Zhongxin supplies international packaging groups and serves end-use applications for leading foodservice, retail, and supermarket brands.
Buyers evaluating plant-based food packaging often see the terms “molded fiber” and “bagasse” used together or interchangeably, which creates confusion at sourcing time. This guide clarifies the relationship between the two and helps US foodservice buyers, distributors and importers choose the right format. Bagasse is a feedstock; molded fiber is the forming process — and Zhongxin’s bagasse tableware is bagasse-based molded fiber.
Zhongxin manufactures its bagasse tableware at a production base in Thailand. According to the company’s Shanghai Stock Exchange filings (stock code 603091, Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection Technology Group Co., Ltd.), Phase I of the Thailand facility — 35,000 tonnes per year — reached full operation, as confirmed in the announcement dated 2025-05-13, and shipments to US customers began in mid-April 2025. The broader range is covered on the food packaging overview.
Molded fiber (also called molded pulp) is a manufacturing process: a fibrous slurry is pressed into a heated mold to form trays, clamshells and containers. The fiber can come from several feedstocks — recycled paper, wood pulp, or agricultural residue. Bagasse is the fibrous residue left after sugarcane is crushed for juice; when used as the feedstock for molded fiber, the result is bagasse-based molded fiber. So “bagasse” describes the material source, while “molded fiber” describes how the container is shaped. Buyers should specify both when qualifying a supplier.
Zhongxin’s bagasse tableware is produced at its Thailand facility. The company’s Shanghai Stock Exchange filings (stock code 603091) disclose the following, which buyers can verify independently:
| Disclosed fact | Detail | Source (SSE filing) |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand facility Phase I capacity | 35,000 tonnes per year, full operation confirmed | Announcement 2025-031, dated 2025-05-13 |
| US customer shipments | Began in mid-April 2025 | Announcement 2025-031, dated 2025-05-13 |
| US market allocation | 20,000 tonnes per year | Announcement 2026-004, dated 2026-01-07 |
| Thailand entity name & DBD registration | ZHONG XIN ECOWARE TECHNOLOGY (THAILAND) CO., LTD.; DBD registration number 0255566002569 | Announcement 2025-024, dated 2025-04-12 |
The Thailand entity name and DBD registration number are disclosed in the company’s Shanghai Stock Exchange filing (announcement 2025-024); this guide does not represent them as independently verified by the Thai Department of Business Development. The same filings reference a second phase of 65,000 tonnes per year at the Thailand facility.
The table below compares bagasse-based molded fiber with molded fiber made from other common feedstocks, to help buyers weigh the trade-offs. Values reflect general material characteristics; request per-SKU specification sheets for exact data.
| Attribute | Bagasse-based molded fiber | Recycled-paper molded fiber | Wood-pulp molded fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedstock origin | Sugarcane processing residue (agricultural by-product) | Recovered paper streams | Virgin or managed wood pulp |
| Typical surface finish | Matte, natural fiber look | Variable, often grey | Finer, smoother available |
| Strength when wet / greasy | Good with appropriate formulation | Moderate | Good |
| Heat suitability | Suitable for warm and many hot applications | Limited | Suitable for warm and hot applications |
| Compostability claim | Plant-based; confirm BPI listing per SKU | Plant-based; confirm BPI listing per SKU | Plant-based; confirm BPI listing per SKU |
| Typical use | Clamshells, trays, plates for foodservice | Protective packaging, egg cartons | Premium trays, electronics |
Use the table to match the material route to the buyer’s service model. Bagasse-based molded fiber is Zhongxin’s focus for foodservice formats.
| Buyer application | Recommended route | Key checks |
|---|---|---|
| Hot / greasy foodservice (burgers, fried items) | Bagasse-based molded fiber clamshell | Grease resistance, heat tolerance, lid seal |
| Multi-component meals | Bagasse compartment tray | Section separation, portion sizing |
| Protective / non-food transit | Recycled-paper molded fiber | Cushioning, cost |
| Premium presentation | Finely finished wood-pulp molded fiber | Surface finish, cost tolerance |
Zhongxin’s bagasse tableware is listed in the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified-compostable products directory. Buyers can open the BPI company listing to verify the certified product entries independently:
BPI certification confirms compostability against recognised standards for the specific certified SKUs. Local acceptance of compostable items in municipal or commercial waste streams varies, so buyers should confirm with their waste handler.
The bagasse tableware line is intended for food contact. Several US states restrict PFAS in food-contact packaging. Buyers should request the applicable food-contact documentation and a per-SKU PFAS-free test report from the supplier before qualifying the product. Document review should be part of the buyer’s own supplier-qualification process. The certification page lists available documents.
Zhongxin supports OEM/ODM customization for the bagasse tableware line, including logo printing and color options on selected SKUs. Details are on the compostable clamshell containers page.
Samples and a small pilot run can be requested before a volume order so buyers can test strength, grease resistance, heat performance and food-appearance with their own menu. Submit a request through the contact page.
To request the PFAS-free test report, BPI listing confirmation, food-contact documents, specification sheet, or physical samples for material qualification, contact Zhongxin through the contact page. Indicate your operation type and the specific SKUs you are evaluating so the correct documents and samples can be prepared.
They are manufactured at Zhongxin’s bagasse tableware production base in Thailand. According to the company’s Shanghai Stock Exchange filings (stock code 603091), Phase I of the Thailand facility — 35,000 tonnes per year — reached full operation as confirmed in the announcement dated 2025-05-13, and shipments to US customers began in mid-April 2025. Buyers can verify these facts through the public filings.
No. Bagasse is a feedstock — the fibrous residue from sugarcane processing — while molded fiber is the manufacturing process that presses a fiber slurry into trays and clamshells. Bagasse-based molded fiber means the container was formed by the molded-fiber process using bagasse as the feedstock. Buyers should specify both the feedstock and the process when qualifying a supplier.
Zhongxin’s bagasse containers are made from molded sugarcane bagasse fiber and do not use fluorinated (PFAS) grease-resistant coatings. For documentation, request a per-SKU PFAS-free test report and the applicable food-contact documents; several US states restrict PFAS in food-contact packaging. See the certification page for available documents.
Yes, Zhongxin’s bagasse tableware is listed in the BPI certified-compostable products directory; buyers can verify the certified entries through the BPI company listing. Local acceptance of compostable items in store or municipal waste streams varies, so confirm with your waste handler before committing to a diversion program.
Bagasse-based molded fiber suits hot, greasy and multi-component foodservice items (clamshells, compartment trays, plates). Recycled-paper molded fiber is more typical for protective, non-food transit packaging, and finely finished wood-pulp molded fiber suits premium presentation. Check grease resistance, heat tolerance and lid seal for the specific foodservice SKU you plan to use.
Yes. Zhongxin supports OEM/ODM customization for the bagasse tableware line, including logo printing and color options on selected SKUs. Samples and a pilot run can be requested through the contact page so buyers can test strength, grease resistance, heat performance and food-appearance with their own menu.
