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CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter contains the literature review and studies that will support our study along with the

other parts that will give our research credibility as well as validity.

FOREIGN

According to Vinay et al. (2024). Growing environmental awareness among individuals and

regulatory bodies has driven a shift toward biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials.

However, one challenge with biodegradable materials is their relatively weak mechanical strength,

prompting material scientists to seek solutions to overcome this limitation.

Banana pseudostem (BPS), an agricultural byproduct, presents an opportunity for value

addition, benefiting the farming community economically. The fiber extracted from BPS exhibits

excellent mechanical strength and biodegradability, with its properties largely influenced by the

extraction method and the type of fiber present in the plant. BPS is composed of approximately

31.27% cellulose and 14.98% hemicellulose, making it a suitable raw material for fiber extraction

and packaging applications. Various packaging materials, including grease-proof paper, regular

paper, films, laminates, nanocrystals, and nanofibers, have been developed from BPS fiber.

Nanocellulose and nanofibers hold significant promise for packaging innovations due to their

unique morphology, high aspect ratio, low cost, lightweight nature, superior barrier properties, and

surface energy. The incorporation of BPS fibers into films has been shown to enhance mechanical

properties and thermal stability, further improving their potential for sustainable packaging

solutions.

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 Sreekumar et al. (2022). Banana is a widely cultivated tropical and subtropical fruit crop grown

across the globe. India holds the distinction of being the largest producer and consumer of bananas,

accounting for approximately 30.46 million tons in 2019 contributing around 23% of global production.

The primary banana-producing states in India include Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat,

Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. In the Indian subcontinent, the fruit is

commonly referred to as Kela, while it has regional names such as Vazhappazham in Kerala,

Vazhakkai in Tamil Nadu, Aratipandu in Andhra Pradesh, Kola in Bengali, and Kol in Assam.

Banana is a large, perennial, monocotyledonous herbaceous plant that can grow up to 9 meters tall,

with a long pseudostem emerging from underground rhizomes. The plant has large, oval, elongated,

dark green leaves, each producing a single inflorescence. Its fruits are oblong, fleshy, and contain

small black seeds. All parts of the banana plant—including the fruit, leaves, pseudostem, rhizomes,

and inflorescence—have various uses, earning it the Sanskrit title Kalpatharu, meaning

"wish-granting tree". Traditionally, the banana plant has been used for medicinal purposes. Its

leaves are utilized for cooking, wrapping, and serving food in certain cultural practices. The

pseudostem and inflorescence are used as ingredients in traditional cuisines, while the rhizomes

and the outer layer of the pseudostem serve as animal feed. The fruit is consumed both raw and

ripe—often used in desserts and breakfast dishes—while unripe bananas are commonly used in

curries, fried chips, and other savory dishes. Various banana species have been reported to be rich

in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals, particularly potassium.Although bananas are

primarily cultivated for their fruit, other plant parts, such as leaves, inflorescence, pseudostem,

peels, and rhizomes, are often discarded. However, these components are now being recognized

as valuable byproducts of banana cultivation. For every ton of banana fruit harvested,

approximately four tons of biomass waste—including rotten fruit, leaves, pseudostem, rhizomes,

and fruit bunch stems—are generated. On average, banana pseudostem waste alone amounts to
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60 to 80 tons per hectare.

Despite its potential, there are challenges in utilizing banana pseudostem and inflorescence.

While they are considered vegetables in some cultures, their acceptance is relatively limited

compared to other leafy greens due to factors such as discoloration and taste. The surface of the

pseudostem is prone to browning after harvest, affecting its sensory appeal and economic value.

Karthika et al. (2020). Banana is a widely cultivated fruit crop grown in tropical and subtropical

regions across the world, with its fruits consumed globally. The banana plant is valued for its

multiple uses, as almost all parts of the plant serve various purposes. Both ripe and unripe fruits, as

well as flowers and the inner core (pith), are edible. Meanwhile, the leaves, sap, and pseudostem

fibers are utilized for non-edible applications, either in their raw form or processed into value-added

products. The fibers extracted from the banana pseudostem are composed of cellulose,

hemicellulose, lignin, and ash, with their composition varying depending on the species. In

comparison, banana leaf fibers tend to have a higher hemicellulose content than pseudostem fibers.

The physical and chemical properties of these fibers are influenced by the plant part used (either

leaves or leaf sheaths from the pseudostem) and the method of extraction.

