Are Sugarcane Food Containers Better for the Environment?

Sugarcane (bagasse) food containers have become popular in Australian cafés as an alternative to plastic and polystyrene. But are they actually the most environmentally friendly choice? And how do they compare to aqueous coated paper packaging? Here's the honest answer.

What Are Sugarcane Containers Made Of?

Sugarcane containers are made from bagasse — the fibrous pulp left over after sugarcane is crushed for juice. This makes them a by-product of an existing industry, which is a positive. They're sturdy, heat-resistant, and certified compostable in commercial composting conditions.

Sugarcane vs Aqueous Coated Paper: Head to Head

Aqueous coated single wall coffee cups are a popular and cost-effective eco choice for Australian cafés.

• Compostability: Both are commercially compostable. Aqueous coated paper is also recyclable via kerbside in many councils — sugarcane typically needs commercial composting.

• Carbon footprint: Sugarcane is carbon-neutral as the crop absorbs CO₂ during growth. Aqueous coated paper from sustainably managed forests has a similarly low footprint.

• Cost: Sugarcane tends to cost more per unit, especially in smaller quantities. Aqueous paper is more competitive for bulk buyers.

• Custom branding: Aqueous coated paper offers superior print quality. Sugarcane is harder to brand cleanly.

• Heat resistance: Both handle heat well. Sugarcane excels in hot meal containers; aqueous paper is the gold standard for hot beverages.

Which Should Your Café Choose?

The honest answer: both are significantly better than plastic or polystyrene. For hot beverages, aqueous coated paper cups are the gold standard. For hot meal containers, sugarcane is excellent. Many cafés use a mix of both.

Not sure which is right for your menu? Equosafe can connect you with a local distributor who can walk you through the options for your specific use case.

Contact us at info@equosafe.com.au to get pointed in the right direction.