What is bagasse and how is it used after sugarcane juice is removed?

Bagasse is the fibrous residue that remains after the sugar-bearing juice has been extracted from sugarcane stalks. While the term historically referred to various types of plant refuse, in modern industry, it is specifically recognized as a by-product of the sugarcane milling process.123

Because it is readily available and contains high levels of cellulose, bagasse is a versatile material with several industrial applications:

• Energy Source: It is widely burned as fuel within sugarcane factories to power operations, serving as an efficient energy alternative to fuel oil.41
• Manufacturing: It is used as a filler for paper, particleboard, and fibreboard, particularly in regions with limited forest resources. It also serves as a base for construction materials like acoustical tiles and biodegradable plastics.41
• Chemical Production: Bagasse is employed to produce furfural, a chemical used in the synthesis of solvents, medicines, and nylons.1
• Biofuel: It is increasingly utilized as a sustainable source for biofuel production, including cellulosic ethanol.13

Note that handling bagasse requires care, as inhaling its dust can lead to a respiratory disease known as bagassosis.1