Question

Name two by-products of the sugar industry. Give one use of each.

Answer 1

1. Besides providing sugar, gur and khandsari, it also supplies molasses, bagasse, and press mud.
2. Molasses is obtained in the process of sugar manufacture involving repeated crystallisation and centrifugation. It is used in the alcohol industry for the distillation of liquor (rum), power alcohol, etc. It is also used in the production of certain chemicals and synthetic rubber.
3. Bagasse, the leftover cane after crushing, is used for producing steam, which is used as a source of power for the sugar industry. It is also used for making cardboard, paper and insulation boards.
4. Press mud is used for making wax, carbon paper and shoe polish.