversation starter. They have a high-end look and feel, and on top of that are remarkably durable. Palm leaf plates are an incredible example of not having to sacrifice convenience for sustainability. You don’t have to worry about long-term pollution that your event will create – the plates and bowls will decompose within weeks. 

Compared to plastics made from petroleum-based products, biodegradable products have several advantages for us to use in daily life.  First, they are non-toxic. Single-use plastics are treated with various chemicals during their manufacturing process and these chemicals travel to our food when we use them.  Second, you don’t have to worry that single-use wooden cutlery or sugarcane plate would damage your backyard after a family dinner. Within days they combine with the soil – which means you have to spend less time in clean up.  The biodegradable plates, cups and cutleries are as practicable as the plastics products are, or even better. They are good for all cold and hot food, dry or gravy or soup. Biodegradable products are far less polluting to the environment compared to plastics. They decompose and down into non-toxic, non-hazardous elements that make the soil rather fertile. The manufacturing process produces far fewer greenhouse gases. They are energy efficient. They require less energy to manufacture. The raw materials are renewable such as sugarcane, bamboo, corn, fallen leaves from plants, etc, so they do not deplete the earth's natural resources.  The use of biodegradable plastics helps reduce waste. They can be used in compost piles instead of being placed in traditional landfills. The compost can then be turned into fertilizer for future use rather than lying in a landfill for the foreseeable future.