The Feasibility of Onion (Allium Cepa) Peels As The Main Ingredient For Bioplastic Materials
The Feasibility of Onion (Allium Cepa) Peels As The Main Ingredient For Bioplastic Materials
The Feasibility of Onion (Allium Cepa) Peels As The Main Ingredient For Bioplastic Materials
Bioplastic Materials
March 2021
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Rationale and Background of the Study
Plastic are carbon-based polymers derived mostly from petroleum. These plastics are
commonly used in product packaging in most markets in the country. They are water-proof and
easy to use. Getting rid of the said plastics is extremely difficult. According to a study led by the
University of Georgia (2012), the Philippines have dumped 1 billion tons of plastics in the ocean
in 2010. On the other hand, the country’s population is enormously fast-growing compared to
other countries in Asia. This huge population results to the production of tons of plastics every
year. These plastics will take years before they completely decompose. Due to the longtime of
decomposition, the disposals of the said plastics have been one of the biggest problems of the
country.
Bioplastics, however, are plastics that are derived from renewable resources or
biodegradable or both. (Science Learn, 2013). These are plastics that are derived from
vegetable oil, corn starch, plant cellulose, and/or bacteria. (Goodall, 2011).
In 1980’s bioplastics were introduced. The purpose was to have plastic that commonly
disposed, decompose on landfills so they won’t take space. The idea or purpose of the
bioplastic failed. Another purpose of this bioplastics is to reduce the utilization of petroleum/
petro-chemicals. But some of starch- based plastic nowadays are mixed with petroleum- based
plastics. (NYC, May 13, 2014)
Meanwhile, Research has proven that the extract of Onion peel (OPE) is a great source
of antioxidants. It is tested for the storage of animal meat with inhibition of microorganism
growth in the medium (Ifesan, 2017).
Because of the facts presented above, the researchers aimed to seek an alternative
way in making a bioplastic. They wanted to find a way of Onion peelings useful instead of being
wastes. The researchers wanted to help the environment by using waste product as the key
ingredient of the bioplastic
This study seeks to make a bioplastic with the same quality as the traditional plastic.
It aims to establish answers to the following research questions:
1. Can Onion (Allium cepa) peels used to produce bioplastic?
1. If the Onion (Allium cepa) peels work as the main ingredient for bioplastic materials.
Hypotheses
1. The Onion (Allium cepa) can be the main ingredient for bioplastic materials.
Conceptual Framework
Independent Dependent
Variable Result
Main Ingredient for bio
Onion peels extract
plastic material
This study is focused on the feasibility of Onion (Allium cepa) peels as main
ingredient for bioplastic materials that could help to lessen the plastic waste in a
community. This is going to be conducted at Tugas Mambusao, Capiz during the Second
Semester A.Y 2021-2022. This study was conduct during the pandemic.
Students. The results of this study will provide knowledge or idea to the
students about bioplastics materials.
People. The study would also benefits the people because it will help them to create a
good source of plastic that will not produce harmful effects.
Future Researchers. The future researchers can also gain the significance in this study.
The Researcher. The researcher of this study can also gain confidence in this study. They
could enhance their skill, strategy and knowledge in engaging to researcher work.
Definition of Terms
For purpose of understanding and clarity, the following terms are specified their
conceptual and operational definitions.
Allium cepa - The onion, also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a
vegetable
Bioplastic - are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as
vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, wood ships, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc.