A Comprehensive Review on Sugarcane Bagasse in Food Packaging: Properties, Applications, and Future Prospects

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the potential of sugarcane bagasse as a sustainable alternative in the food packaging industry. The study analyses recent research on bagasse-based packaging materials, focusing on their composition, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and applications. Sugarcane bagasse, primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, offers promising characteristics for developing eco-friendly packaging solutions. The review highlights the enhancement of material properties through the incorporation of cellulose nanofibers and the formation of bio-composites. Various applications in rigid and flexible packaging, as well as active and intelligent packaging systems, are explored. The study also addresses challenges such as raw material variability, processing complexities, and limitations in barrier properties, even as bagasse-based materials demonstrate significant advantages in terms of biodegradability and environmental impact. The study identifies key areas for future research, including standardization of processing methods, improvement of barrier properties, and ensuring food safety compliance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential economic implications of adopting bagasse-based packaging materials and the need for life cycle assessments to fully understand their environmental impact. The integration of bagasse-derived components in advanced packaging technologies, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant systems, is also examined. Overall, this review underscores the significant potential of sugarcane bagasse in revolutionising food packaging, while emphasising the need for continued research and development to overcome existing limitations and optimise its properties for widespread industrial adoption