Packaging Made From Sugarcane
Packaging Made From Sugarcane
Sustainably grown, carbon sequestering, and recyclable
Sugarcane Packaging
At EcoEnclose, we evaluate every material through the lens of circularity. Sustainably grown sugarcane packaging stands out as a promising choice: fast-growing, carbon-sequestering, and recyclable.
What Is Sugarcane Packaging?
Sugarcane packaging is made from sugarcane-derived polyethylene (PE), a plant-based material that is functionally similar to plastics commonly used in eCommerce (LDPE #4). It is:
- Made from a renewable source
- Considered a viable drop-in replacement for virgin plastic
- Bio-based, but structurally identical to petroleum-based plastics, which allows it to be thin-film recyclable
Go From Sample to Full-Scale Production
Contact us to place a case order or explore high-volume sugarcane packaging options.
Champion Circularity with Sugarcane Packaging
Switching to sugarcane packaging means taking a step toward meeting your business’s sustainability goals. By using sugarcane packaging, you help drive demand for sustainable materials. Every order supports the development of a circular packaging economy (our north star) and presents plant-based packaging as a viable, mainstream alternative. Complete the form below to discuss your sustainable packaging needs.
How to Dispose of Sugarcane Packaging
Sugarcane packaging is thin-film recyclable like grocery bags. Simply drop it off at any store that accepts plastic bags and film. Remember, proper disposal helps support a more circular packaging economy.
Sugarcane Packaging
Why It’s Promising
EcoEnclose’s north star is packaging circularity—packaging made from packaging, designed to become packaging again, and produced from raw materials that are net positive for the planet.
Our vision for ideal bioplastics would be ones that are derived from sources whose production has a net positive impact on the planet and are designed for recyclability. While there is currently no perfect bioplastic, sustainably sourced sugarcane packaging shows strong potential:
- Many lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools consider it a carbon-sequestering plastic, helping brands meet their carbon neutrality goals.
- Sugarcane can be combined with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) derived from any source, and recycled within existing PE, PET, and PP recycling streams.
- The resin is responsibly sourced from Bonsucro-certified growers.
We recognize that sugarcane production, like all large-scale monocropping, can pose risks such as land use conversion and deforestation. EcoEnclose is committed to responsibly sourcing bio-based alternatives to minimize the impact on forests, soil, and waterways.
An Investment in the Future of Sustainable Packaging
EcoEnclose invests in bringing emerging, sustainable materials forward, helping brands adopt innovations that could shape the future of packaging. Turning promising innovations like sugarcane packaging into mainstream solutions requires early adopters who:
- Are comfortable with risk in the name of progress
- Have customers who are excited about sustainability innovation
- Can make minor operations changes to accommodate new materials
- Can make nuanced decisions based on the progress versus perfection tradeoff
How is sugarcane packaging produced?
Is sugarcane packaging more sustainable than virgin plastic packaging?
Research has shown that sugarcane packaging has the potential to replace virgin plastic packaging. The table below compares sugarcane-derived PE packaging with fossil-based PE.
| Sugarcane Packaging | Virgin Plastic Packaging |
|---|---|
| Made from ethanol fermented from sugarcane (a renewable crop) | Derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource |
| Potential to be carbon neutral or even carbon negative | Releases carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to GHG emissions |
| Drop-in replacement for LDPE, so it fully fits into existing recycling streams | Also recyclable |
| Can support regenerative agriculture and lower emissions when responsibly grown | The plastic production process (including extraction, refining, and manufacturing) threatens all ecosystems |
Is sugarcane packaging recyclable?
Is sugarcane packaging biodegradable or compostable?
Can sugarcane packaging withstand moisture or freezer storage?
What can you use EcoEnclose’s sugarcane packaging for?
EcoEnclose’s sugarcane packaging is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- Poly mailers for shipping eCommerce goods, food items, and more
- Protective inner packaging for added durability during transit
- Return packaging that supports more circular shipping
- And much more!
Explore our Packaging Innovations
Bags made with sustainably produced sugarcane are just the tip of the iceberg.