DESPITE the large quantity of sugarcane grown in Australia, no bagasse is
pulped in the country. This is largely because of an established pulp industry
based on the abundant native hardwood resources. However, increasing demand
for fibre and the limited availability of additional forest areas make bagasse
pulping attractive. Issues relating to infrastructure and economics are discussed,
and scenarios of acceptable risk identified. It is shown that there should be scope
for the production of bleached bagasse pulp in Australia.