Why must pith be removed from bagasse before it is made into paper?

In the context of papermaking, bagasse—the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane juice extraction—consists of approximately 65 percent fiber, 25 percent pith cells, and 10 percent water-soluble materials.

The mechanical removal of a substantial proportion of the pith is an essential step in converting bagasse into satisfactory paper. This process is necessary because the pith cells are nonfibrous and do not contribute to the structural integrity or quality of the final paper product. By removing the pith prior to the pulping operation, manufacturers can ensure a higher-quality pulp, which is critical for producing paper that meets desired standards for strength and consistency.1