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Bagasse is sugar cane fiber waste left after juice extraction. Sugarcane is not only a readily renewable resource, but the sugarcane fiber can be turned into products normally made from plastic or paper and avoids pollution from normal burning of sugarcane pulp after juice extraction.    Sugarcane is grown extensively in a number of developing countries and the use of the fiber waste provides a value-added product from what is generally considered a waste product.   It provides a far superior environmentally sustainable alternative to both plastic (non-biodegradable, petroleum derived, pollution causing) and paper food service and packaging disposable products.    Sugarcane fiber also composts readily, as it is similar to any other fibrous garden waste and normally will totally biodegrade within 30-90 days, depending on the compost pile conditions.

The technology for making the tableware is fairly simple - clean sugar cane pulp is molded at high temperatures and pressure to create the different tableware plates, cups, bowls etc.    The tableware requires no plastic or wax lining applied to it and is suitable for both hot and cold items.  Though, the bagasse tableware is soak proof, hot items do cause heat to go through it, leading to slight moisture formation on any surface in contact with the tableware.   This, happens as the heat passes through the bagasse tableware and then condenses on the cooler surface in contact with the tableware.  

The tableware:

• Biodegrades within 30-90 days.  The actual biodegradation time will depend on the compost pile conditions, but the bagasse will degrade in a time similar to any other garden waste materials.
• Microwave and freezer safe
• Handles hot liquids up to 190 Fahrenheit 
• Sterilized and sanitized, conforms to US Food & Drug Administration guidelines
• Sturdy and strong
• No plastic or wax lining
• Unbleached bagasse is available for some tableware items

The bagasse tableware is made in China.  The factory pays its workers fair living wages according to living standards in China and provides housing, regular meals, normal work hours etc. for its workers.