“Creating Eco-Friendly Waterproof Paper Bags: A Strong and Sustainable

Alternative to Plastic Through the Use of Banana Stem Fibers, Coconut Fiber

Extract, Okra Mucilage, and Papaya Latex.”

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Over the course of human history, Earth has encountered numerous

environmental issues because plastic is used everywhere around the world. It is

apparent that all environmental risks have disastrous consequences on every part of our

biosystem. One of those factors that can affect our environment is pollution because of

the overuse of plastics. No one is aware of the damage it does to our planet. To stop

plastic pollution, we must be aware of the repercussions.

The overreliance on plastic has led to an alarming accumulation of non-

biodegradable waste, threatening ecosystems and human health. Researchers are

turning to agricultural by-products and natural resources to design biodegradable

materials. Banana stem fibers, a readily available agricultural waste, are strong and

biodegradable, making them an ideal component for paper bags (Cabatay, 2023).

To solve this problem, former Sen. Loren Legarda created the PLASTIC BAGS

REGULATIONS ACT OF 2014, which declares the policy to protect and promote the

right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology and the right to health. It also

declares the policy to protect the physical, moral and social well-being of its citizens

by ensuring the use of non-toxic and non-hazardous materials in commerce and trade.
 Despite these efforts, consumer habits remain a significant obstacle. Single-use

plastics are deeply ingrain

This study aims to develop eco-friendly and waterproof paper bags as a

sustainable alternative to plastic bags by utilizing natural materials such as banana stem

fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage, and papaya latex while emphasizing the

importance of adopting eco-friendly technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of

plastic waste on the environment.d in daily life due to their convenience and low cost.

Hypothesis

1. The combination of banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage,

and papaya latex can result an eco-friendly and waterproof paper bag that

demonstrate a high fracture, durability and resistance to water.

2. The application of Banana Stem Fibers, Coconut Fiber Extract,Okra Mucilage

and Papaya Latex will demonstrate a strong and sustainable Alternative to

Plastic through creating eco-friendly waterproof paper bags and it’s effective by

efficient use of this material while reducing plastic pollution and it’s

environmental impacts.
Significance of the Study

This study aims to tackle the big problem of plastic pollution worldwide while

encouraging environmentally friendly ways of doing things. By exploring how to make

eco-friendly waterproof paper bags using materials that are readily available and can

be renewed, like banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage, and papaya

latex, this study offers several key benefits:

Environmental Friendly. It provides a great alternative to plastic bags, which are a

major cause of pollution and harm to the environment. By using materials that break

down naturally and can be renewed, the research promotes a circular economy and

reduces our dependence on resources that can't be replaced.

Resourcefulness. This study shows how we can use materials that are often overlooked,

like banana stem fibers and coconut fiber extract, promoting efficient use of resources

and reducing waste.

Economic Growth. Exploring locally sourced materials can create new economic

opportunities for farmers and communities, leading to sustainable jobs and economic

growth in local areas.

New Ideas and Solutions. The research explores the possibilities of using bio-based

materials in packaging, leading to innovative and eco-friendly solutions for many

industries.

Social Impact. This study encourages people to adopt sustainable practices, raises

awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution, and inspires people to

change their behavior to be more environmentally friendly.

Statement of the Problem

This study is some of the problems in each school because plastic pollution is a

growing issue, and schools can play a key role in promoting eco-friendly solutions.

Plastic bags are harmful to the environment and take a long time to decompose. By

exploring alternatives like waterproof paper bags made from banana stems, coconut

fibers, okra mucilage, and papaya latex, this study offers a way to reduce plastic waste.

Schools can encourage students and communities to use these sustainable options,

raising awareness about environmental responsibility. By focusing on natural,

biodegradable materials, this research can help schools become leaders in promoting

sustainability and finding better solutions to the plastic problem that affects everyone.

In general, the purpose of the study is to determine whether the plastics through

the use of banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage, and papaya latex

would be effective as a sustainable alternative to eco-friendly waterproof paper bags.

This study aims specifically to answer the following questions:

1. How does plastic bag use contribute to environmental pollution, and why is it

important to find alternatives?

