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CHAPTER 1
BACKROUND OF THE STUDY

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most important environmental

challenges, as the world's ability to deal with the fast rising output of disposable plastic
products is outmatched. The majority of the plastic rubbish in the seas, the planet's last
sink, comes from land. Major rivers also transport rubbish to sea, acting as conveyor belts,
collecting additional debris as they go downstream. Much of the plastic debris that is
dumped at sea ends up in coastal seas. However, if captured in ocean currents, it can be
carried around the world (Laura Parker, nd., 2024). Using Eco-Friendly Alternatives such
as banana stem fiber is a potential strategy for achieving sustainable eco-friendly
packaging.

The banana trunk is a natural and renewable resource. It is a byproduct of the

banana harvesting process, and is typically discarded as waste. However, the fibers from
the banana trunk can be used to make a variety of products, including eco-friendly
wrappers. This not only promotes the use of agricultural waste, but also helps to reduce the
pressure on forests, which are often used as the primary source of raw materials for
traditional paper products.

The process of making banana trunk paper is also eco-friendly. Unlike traditional
paper production, which requires cutting down trees, the process of making banana trunk
paper is less destructive to the environment. Additionally, banana trunk paper is
biodegradable and compostable, making it a more sustainable option compared to
traditional paper bags made from wood pulp.

In addition to its environmental benefits, banana trunk paper also offers other
advantages. For example, it is known to be more durable and resistant to tearing than
traditional paper. This makes it a suitable alternative for packaging products that require a
sturdy packaging that protects valuable items when shipped nationwide.
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REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

The Philippines has been grappling with the problem of excessive plastic waste for
a long time now. According to a report by the World Bank, the country generates around
2.7 million tons of plastic waster manually, with roughly 20 percent of it ending up in the
ocean. With the introduction of a new law, the government intends to tackle this issue by
curbing plastic packaging waste at its source. The aim was to reduce the amount plastic
that ultimately finds its way into the environmernt (Arowana Impact Capital, 2023).

Packaging was responsible for half of the plastics derived from fossil fuels used in
the packaging industry. When product was discarded, the packaging material was also
thrown away, since it was made of fossil fuel plastics, it persisted in the environment and
could easily years to decompose. (Neube et.al., 2020)

According to the study Banana trunk fibers are a category of natural fibers that
provide very high strength, and they can be combined very easily along with the cotton
fibers and other categories of synthetic materials. Banana fibers provide a wide range of
benefits for various industries and are used as fertilizer, but only few parts of banana fiber
products are remaining being wasted. The banana fiber to be surface treated in which the
fiber can be used as a nanocomposite for some disposal applications. He also says that the
surface treatments can be made by mechanical, thermal and biodegradability in which the
fibers can be form biocomposites. (Jandas., 2023)

Bananas are a great source of fiber that could be recycled to create a durable
packaging material. The fiber was rolled and stitched together to form a strong material
that could be used as a cushion for fragile objects or packaging for heavy items. Banana
fiber is a natural material with high tensile strength and does not require additional
processing , making it an ideal option for sustainable packaging (Live, 2022).
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The physical and mechanical properties of a plant fiber are dispersed due to their
natural character and chemical composition. This dispersion is also related to the plant
variety, growth conditions and defects, extraction method (biological, chemical or
mechanical) and conditioning (temperature and humidity) of the fiber, test conditions and
parameters adopted. The flax fiber (density 1.52 g.cm−3), a Young’s modulus of 50 GPa
and a tensile strength of 1500 MPa, while Blos and Donald obtained 100 GPa and 840
MPa. (Duval, et.al., 2021)

It is generally observed that the tensile strength of the fiber increases with
decreasing diameter. In addition, the location of the fiber in the plant (bottom, middle,
head, periphery, middle and heart) also leads to a dispersion of the fiber properties,
observed that the size of extracted fibers decreases from the periphery to the heart of corn
husk leaves and from the bottom to the top of the leaves. But, the breaking strength,
fracture toughness and elongation at break of the fibers increase from the top to the bottom
of the husk leaf. (Obame et al. 2022,.)

