EarthHatch

Feasibility of Dried Leaves and Egg Trays as Papers bags:

Eco-friendly which Helps to Save Trees

A RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED to

Lumbia National High School-Senior High School Department

F. Delima Street, Barangay Lumbia,Cagayan De Oro City, 9000

Developer’s Name

by

Baquial, Maria Hazel Yrika B.

Castañares, Krizia S.

Daroy, Paul Christian E.

Guno, Dimple Joy G.

Roflo, Eirl John T.

Marian Grace C. Esmade

(Adviser)
March 2023
ABSTRACT:

Acknowledgement:

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

In today’s world, sustainability and environmental protection have become

increasingly important issues that need to be addressed. With the ever-growing
demand for paper products, it is crucial to find alternative and eco-friendly ways of
producing paper. One potential solution is the utilization of dried leaves and egg
trays as raw materials for paper production. This innovative approach not only
addresses the problem of waste management but also offers a sustainable and
cost-effective alternative to traditional papermaking methods.
The aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of producing high quality
paper from dried leaves and egg trays. The study will explore the properties of
these materials and determine their potential as a substitute for traditional paper
pulp. Various methods of paper production will be tested, including chemical and
mechanical processes, to identify the most effective technique for this specific raw
material combination.

Furthermore, the research will assess the environmental impact of producing

paper from dried leaves and egg trays, comparing it to traditional paper production
methods. This evaluation will include an analysis of the carbon footprint, water
consumption, and energy consumption of the different papermaking processes.

Benefits of this research are significant. If successful, this approach could reduce
waste and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paper production. The
findings could be applied to small-scale community-based paper production and
could potentially provide an additional source of income for local communities.
Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the global effort to promote
sustainable practices and reduce environmental harm. The potential benefits of
this research are significant. If successful, this approach could reduce waste and
offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paper production. The findings could be
applied to small-scale community-based paper production and could potentially
provide an additional source of income for local communities. Ultimately, this
research aims to contribute to the global effort to promote sustainable practices
and reduce environmental harm.
1.1 Background of the Study

Paper is an essential commodity in modern society and plays a critical role in

communication, education, and commerce. The demand for paper has steadily
increased over the years, leading to the depletion of natural resources and the
accumulation of waste. Traditional paper production methods involve the use of
wood pulp, which results in deforestation, water pollution, and the emission of
greenhouse gases.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in finding alternative raw
materials for paper production that are sustainable and eco-friendly. One such
solution is the use of agricultural waste, such as dried leaves and egg trays, as raw
materials for paper production. Dried leaves are a readily available waste product
that is generated during the pruning and harvesting of trees, plants, and crops.
Egg trays are also a widely available waste product, generated by the poultry
industry. Both of these materials have the potential to be used as a substitute for
wood pulp in papermaking.

Researchers have explored the use of different types of agricultural waste,

including sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and wheat straw, as raw materials for
paper production. These studies have shown that agricultural waste can be a
viable alternative to wood pulp and can result in high-quality paper products.

However, the use of dried leaves and egg trays as raw materials for paper
production has not been extensively studied. There is a need to investigate the
feasibility of using these materials and to determine their properties and potential
for paper production. This research will contribute to the existing knowledge by
exploring the properties of these materials and identifying the most effective
techniques for paper production.

In conclusion, the use of agricultural waste in paper production has the potential
to offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional papermaking
methods. The utilization of dried leaves and egg trays as raw materials for paper
production is an innovative approach that has yet to be extensively studied. This
research aims to investigate the feasibility of this approach and contribute to the
global efforts to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental harm.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using dried leaves
and egg trays as raw materials for paper production. The study aims to determine
the properties of these materials, including their chemical composition, fiber
characteristics, and potential for papermaking. The study will also evaluate the
effectiveness of different papermaking techniques, including chemical and
mechanical processes, for producing high-quality paper from dried leaves and egg
trays.

The paper industry has been one of the major contributors to environmental
degradation, primarily because of the reliance on wood pulp for paper production.
Deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are some of the
negative impacts associated with traditional paper production methods. Therefore,
there has been a growing interest in developing alternative raw materials for
paper production that are sustainable and eco-friendly. One such solution is the
use of agricultural waste, such as dried leaves and egg trays, as raw materials for
paper production.

