France, May 18 -- In the sugar-growing regions of western Kenya, harvest season leaves behind more than just refined sugar.

After extracting the juice from sugar cane, large amounts of fibrous residue - known as bagasse - lie piled next to processing plants.

This residue is often treated as industrial waste - burned, discarded or used in low-value applications.

However, one manufacturer in Nairobi believes this waste could help address one of the world's fastest-growing environmental issues: single-use food packaging.

Green Stem Products is turning sugar cane residue into compostable takeaway containers to replace plastic food boxes, plates and trays.

As governments, restaurants and consumers look for alternatives to oil-based packag...