Related Studies

Mechanical Properties and Applications of Banana Stem Fibres:

- Jawaid, M., & Khalil, H. P. S. A. (2021). "Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer

hybrid composites: A review." *Carbohydrate Polymers, 86(1), 1-18.

Processing Techniques for Banana Stem Fibres:

- Yan, L., Chouw, N., & Jayaraman, K. (2024). "Flax fibre and its composites – A

review." Composites Part B: Engineering*, 56, 296-317.

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- Satyanarayana, K. G., Arizaga, G. G. C., & Wypych, F. (2019). "Biodegradable

composites based on lignocellulosic fibers—An overview." Progress in Polymer Science*,

34(9), 982-1021.v

Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Banana Stem Fibre Production:

- Shanmugam, V., & Thiruchitrambalam, M. (2023). "Static and dynamic mechanical

properties of alkali-treated unidirectional continuous palmyra palm leaf stalk fiber/jute

fiber-reinforced hybrid polyester composites." Journal of Reinforced Plastics and

Composites, 32(16), 1235-1244.

Chemical Treatment and Enhancement of Banana Stem Fibres:

- Corrêa, C. A., Marconcini, J. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Mulinari, D. R. (2020).

"Chemical modification of banana fibers for use in composites." Composites Part A:

Applied Science and Manufacturing, 41(12), 1721-1729.

Banana Stem Fibres in Biocomposites:

- Jawaid, M., Abdul Khalil, H. P. S., Bakar, A. A., & Noorunnisa Khanam, P. (2020).

"Chemical resistance, void content and tensile properties of oil palm/jute fibre-reinforced

polymer hybrid composites." Materials & Design, 32(2), 1014-1019.

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Conceptual Framework
This research focused on the potential of banana stem fiber as a main component of
product packaging. Figure 1. The conceptual framework of the study, shows the flow of the
study to be conducted.

Figure 1. Flow of the Study

Statement of the Problem

The study explores using banana stem fiber as biodegradable packaging aiming

to protect valuable items that are shipped nationwide, to reduce plastic packaging

waste, and promote peaceful interaction with nature. This research seeks to address

some questions, including the following:

1. Is there a significant difference between the banana stem packaging and the commercial

packing in terms of tensile strength, water resistance, and tear resistance?

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a. tensile strength
b. water resistance
c. tear resistance

Hypothesis

Ho. There is no significant difference between the banana stem packaging to commercial

plastic packaging.

Ha. There is a significant difference between the banana stem packaging to commercial

plastic packaging.

Significance of the study

This study attempts to make use of a usually discarded banana stem. Furthermore,
because bananas are widespread in our nation, it will be easily available. This would
benefit the environment by reducing trash and the usage of plastic packaging.

The result of the study will benefit the following:

Community. Studying banana stem as a biodegradable packaging could create a new
income source for banana farmers, especially small-scale ones. Additionally, widespread
use by farmers could translate to a healthier community with reduced exposure to harmful
chemicals and a cleaner environment due to less water pollution and healthier soil.

Consumers. This study could benefit consumers by offering eco-friendly and potentially
safer product packaging options, contributing to a healthier environment.

Farmers. Farmers that produce bananas may utilize this to supplement their income.
Banana stems are readily available and potentially less environmentally harmful than
plastic packaging. This could lead to reduced reliance on non-biodegradable products,
safer packaging for consumers due to minimized plastic packaging usage.
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Future Researchers. Future researchers who would like to conduct a study on other
product packaging material could benefit from this study by utilizing our research paper
with the information provided as a reference.
Product Packaging Manufacturers. This study offers them an option for a cost-effective
and eco-friendly alternative in product packaging, aligning with consumers.