The potential benefits of this study are significant. If successful, this approach
could reduce waste and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paper
production. The findings could be applied to small-scale community-based paper
production, providing additional sources of income for local communities.
Moreover, this study could contribute to the global effort to promote sustainable
practices and reduce environmental harm in the paper industry.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to assess the importance of how we can help the nature and
save the trees.

Specifically, it addressed the following concerns:

 1. How can the use of dried leaves and egg trays as raw materials for paper
production benefit paper users, in terms of cost and environmental impact?

2. How can the quality of paper produced from agricultural waste compare to
traditional paper made from wood pulp, in terms of texture, durability, and
printability?

3. Would paper products made from agricultural waste be acceptable to

consumers, and how can the market demand for eco-friendly paper
products be increased?

4. What will be the users background or statement for this product?

5. How will the user handle this product?

1.4 Significance of the study

The significance of the feasibility of dried leaves and egg trays as paper bags lies
in its potential to offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional
paper production methods. As the demand for paper products increases, so does
the need for the raw materials used to make them. This has led to the destruction
of natural forests and the depletion of resources such as water and energy.

By exploring the feasibility of using agricultural waste materials such as dried

leaves and egg trays for paper production, this study offers a potential solution to
this problem. Not only does it offer a cost-effective and viable alternative to
conventional paper production, but it also promotes waste reduction and a circular
economy.

Furthermore, the study has the potential to encourage more environmentally

friendly behaviors and practices, as well as to promote economic and social
development. It could also provide new job opportunities for communities involved
in agriculture or waste management.

The results of this study could have a significant impact on the paper industry, the
environment, and society as a whole. It could lead to the development of new
eco-friendly products and technologies, reduce the negative environmental
impacts of traditional paper production methods, and promote sustainable and
ethical behavior in the industry.

Overall, the feasibility of dried leaves and egg trays as paper bags is an important
area of research with broad-reaching implications. Its findings could have
a significant impact on the environment, the economy, and society as a whole, and
contribute to the development of a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

Because of their potential to provide eco-friendly and sustainable options for

paper bag production, the viability of employing dried leaves and egg trays as
alternative sources of fiber for paper bags has gained attention. With the growing
demand for paper bags, it’s critical to look at alternative fiber sources that can help
lessen the impact on forests and the environment.
There are various possible drawbacks of employing dried leaves and egg trays as
raw materials for paper manufacture. Some of these constraints are as follows:

Source: The supply of dried leaves and egg trays may be limited in some places,
limiting the scalability of this procedure.

Durability: The quality of paper generated from agricultural waste materials may be
worse than that of regular paper derived from wood pulp. The composition of the
raw materials may influence the texture, durability, and printability of the paper.

Production method: The process of turning agricultural waste products into paper
may necessitate specialized equipment and resources, making it difficult to adopt
on a wide scale.
While employing agricultural waste as raw materials for paper production reduces
waste generation and deforestation, the manufacturing process may still have
some environmental impact, such as energy consumption, water usage, and
emissions.It is critical to consider these constraints when assessing the practicality
of employing dried leaves and egg trays as raw materials for paper manufacture,
and to investigate strategies to overcome these obstacles in order to promote
sustainable and environmentally friendly paper production techniques.
1.6 Definitions of Terms

For any clarifications and better understanding of the terms used in this research,
the following are hereby defined;

Conceptual Definitions

The following terms and definitions are concepts necessary to attain for the
understanding of this research;
Agricultural waste:

Organic waste materials generated during agricultural activities, such as crop

residues, animal manure, and food processing waste.

Dried leaves:

The leaves of plants that have been dried through natural or artificial means, and
are no longer green or fresh.

Egg trays:

Containers made of paper pulp or plastic, designed to hold eggs during

transportation and storage.
Raw materials:

Unprocessed materials used to manufacture a product, such as wood pulp,

cotton, or agricultural waste.

Waste reduction:

The process of minimizing the amount of waste generated by individuals or

organizations, through practices such as recycling, composting, and source
reduction.
CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

2.1 Literature
There are various possible advantages of using dried leaves and egg trays as
substitute sources of fiber for papermaking. By using waste materials that would
otherwise be thrown, it first encourages resource efficiency. As a result, there is
less demand for virgin wood pulp, which is produced through deforestation and
other harmful environmental activities. By reusing materials that might otherwise
wind up in landfills, it also promotes the circular economy and decreases waste.
Finally, it could spur economic growth and new employment opportunities in the
localities that generate these wastes.