Banana fibers hold significant market value, often exceeding that of fibers derived from flax

and hemp. As a result, after banana fruit harvest, the pseudostem—typically regarded as

agricultural waste—has the potential to generate additional income for farmers. This is particularly

viable if fiber pre-processing is carried out at the farm level, enabling better utilization of this

valuable byproduct.

LOCAL

Unal et al. (2022). Agricultural waste of banana plant cultivated for only fruit production
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generally increases in each year due to the increment of banana cultivation to fulfill the need of

increased world population. Because of its easy accessibility, renewability, biodegradability, and

sustainability, the areas of use of banana fibers, which are especially preferred in composite

materials, are increasing day by day. Banana fiber, ligno-cellulosic fiber, which has superior

physical and mechanical properties, are now plays a role in several different applications in many

different fields such as textile, composite, paper, construction, thermal insulation, automotive and

transportation, etc. Moreover, banana fibers can also be used in the production of clothing such as

t-shirts, shirts, kaftans, kimonos, etc., and carpets, bags, handbags, wallets, purses, belts, shoes,

ornaments, souvenirs, handicraft products, sanitary pads, etc. Banana fiber, whose popularity has

increased recently, also appears in making different products.

Poonia and Arya (2022). This has contributed to the development of extra attention on the use

of material based on natural fibers. It can lessen the reliance on petroleum resources which causes

several environmental problems. These types of fibers are sustainable and biodegradable, thereby

reducing the environmental carbon footprint. Banana fiber is a natural fibers finds applications in

various fields, from agriculture to automotive. It is used in the development of various types of

products such as bag, rope, card age, sanitary napkin etc. Thus, environmental friendly material

has gained critical significance because of the need to protect our climate.

Dawn and Paredes (2020). This dissertation investigates the interplay between externalized

costs and surplus value in the production of a globally beloved and prototypically cheap commodity,

the banana. Based on 24 months of immersive ethnographic research, it tracks the dramatic shifts

that occur between the Southern Philippine region of Mindanao, where export bananas are among

the most resource-intensive of all agricultural industries, to Japanese urban centers in Tokyo and

Fukuoka, where they are ubiquitous supermarket staples that sell for cheap. Like all long-distance
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traders, Filipino exporters and their Japanese importers rely on the strategies of supply chain

management to promote predictability, contain disruptions, and orchestrate alignment between

institutions. While their notions of the supply chain render the commodity as a singular and static

object, this dissertation argues that understanding how human and environmental externalities

become sources of capital accumulation demands an approach that sees any given commodity as

fundamentally multiple and shape-shifting. This dissertation therefore chronicles how local actors

on the plantation’s periphery and the market’s margins reinsert themselves into the very

calculations that efface them.

FOREIGN

According to Samarasinghe et al. (2021). Improper disposal of agricultural waste not only

contributes to environmental pollution but also leads to the loss of valuable renewable resources.

Recycling and repurposing agricultural waste play a crucial role in promoting environmental

sustainability in agriculture. Urban gardens, which provide affordable and fresh produce, are

essential for ensuring food and nutritional security for city dwellers. To expand and promote urban

gardening within limited spaces, it is vital to introduce low-cost and easily accessible materials.

Therefore, identifying cost-effective alternatives to expensive growing media is necessary for urban

gardening. With this objective, a study was conducted at the University of Colombo Institute for

Agro Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS) in Weligatta to develop grow bags using banana

pseudostem (BPS) as a growing medium for plant cultivation. Previous research identified a

mixture of BPS with one-third coir dust (CD) as an effective substrate for nursery plant growth.

Building on these findings, the current study aimed to create a grow bag suitable for vertical farming

in confined spaces. To achieve this, approximately 300g of dried and pulverized BPS was mixed

with 100g of CD and packed into square (12” x 7”) and round (12” height and 8” diameter) black

polythene bags. These bags were placed into wooden and steel molds of the same dimensions and
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then compressed using a specially designed device to form compacted grow bags. This

compression process enhances ease of handling, commercial transportation, and vertical farming

installation. The effectiveness of these grow bags was evaluated by growing brinjal seedlings in a

completely randomized design with five replicates, compared to commercially available coconut

fiber blocks. Various growth parameters, including germination rate, seedling height, number of

leaves, root length, wet biomass, and seedling survival, were assessed 21 days after sowing. The

results showed no significant differences between treatments, indicating that the grow bags

containing a 3:1 ratio of BPS to CD performed equally well as commercial coconut fiber grow bags

in supporting seedling growth.

