Eco-crafting: Utilizing sugar mill waste in construction innovations

Abstract

As environmental concerns and resource depletion intensify, finding sustainable construction materials is crucial. Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), a byproduct of the sugar industry, offers a promising alternative cementitious material. In India, approximately 44,220 tons of SCBA are generated daily, yet much remains unutilized due to limited research on its industrial availability. This study explores SCBA’s potential as a partial replacement for cement, assessing its availability and integration within the current cement production infrastructure. Through field surveys and literature review, the research identifies SCBA as a largely untapped resource with significant potential for reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. Key challenges include logistical and informational gaps in industrial use. To address these barriers, the study recommends incentivizing SCBA-focused research, enhancing industry awareness, implementing supportive policies, and investing in processing infrastructure. These measures can promote SCBA’s adoption, guiding stakeholders and policymakers toward a more sustainable, economically viable construction sector.

Keywords: Cement; sugarcane bagasse ash; sugar mill; sustainability