Aside from the environmental and economic benefits, utilizing dried leaves and
egg trays to make eco-friendly paper has the potential to promote ethical and
sustainable consumer behavior. People may be more likely to prefer paper goods
derived from alternative fiber sources as they become more conscious of the
environmental impact of existing paper manufacturing procedures. This, in turn,
may push the paper industry to adopt more environmentally friendly methods,
thereby reducing the industry’s overall environmental effect.

2.2 Related Studies

Foreign

Paperbags made of Dried Leaves

A Potential Source of Cellulose Nanofibers for Sustainable Nanocomposites” by

Sharma et al. (2019) – This paper discusses the potential of dried leaves as a
source of cellulose nanofibers for the production of sustainable nanocomposites.
The authors suggest that this method can reduce waste and produce a
sustainable material that can be used for various applications, including
packaging.
According to the findings, dried leaves could be a source of cellulose
nanofibers that could be used to create sustainable nanocomposites. Cellulose
nanofibers are a form of nanomaterial with exceptional heat stability and great
mechanical characteristics. Because of their sustainability, biocompatibility, and
biodegradability, they have received a lot of interest in recent years as a viable
alternative to synthetic fibers.

The results of the study showed that the dried leaves of all three plant species
contained cellulose nanofibers that could be extracted using the chemical and
mechanical method. The isolated cellulose nanofibers were discovered to have a
high aspect ratio, outstanding heat stability, and mechanical characteristics. The
recovered cellulose nanofibers might also be utilized to create nanocomposites
with superior mechanical properties, according to the researchers.
Paper bags made of Egg Trays

Abubakar et al. (2018) examined the manufacturing of paper egg trays from egg
trays waste paper and sawdust. The raw ingredients were converted into pulp by
the researchers using a pulping procedure, which was then shaped into egg trays
using a vacuum forming machine. After that, the paper egg trays were evaluated
for tensile strength, water absorption, and thickness.

The study’s findings demonstrated that the qualities of the paper egg trays
made from egg tray waste paper and sawdust were equal to those of those
made from virgin paper pulp. The researchers discovered that the paper egg
trays’ tensile strength was higher than that of conventional paper egg trays,
showing that using waste paper and sawdust as a raw material for egg trays can
result in a stronger finished product. The paper egg trays’ thickness and water
absorption were also discovered to be within permissible norms.
According to a study by Abubakar et al. (2018), waste paper from egg trays and
sawdust can be used to make high-quality paper egg trays. By using this
technique instead of conventional paper egg trays, you can lessen waste and
protect the environment. To improve the manufacturing process and guarantee
this method’s scalability, the researchers point out that more study is required.
Local Studies

One local study in the Philippines looked into the feasibility of using dried
banana leaves as a fiber source for paper manufacture. Lagasca et al. (2019)
undertook the investigation to investigate the viability of using banana leaves
as an alternative to wood pulp in papermaking.

The researchers began by collecting banana leaves from a nearby farm and
washing and soaking them in water for 24 hours. To eliminate lignin and other
contaminants, the leaves were cooked in a solution of water and sodium
hydroxide. The leaves were rinsed and bleached with hydrogen peroxide after
boiling to increase their whiteness.

According to the findings, dried banana leaves are a feasible alternative to wood
pulp in the creation of paper. They are a prospective source of fiber for
sustainable papermaking due to their high cellulose content and similar qualities
to regular paper. Further research and development of this technology could help
to reduce waste and increase the use of renewable resources in the Philippine
paper sector.

Villanueva et al. (2020) investigated the feasibility of using egg trays as a source
of fiber for paper manufacture. The researchers discovered that egg cartons had
a high lignin content, making them an excellent option for use in paper
manufacture. They also discovered that paper manufactured from egg cartons
had characteristics similar to ordinary wood pulp paper.
The egg trays were collected and processed by the researchers, who sliced
them into little pieces and boiled them in water to eliminate contaminants and
break down the substance into fibers. The pulp that resulted was then utilized to
make paper using a regular papermaking method.