Iqbal et al. (2023). In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the use of

natural plant fibers, which are gaining preference over synthetic alternatives due to their

biodegradable properties, renewable nature, lightweight structure, and superior biochemical and

tensile qualities. Among these, banana fiber is particularly significant because of the widespread

cultivation and utilization of bananas worldwide. Various parts of the banana plant, including the

fruit, peel, flower buds, leaves, and pseudostem (banana trunk), serve multiple industrial purposes.

The pseudostem, which comprises a large portion of banana waste biomass, contains high-quality

fiber with great potential for diverse industrial applications. These include the manufacturing of

sanitary products, textiles, pulp and paper, food items, reinforced composites for the automotive

and construction industries, aerospace components, and other composite materials. Furthermore,

the residual waste from banana fiber production can be repurposed to develop bio-based products,

contributing to economic growth. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for various

stakeholders, including farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and government

agencies, to support informed decision-making and foster socioeconomic development.

Munishamanna et al. (2020). Banana is one of the major fruit crops cultivated across almost all
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states in India and ranks as the fourth most important staple food worldwide, following rice, wheat,

and corn. In addition to its fruit, banana cultivation produces a substantial amount of biomass in the

form of pseudostems, leaves, and suckers. However, in most Indian states, the pseudostem

remains largely unutilized and is often treated as waste. The banana pseudostem is a thick stalk

that emerges from the ground, providing structural support to the herbaceous plant. The inner

portion of this fibrous stalk, known as the banana central core, is edible and highly nutritious. It is

rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6, which contribute to the treatment of ulcers and aid in the

development of sports drinks that support muscle health, hemoglobin production, and insulin

regulation. In Ayurvedic medicine, banana pseudostem is valued for its role in weight management

and overall health benefits, including its diuretic properties and ability to prevent kidney stones.

Traditionally, banana stem juice has been used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and

diabetes, while also exhibiting antioxidant properties. Additionally, it is a well-known remedy for

urinary disorders and is believed to help in the removal of kidney, gallbladder, and prostate stones,

as well as in managing neurological conditions like epilepsy and hysteria. Several value-added

products have been developed from banana pseudostem, including fiber, yarn, fabrics,

vermicompost, liquid fertilizers, high-quality paper, candy, and pickles. Advanced equipment for

post-harvest processing of the pseudostem and central core, such as slicers, dicers, fiber

extraction units, water removal systems, juicers, grinders, and juice squeezers, are available.

Technologies have also been developed for the minimal processing of banana central core, as well

as for producing ready-to-serve (RTS) beverages, candy, and pickles. Additionally, studies indicate

that microbial fermentation of the pseudostem core can be utilized for bioethanol production, further

enhancing its commercial potential.

LOCAL

According to Sanchez et al. (2023). This study aims to create an alternative hydrophobic paper
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bag using taro leaves and banana pseudo-stems, applying different coating concentrations—one,

two, and three layers of bio-wax from taro leaves and petroleum jelly. The results indicate that both

bio-wax and petroleum jelly coatings significantly influenced the tensile strength (TS) and

elongation at break (EAB) of the samples, while the paper bags exhibited rapid degradation. Water

absorption analysis (P ≤ 0.05) showed notable differences, with absorption rates recorded at

72.65% for T1, 71.27% for T2, and 52.78% for T3 at 25°C. Additionally, applying three layers of

bio-wax and petroleum jelly enhanced the hydrophobic properties of the samples. Overall, T3 was

identified as the most effective treatment. The study concludes that taro leaves and banana

pseudo-stem fibers have strong potential as materials for producing hydrophobic paper bags.

Moreover according to Abes et al. (2019). The in situ degradation of banana pseudostem (BPS)

and water hyacinth (WH) in cannulated dairy cattle was examined. The samples were first dried,

ground, and placed into digestion bags before being incubated in the rumen of the cannulated

cattle for periods of 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The findings revealed that the dry matter (DM)

degradable fractions in BPS and WH were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to Napier grass

(NG). Among the samples, BPS exhibited the highest degradable organic matter (OM) fractions,

suggesting that it provides more readily available OM for rumen microorganisms. However, the

degradable fractions of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar across all feed samples. Analysis

of the degradation curves indicated that BPS had the highest DM degradability, reaching 80% at 12

hours. By the end of the 72-hour period, the total degraded DM was comparable across all

treatments.

