PERFORMANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE PLATES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SERVICE

Abstract

Background: The increasing environmental burden of plastic and Styrofoam waste has intensified the global demand for biodegradable and renewable alternatives in food packaging. Institutional canteens, which generate large volumes of disposable tableware, represent a critical area for implementing sustainable materials. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural by-product rich in lignocellulosic fibers, offers significant potential as a biodegradable substrate when combined with natural biopolymeric binders such as corn starch.

Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate a biodegradable plate fabricated from sugarcane bagasse and corn starch, assessing its mechanical strength, moisture absorption, and biodegradability to determine suitability for institutional food service applications.

Methods: Four plate specimens (11.5 cm diameter, 0.1 cm thickness) were fabricated using a composite mixture containing 56 g dried bagasse fibers and 35 g corn starch, with additions of rose extract, glycerin, tea tree oil, and vegetable oil for improved flexibility. Mechanical performance was assessed through tensile testing using a calibrated Newton meter, while water absorption was measured after five-minute immersion in 250 mL of distilled water. Biodegradability was evaluated under soil burial conditions for up to eight days, and functional usability was tested through user evaluation with standard food loads.

Results: The mean corrected tensile load was 3.15 N, corresponding to a mean tensile strength of 1.26 × 10⁵ Pa (0.126 MPa). Moisture absorption averaged 14.89 mL, equivalent to 5.95% of initial volume, indicating moderate hydrophilicity. Complete biodegradation occurred within eight days under natural soil conditions, with oven-baked samples decomposing faster than air-dried ones. User assessments confirmed adequate mechanical support for food items, including up to three pizza slices without deformation.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that sugarcane bagasse–starch composites can serve as cost-effective, eco-friendly substitutes for conventional disposable plates. Although mechanical performance and biodegradability were satisfactory, further optimization of compaction pressure and adhesive concentration is needed to minimize porosity and moisture uptake, enhancing the material’s long-term stability and market potential.