Xylose-rich liquid effluents generated by the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse for production of dissolving pulp were converted to xylitol, a highly valued chemical specialty, via catalytic hydrogenation over Ru/C. From the eco-efficiency standpoint, this initiative emerges as an attractive way to promote a chemical valorisation of bagasse dissolving pulp wastewaters. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.