Banana pseudostems (BPS), which make up approximately 60% of a banana plant’s total

mass, are often discarded as waste on banana farms after each harvest. Due to the favorable

properties of BPS fibers for pulp, paper, and composite applications, a patented technology has

been developed to transform BPS into molded clamshells for food packaging and liquid Musa
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fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of this process, a life cycle assessment (LCA)

was conducted on the simultaneous production of food packaging and fertilizer from BPS. Data on

material and energy flows were gathered from a demonstration plant, and their environmental

impacts were assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 model with a reference unit of 1000 kg of BPS

waste.

The study found that co-producing clamshells and fertilizer from BPS resulted in a lower

environmental burden compared to traditional production methods for both products. When

compared to conventional alternatives—expanded polystyrene (EPS) clamshells and urea

ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer—the PPY clamshell showed 1.6 to 4.2 times higher scores in 7

out of 18 midpoint indicators, whereas Musa fertilizer exhibited an environmental impact reduction

of 4% to 99% across all indicators relative to UAN fertilizer. Additionally, reducing the transportation

distance between farms and the processing plant by 50% led to a decrease in toxicity and land use

impacts by up to 47%. The plant's location also played a significant role in environmental impact, as

the electricity grid powering operations was a key factor in life cycle effects. Utilizing renewable

energy sources is strongly recommended to mitigate the environmental impact of energy-intensive

processes such as pulp refining and molding.

Overall, the findings suggest that this patented technology offers an environmentally

sustainable alternative for producing food packaging and fertilizer. According to Castillo et al.

(2023).

Conceptual Framework

The focus of this study is The Beneficial Effect of Banana Pseudo-stem as a Paper Bag.

Conceptual framewrok has three parts; the input, process and output.

Input is where the problems are discussed. As what condiserable/factor can be utilized to
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make banana pseudo-stem as a paper bag, what are the effects of making paper bags using

banana pseudo-stem. Technically, how do the quality of paper bags made from banana

pseudo-stem reliable. Forming these questions to also discover different products can be made

through banana pseudo-stem.

Process will show how the problems can be solved. By implementing ways how we should

gather data appropriately for our study. Distribution of questionnaires is one of our ways in finding

answer or solution. It is a step by step execution. Through undergoing process we will be able to

know small details or informations we needed for our study.

Output, it is where you can see the possible outcome of the solutions we created. We can

determine here if our formulated solutions are accurate and applicable for our study.

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Conceptual Paradigm

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The use of banana pseudostem as an alternative material for paper bags is based on both

existing theories and the unique insights influenced by this study. D. H. Page’s (1969) theory on the

tensile strength of paper serves as a foundation for understanding the mechanical durability

required for the paper bags to withstand practical use in supermarkets and stores. This theory

ensures that the material meets the strength and functionality standards necessary for such

applications. Additionally , h. W. Emerton’s (1957) theory on the beating process provides crucial

guidance on optimizing the mechanical treatment of the pulp, which is essential for improving fiber

bonding and flexibility in banana pseudostem. This enhances the quality and functionality of the

paper bags. Moreover, hongzhang Chen’s (2014) insights into biotechnology of lignocellulose

delves into the chemical properties of banana pseudostem, exploring how biotechnological

innovations can optimize the use of lignocellulosic material, reducing environmental impact.

Building on these established theories, this research proposes a unique theory that the optimal

mechanical and biotechnological treatment of banana pseudostem pulp will not only meet industry

standards for tensile strength and durability but also offer a cost-effective and sustainable

alternative to traditional paper and plastic bags. This theory hypothesize that banana pseudostem,

when processed with specific attention to the beating and lignocellulose treatment, can surpass

other materials in both environmental sustainability and practical utility, especially within the

economic and environmental landscape of Tabaco City. This conclusion provides a pathway for

more localized, eco-friendly production methods that can be scaled to address larger

environmental concerns in the paper and packaging industry.

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 The Beating Process Theory by H.W. Emerton (1957) emphasizes how mechanical treatments

improve pulp quality by enhancing fiber bonding and flexibility. This theory is essential in

understanding how processing the banana pseudostem can result in stronger and more durable

paper.

Hongfang Chen’s Biotechnology of Lignocellulose Theory (2014) examines the chemical

properties of lignocellulosic materials, highlighting how biotechnology can transform agricultural

byproducts into sustainable products. This provides the foundation for processing banana

pseudostem into paper bags while addressing environmental concerns.

