Why we need to talk about alternatives to wood and plastic

Plastic packaging has been a serious environmental issue for decades: difficult to degrade, often single-use, and with severe consequences for nature and human health. At the same time, traditional paper packaging isn’t always a safe bet either – although wood is renewable, it often doesn't grow back fast enough.
More than 400 million tonnes of paper are produced globally each year. A large proportion still comes from virgin fibres, often requiring deforestation. The production of pulp also consumes significant amounts of energy and chemicals.
So the question arises: is there a more resource-efficient way – without plastic and without trees?

What is sugarcane paper?

Sugarcane paper is made from bagasse – the fibrous residue left over after sugarcane is processed. Bagasse is not a primary raw material, but a by-product of sugar production. In fact, it’s a waste product that is often burned or composted.
Around 650 million tonnes of bagasse are generated globally each year – a huge amount of unused cellulose. When properly processed, it can be turned into high-quality paper – without requiring extra land or new monocultures.
Sugarcane grows much faster than trees: the plant is ready for harvest after just 13 months. This makes it possible to produce large quantities of fibre in a short time – sustainably and efficiently.

Advantages of sugarcane paper at a glance

• 100% upcycled material: No additional planting, no deforestation.
• Fast-growing: Harvest cycles of around one year.
• Good CO₂ balance: Local processing reduces transport emissions.
• Versatile: Available in different strengths, suitable for food packaging.
• Recyclable: High-quality bagasse paper can be disposed of via standard paper recycling.

Sustainability starts with cultivation – and doesn’t end with disposal

A sustainable product is more than just the material it’s made from. Manufacturing, transport, waste management, and especially the social context all play important roles.

If sugarcane paper is produced close to the plantations, it not only reduces emissions, but also creates local value. This helps secure jobs and support infrastructure – without putting strain on existing ecosystems.

Thanks to its properties, sugarcane paper can also replace plastic packaging in many cases – for example, in bakery, takeaway or frozen food packaging.

Putting it into practice: NGP Sugarcane by NextGenPaper

At NextGenPaper, we’ve harnessed the advantages of sugarcane paper to develop NGP Sugarcane – a packaging paper that’s ecological, functional, and socially responsible.

NGP Sugarcane is made from bagasse and contains no optical brighteners, bleaching agents or colour chemicals. The material is tree-free, recyclable, and food-safe (ISEGA-certified). It also contains no mineral oil residues (MOSH/MOAH) – a crucial factor in food packaging.

NGP Sugarcane is produced in the Cauca Valley in Colombia, one of South America's largest sugarcane-growing regions. Processing takes place close to the plantations, which significantly improves the CO₂ footprint. Compared to conventional wood-based papers, one tonne of NGP Sugarcane saves around eight trees – a remarkable ecological benefit.

Social responsibility: Working with local foundations

At NextGenPaper, sustainability also means taking social responsibility. That’s why our commercial activities in Colombia directly support local foundations focused on education, health, and community development.

Among the supported initiatives are:

• Fundación Carvajal: Dedicated to promoting education, entrepreneurship, culture and social integration – with a strong focus on programmes for children and young people in rural areas.
• Fundación Propal: Supports communities in areas such as environmental education, water access, healthcare, and social development. Women’s empowerment and vocational training are also key priorities.
   

Through these partnerships, we aim to ensure that sustainable products also lead to sustainable living conditions – for the people who work with and benefit from them.

Conclusion: More than just paper

Sugarcane paper like NGP Sugarcane is more than a packaging solution – it’s a step towards truly sustainable business. Ecological thanks to upcycling and short transport routes, social through local engagement, and functional thanks to its wide range of uses.

At NextGenPaper, we believe packaging of the future must do more than just protect. It must be part of the solution – for the environment, society, and the economy.

And that’s exactly what we’re working on.

Want to learn more or try a sample of NGP Sugarcane?
👉 Get in touch with us today or start developing your own packaging solution with us.