From Residue to Resource: Transforming Sugarcane Waste into new materials

Discover a practical approach to eco-friendly and resource-efficient design! In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn one of Florida’s most abundant agricultural byproducts—sugarcane bagasse—into useful, eco-friendly materials and art. Sourced directly from local Miami eateries and juice stands, this fibrous waste from sugarcane is often discarded or burned, contributing to greenhouse gases. Here, we’ll explore ways to reimagine this “waste” as a valuable resource.

Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore bio-based materials and how they can support a circular economy. Together, we’ll work with natural binders like algae, plant starches, and citric acid to create biodegradable, compostable materials. 

This event is supported by The Puffin Foundation and Moonlighter FabLab.

Introduction: We’ll begin by introducing core concepts around bio-based materials and circular design, unpacking terms like “biodegradable” and “compostable” to clarify their impact on eco-friendly practices.

Hands-On Material Library Tour: Explore Bagaceira Project’s extensive collection of renewable materials all made with sugarcane bagasse and natural binders and additives. You’ll have the chance to examine various types, understanding the unique properties of each.

Material Mixing and Molding: We’ll blend sugarcane bagasse with natural binders to create multiple types of materials. This hands-on session will allow you to experiment with fibers, biopolymers, and composites.

Break for Lunch 1pm-2pm

Collaborative Project Planning: Together, we’ll brainstorm and draft designs for a group art piece or installation, imagining ways to combine the materials crafted in the workshop into a unique structure or wall piece.

Construction & Assembly: Using a combination of hand tools and makerspace equipment, including a laser cutter, we’ll bring our designs to life, merging our materials into a cohesive and collaborative piece.

Reflection & Group Discussion: We’ll close with an open discussion about material design and innovation and its role in fostering circular economies. We invite other artists, makers, researchers or activists and members of the Makerspace community to share thoughts, concerns or insights on how to promote more sustainable and eco-friendly production systems in Miami and beyond. You can sign up to join the conversation and visit the exhibition for free!

The end of the day will culminate with a presentation that is open to the public from 5pm-6pm. Throughout the workshop, visitors are welcome to interact with Bagaceira Project’s materials library. The library features sugarcane bagasse-based material samples such as bioplastics, fiberboards, and mycelium composites, non-woven textiles, and paper products. The exhibit includes descriptive details on the natural binders used, demonstrating the plethora of possibilities that nature has to offer.

About the Organizers:

Bagaceira Project  is a material research and design practice that explores how sugarcane waste (bagasse) can be transformed into materials and products for interior design and interior architecture. Julia Steketee founded the project in 2023 and advances the practice through artistic and industry collaborations, research partnerships and workshops. 

Julia Steketee is an artist, designer, bio-based material researcher and founder of the Bagaceira Project. Her creative practice combines traditional craft and bio-construction techniques, scientific methodologies and the principles of circular economy.

Igor Barboza is a social innovation and bio-economy researcher with a focus on tropical ecosystems.

Host or Publisher Moonlighter FabLab