D.H. Page’s Tensile Strength Theory (1969) further supports this study by explaining how the

strength of paper depends on the quality of fiber bonding. This ensures that the paper bags

produced can withstand the demands of practical use, such as carrying heavy items in

supermarkets.

Nissan’s Hydrogen Bonding Theory (1990) explains how hydrogen bonds between cellulose

fibers contribute to the mechanical durability of paper. This theory is crucial in understanding how

moisture levels and environmental conditions affect the paper’s strength, flexibility, and overall

performance. By analyzing hydrogen bonding, this study ensures that banana pseudostem-based

paper bags can maintain their durability in different storage and usage conditions.

Hopkins and Ranger’s Delamination Theory (1973) focuses on how the layered structure of paper

impacts its resistance to tearing. This theory suggests that strong fiber bonding is necessary to

prevent delamination, which occurs when paper layers peel apart under stress. Applying this
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concept ensures that the developed paper bags possess the mechanical integrity needed for

practical applications.

By integrating these theories, this study establishes a strong foundation for understanding the

mechanical, chemical, and environmental factors needed to produce durable, eco-friendly paper

bags from banana pseudostem pulp

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THEORETICAL PARADIGM

16
 GAP BRIDGE

This research entitled The Beneficial Effects of Banana Pseudo-stem as a Paper Bag differs from

other. literature will be the review and studies due to who will be chosen respondents and how will

we conduct our study. The procedures and measurements of ours will not be similar to other

studies. Adding the information that it is the first study about Banana Pseudo-stem as a Paper bag

here in this DBPMCF.

SYNTHESIS OF THE ART

According to Samarasinghe et al. (2021), Iqbal et al. (2023), and Munishamanna et al. (2020),

banana pseudostems have great potential in a variety of industries. Samarasinghe et al. (2021)

focused on their use in urban farming by creating biodegradable grow bags that prioritize

sustainability. Iqbal et al. (2023) provided a broader perspective by reviewing banana fiber's

industrial potential in a variety of sectors. Meanwhile, Munishamanna et al. (2020) investigated its

applications in food, medicine, and industry, providing a comprehensive overview. While

Samarasinghe et al. emphasized a specific use, the other studies demonstrated the versatility of

banana pseudostems in various fields.

According to Sanchez et al. (2023) and Castillo et al. (2023) determined the potential for

sustainable packaging. Sanchez et al. (2023) investigated for their use in hydrophobic paper bag

production, focusing on biodegradability and material properties. Castillo et al. (2023) examined

their environmental impact in comparison to traditional packaging, focusing on their role in waste

reduction. In contrast, Abes et al. (2019) investigated their nutritional value as cattle feed,
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demonstrating their utility in sustainable livestock farming. These studies highlight the diverse

applications of banana pseudostems, implying that combining these approaches could maximize

their benefits

Vinay (n.d.), Sreekumar et al. (2022), and Karthika et al. (2020) analyzed the composition and

processing of banana pseudostems. Vinay said their fiber content, noting a high cellulose (31.27%)

and hemicellulose (14.98%) content, making them ideal for fiber extraction and packaging.

Sreekumar et al. (2022) explored the global scale of banana production, emphasizing its economic

significance. Karthika et al. (2020) explored efficient processing techniques to increase their

commercial value, particularly among farmers. These studies emphasize the need for sustainable

practices to fully utilize banana pseudostems and reduce agricultural waste.

Unal et al. (2022) emphasized the environmental benefits of banana fiber, promoting it as an

alternative to petroleum-based materials. Poonia and Arya (2020) reviewed its applications in a

variety of industries, highlighting its potential for sustainable production. Paredes (2020) took a

broader approach, investigating the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of banana

production throughout the global supply chain. While these studies highlight promising

opportunities, challenges exist in large-scale production and market integration, requiring further

research and innovation.

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sustainable packaging material: A review. Journal of Packaging Technology and Research, 8(2),

95–107.

Sreekumar, G., & Padhan, A. (2022). Value addition in banana pseudostem: Present status and

future prospects. Krishi Udyan Darpan, 2, 33–37.

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applications. Agri Mirror: Future India, 1(2), 4–6.

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Samarasinghe, K. P., Anuruddi, H. I. G. K., Rifnas, L. M., & Weerasinghe, S. S. (2021). Grow bags

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