At Bagaceira, we redefine organic waste into a multitude of material possibilities—transforming sugarcane bagasse into vibrant, functional, durable and biodegradable materials for interior design.
At Bagaceira, we redefine organic waste into a multitude of material possibilities—transforming sugarcane bagasse into vibrant, functional, durable and biodegradable materials for interior design.
BA • GA • SEY • RA
Translated literally from portuguese, it means the pile of “bagasse” or organic waste left over after the extraction of sugarcane juice. In Brazil, the word has multiple meanings: a wild party that goes until dawn; the rough hangover that follows; a tangled hairdo; a sticky situation or someone who is bad-ass and ready to rock n’ roll. The word is alive; it sparks emotion. Linguistic creativity transforms a simple image of a messy pile of organic trash into a variety of unexpected characters and contexts.
At Bagaceira, we embrace the word's transformative spirit.
BA • GA • SEY • RA
Translated literally from portuguese, it means the pile of “bagasse” or organic waste left over after the extraction of sugarcane juice. In Brazil, the word has multiple meanings: a wild party that goes until dawn; the rough hangover that follows; a tangled hairdo; a sticky situation or someone who is bad-ass and ready to rock n’ roll. The word is alive; it sparks emotion. Linguistic creativity transforms a simple image of a messy pile of organic trash into a variety of unexpected characters and contexts.
At Bagaceira, we embrace the word's transformative spirit.
The Spark
Amidst the endless sugarcane fields of São Paulo state, standing in line for a glass of fresh sugarcane juice or "caldo de cana", an idea began to form. With each press of the cane, the mound of fibrous waste grew taller—overlooked and cast aside. Chatting beside the tangled mountain of crushed fibers, a question arose:"Could this waste become something more—something functional, beautiful, and lasting?" That simple thought set Bagaceira in motion: a journey to redefine agricultural waste into high-value materials for interior design and architecture, proving that sustainable practices can be bold, dynamic, and full of creative potential.
Our Process
At Bagaceira, we see waste as an opportunity. Working between Granada and Barcelona, we transform sugarcane fibers into interior products that celebrate craftsmanship, circularity, and resourcefulness—offering architects and designers high-performance, low-carbon alternatives that bring warmth, comfort, and expression to interior spaces.
The studio was founded by designer and material researcher Julia Steketee and sustainability researcher, Igor Barboza. With Julia’s background in furniture design, craft, and bio-material development and Igor’s experience in natural resource management and bio-economy research, they established Bagaceira as a space for experimentation, research, design, and development.
Bagaceira's approach blends natural building techniques, scientific methodologies, and the principles of circular economy and regenerative design—bridging tradition with innovation.
Our Materials
We source our bagasse from El Mondero, a rum factory in Andalusia’s Costa Tropical, giving new life to this fibrous waste. By combining it with biodegradable plant, algae, and mineral binders, along with natural clay pigments, we create materials that are both functional and expressive.
These elements are mixed and cast into 2D and 3D forms, with each material recipe tailored for specific applications—offering architects and designers high-performance, low-carbon alternatives that bring warmth, comfort, and character to interior spaces.
Our Materials
We source our bagasse from El Mondero, a rum factory in Andalusia’s Costa Tropical, giving new life to this fibrous waste. By combining it with biodegradable plant, algae, and mineral binders, along with natural clay pigments, we create materials that are both functional and expressive.
These elements are mixed and cast into 2D and 3D forms, with each material recipe tailored for specific applications—offering architects and designers high-performance, low-carbon alternatives that bring warmth, comfort, and character to interior spaces.
Life Cycle Design
We think, design, and build in cycles. Each piece we create is part of a circular system—one that values resources, minimizes waste, and rethinks traditional consumption.
Our products are made to last, and because they are crafted from sugarcane waste, they store the COâ‚‚ captured during the cane’s growing cycle inside the material for decades.
If damaged, they can be broken down and recast into new forms, extending their lifespan. And when they finally reach the end of their cycle, their 100% biodegradable composition allows them to be safely composted, returning nutrients to the soil and closing the loop.
Learning in Community
Whether it's through hands-on learning, creative exchange, or partnerships with universities and small-scale producers, we believe ideas are meant to be shared.
We host practical workshops, inviting participants to discover the principles of bio-based design while engaging in hands-on material exploration. By working directly with fibers, binders, and natural pigments, they learn how to apply circular economy principles in a tangible, creative way.
By sharing knowledge and shifting perspectives, we hope to inspire new ways of thinking about materials, waste, and design’s role in a regenerative future.
JULIA STEKETEE
LEAD DESIGNER & MATERIAL RESEARCHER
IGOR BARBOZA
RESEARCHER & COMMUNITY STRATEGIST