Scope and Limitations

This study “Banana stem (Pseudo stem) fiber as biodegradable packaging” aims to
investigate the potential efficacy of banana pseudo-stem fibers in creating an eco-friendly
and biodegradable honeycomb wrap for packaging. The focus will be on utilizing these
readily available and renewable fibers to develop a protective and cushioning wrap
primarily intended for fragile items. The research will encompass several key areas,
including the development of honeycomb structures from banana pseudo-stem fibers,
characterization of their physical and mechanical properties, and optimization of these
structures to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the study will
explore different honeycomb configurations and their impact on protective qualities such
as strength, cushioning, and durability. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the
advancement of sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging solutions by
leveraging a locally abundant resource.

Definition of terms

Banana Fiber. It refers to an indigestible carbohydrate that contributes to the stem’s

texture.
Durability. It refers to the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
Honeycomb. It refers to a structure built by honey bees to store their honey and raise their
young.
Pseudo stem. It refers to a structure in plants that appears to be a stem but is actually
formed by the rolled-up bases of leaves.
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Tear Resistance. It refers to a measure of how well a material can withstand the effects of
tearing.
Water Resistance. It refers to a type of force that uses friction to slow things down that
are moving through water.

CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with the research design, methodology, and the samples and the
data being collected. In addition, it also consists of the preparation of set-up comparison of
three samples, tests, gathering of results, and analysis of data.

Research design

. This chapter deals with the research, methodology, collection of samples,

preparation of set-ups, experimentation, and analysis of results. The type of research
design that will be used in the study is experimental design. The research will be
conducted to determine the potential efficacy of banana stem fiber - based biodegradable
wrap as an Eco-friendly Packaging material.
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Figure 2. Schematic Diagram

Research Environment

The study on the efficacy of Banana Stem (Pseudo Stem) as an alternative Eco-
Friendly Packaging Material took place in one of the researcher’s house in Lumaban,
Rizal, Surigao City. This location was chosen because the area had a high population of
banana, making it easier and more convenient to conduct the experiments.

General Procedure

The study was conducted using specified scientific steps to ensure the accuracy of
the results. The proceeding procedures would be implemented as follows:

A. Gathering of Materials
The researchers will gather Pseudo stems which can be bought or collected where
they are planted.

B. Preparing of materials
The pseudo stem is going to be cut into cubes to be boiled for 2 hours per set up
and fit in a blender after, then the pulp will be transferred at a basin with 6 liters of water,
we will be using our mould and deckle to mould our desired shape. We transferred them
into the old clothings that we dont use anymore after that, we let them air dry for 24 hours.

C. Preparing of set up
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We have 4 setups in our experimentation. Set up 1 is 100% pure banana stem and
0% sodium hydroxide, Set up 2 is 75% banana stem and 25% sodium hydroxide, Set up 3
is 50% pseudo stem and 50% sodium hydroxide meanwhile, Set up 4 is 25% pseudo stem
and 75% sodium hydroxide.

D. Observation
The four setups will be observed for 24 hours to see if there is a difference among
the set ups and if the application of sodium hydroxide is an effective way to make paper
out of the banana trunk pulp.

E. Recording of the Result

The experiment's data will be statistically examined and compared to the study's
data requirements. To understand the results, the statistics and data will be scribbled down,
graphed, and measured. Calculations of the mean will be primarily employed to determine
the effectiveness of the banana trunk alternative paper bag with 0% of sodium hydroxide,
25% of sodium hydroxide, 50% of sodium hydroxide or 70% of sodium hydroxide to
determine which one of the set ups makes the pseudo stem packaging better.

Statistical Analysis

The following statistical tools were used to analyze the results gathered in the study:
Two way (ANOVA). It will be used to determine if there will be a significant
difference between the quality of Banana Stem (Pseudo Stem) Fiber as an Eco-Friendly
Packaging Material and the commercialized product.
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CHAPTER 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter discusses the study's results, following the procedures mentioned on
the methodology the follows are the result. The discussion presentation is based on the
problems posted in Chapter 1.

Unfortunately, the results did not support the ideas mentioned during the process
of conducting the study several problems have occurred such as bad weather and
insufficient time. The researchers was unable to let the product dry under 24 hours due to
bad weather