That’s what Emerald Brand hopes to accomplish with its new line of tree-free disposable products. Yesterday the supplier of eco-friendly disposables and cleaning supplies introduced its new products: 70 percent tree-free bath tissue, facial tissue and napkins, as well as 100 percent tree-free disposable plates.

Rather than using virgin or even recycled paper, the new products use Bagasse, the leftover residue from sugar cane juicing. Using Bagasse in new products reclaims an agricultural waste material and prevents the polluting gases created during Bagasse’s usual disposal – burning. It also takes less energy and fewer chemicals to produce Bagasse-products than it does to manufacture tree-based paper products.

In addition to their numerous environmental benefits, Emerald Brand’s new products are actually cheaper than traditional paper-based tissues and napkins, making them affordable for the company’s business customers.

“Our goal is to make going green an easy choice for businesses,” said R.J. Bianculli, director of the Paradigm Group, which owns the Emerald Brand. “The Emerald Brand allows companies to make the responsible decision without sacrificing room in their budget. It’s a win-win for businesses and the environment.”