Product Materials Guide
Everything you need to know about the materials used in ZenPacks eco-friendly packaging.
🌾 Sugarcane Bagasse
Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous residue left after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is a natural agricultural by-product transformed into durable, heat-resistant food service packaging.
Properties
- Heat resistance: Handles temperatures up to 120°C — suitable for hot soups, curries, and microwave reheating
- Liquid resistance: Naturally resistant to oil and moisture for typical use periods
- Strength: Comparable to polystyrene containers without the environmental harm
- Appearance: Natural off-white/cream colour, slightly textured
Disposal: Certified compostable to AS 4736 (industrial) and typically AS 5810 (home). Can also go in FOGO bins. Do not place in recycling.
🌽 PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a bioplastic derived from fermented plant starch — typically corn, cassava, or sugarcane. It looks and feels like conventional plastic but is made from renewable resources and is certified compostable under industrial composting conditions.
Properties
- Clarity: Crystal clear — ideal for cold drink cups, smoothie cups, and deli containers
- Temperature: Suitable for cold and room-temperature use only. Softens above 45–50°C
- Rigidity: Similar to standard plastic cups and containers
Disposal: Certified compostable to AS 4736. Industrial composting only — does not break down in home compost or recycling bins.
📦 Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is produced using a chemical pulping process that creates particularly strong paper. The brown colour comes from the natural lignin in the wood fibre. Our kraft paper is food-grade and sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Properties
- Strength: High tear resistance — suitable for bags that carry weight
- Breathability: Allows some air circulation — good for baked goods
- Printability: Excellent surface for printing — popular for branded bags
Disposal: Uncoated kraft: recyclable and compostable. Coated or heavily printed kraft: industrial composting or general waste.
🎋 Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, making it a highly renewable raw material. It requires no pesticides, regenerates from its own root system, and has a smaller environmental footprint than timber.
Properties
- Strength: Comparable to hardwood — excellent for cutlery and skewers
- Finish: Smooth, splinter-free, and naturally antimicrobial
- Aesthetic: Premium natural look that elevates food presentation
Disposal: Compostable in both home and industrial facilities. Bamboo cutlery takes longer to break down (3–6 months) than other materials.
🌿 Wood & Paper Straws
Our wooden stirrers and paper straws provide single-use convenience without the plastic pollution. Paper straws are made from FSC-certified paper with water-based adhesives.
Properties
- Durability: Paper straws hold up for 2–3 hours in cold drinks; wooden stirrers are rigid and strong
- Safety: Food-grade inks, water-based adhesives, no harmful chemicals
Disposal: Both home and industrial compostable. Paper straws can also go in paper recycling if clean.