Sugarcane: a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging

A Future Market Insights (FMI) report suggests that sugarcane packaging has emerged as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. The sugarcane packaging market is projected to reach US$255.0 million by 2023 and US$889.0 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period.

Given the increased need for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options and numerous environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable packaging alternatives is expected to propel the sugarcane packaging market.

A key feature of sugarcane packaging is its biodegradability. Sugarcane fibres naturally degrade in the environment, decreasing rubbish in landfills and the oceans, minimising greenhouse gas emissions.

It is also compostable and can decompose as organic matter to be used in soil, benefiting the agriculture industry.

Europe has been one of the main regions in the sugarcane packaging market. The region has been enacting legislation and programs to limit plastic waste and promote the usage of sustainable alternatives such as sugarcane-based packaging.

The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, for example, prohibits the use of some single-use plastic items while encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives such as sugarcane-based packaging.

“With the growth of e-commerce and online food delivery services, the convenience of packaged food and beverages has become essential. Governments and organisations all around the globe are passing laws and doing other actions to reduce plastic waste, realising the advantages of sugarcane packaging, which has the important feature of being biodegradable, compostable and recyclable. In addition, a lot of businesses are entering the sugarcane packaging industry since it is more cost-effective, enhances company branding and has a less carbon imprint,” said an FMI Analyst.

Sugarcane-based packaging is used in food packaging to wrap and protect food products such as fruits, vegetables and baked goods. It is also used to package frozen foods and ready-to-eat meals.

It can be utilised in the manufacture of foodservice disposables such as plates, bowls, cups and utensils because of their durability, insulating characteristics and resilience to heat and moisture.

Sugarcane packaging can also be utilised in the beverage industry, notably for bottled water and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Image credit: iStock.com/narvikk