2. What are the challenges in creating waterproof paper bags using natural

materials like banana stem fibers and coconut fibers?

3. How can materials like okra mucilage and papaya latex improve the strength

and sustainability of paper bags?

4. What are the environmental benefits of using biodegradable alternatives to

plastic bags?

5. How can schools and communities promote the use of eco-friendly paper bags

to reduce plastic waste?

Conceptual Framework

Banana Stem Coconut Okra Papaya

Fiber Fiber Mucilage Latex

Banana Stem
Fiber

PPaper

Bags
Scope and Delimitations

This research aims to create environmentally friendly, waterproof paper bags

using natural materials like banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage,

and papaya latex. The study will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of these materials

in producing sturdy, long-lasting, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags. The

paper bags will undergo tests to determine their water resistance, durability, and

biodegradability. To optimize performance, different formulations will be developed by

adjusting the ratios of the natural materials. The goal is to determine the best

combination of these materials to create high-performing waterproof paper bags.

Definition of Terms

Waterproof Paper Bags: Specialized coating or lamination done to paper bags so that

these bags become immune to water damage. Such protective coatings may involve the

use of materials like polyethylene, wax, or certain other polymers.

Banana Stem Fibers: Biodegradable fiber derived from a banana plant through the

stem.

Papaya Latex: Milky latex which is derived from an unripened fruit of papaya. Papaya

latex is composed with enzymes like papain which is a proteolytic enzyme (breaks

down protein).

Coconut Fiber Extract: A natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts. Coconut

fibers are strong, very resistant and have excellent water absorption qualities.

Okra Mucilage: A sticky, viscous substance extracted from okra pods. Okra mucilage

is rich in polysaccharides, giving it the characteristic thickening and gelling properties.

Alternative: Different option or choice compared to the usual or standard one.

Sustainable: A practice or process that can be sustained for a long period without using

up natural resources or harming the environment.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Philippines was the world’s third-largest banana grower in 2014, behind China

and India, and it consistently ranks at the top of the worldwide market in terms of

revenue. Banana stem, among other agricultural wastes, has properties that make it a

good candidate for papermaking (Poonam and Gupta 1991). The Musa genus includes

the banana plant, one of the major fruits and vegetable production plants. Banana

pseudo-stem has been known as a potential cellulose source, though it is typically

discarded as agricultural waste in many countries. Other well-known species include

abaca (Musa textilis) and other wild banana plants used as a source of fibers for the

paper and cordage industries (Saikia 1997). Over time, there has been an increase in

concern about protecting forests and making wise use of agriculture and forestry waste.

This fact was mostly driven by the rise in the use of panel, paper, and board goods made

from wood fibers. This demand is currently solved by using increasing amounts of

recycled fibers. Thus, in some paper grades, more than 50% of raw materials are

secondary fibers. The mechanical characteristics are determined by microfibril angle

and cellulose content. For bast fibers, a high cellulose concentration and a low

microfibril angle result in favorable mechanical characteristics. Lignins are connected

to hemicellulose and are crucial to the lignocellulosic material’s inherent resistance to

degradation. Khan et al. investigated the composition of the banana pseudostem using

elemental analysis (2013). The morphological makeup of each fiber and how they

interact determine the majority of a paper’s mechanical qualities (MacLeod 1995). It

seems difficult to delignify banana stems despite their low lignin level. Yet, other

experts believe that if the material is not sufficiently prepared, banana stems can

produce a high-1quality specialty fiber with a high yield. Heikal et al. compared the
pulping of retted and unretted banana chips using kraft (MacLeod 1995) and nitric acid

(Heikal 1976). They claimed that pulping retted samples produced pulps with superior

chemical and strength characteristics compared to pulp produced from unretted

samples.

Humans use plastic bags, which are environmentally hazardous goods, for their

everyday needs primarily for shopping purposes. As a result of this widespread use, the

environment and agricultural lands are polluted, leading to serious consequences for

wildlife and ecosystems. (Jalil, Mian, and Rahman, 2013). This pollution not only

harms plants and animals but also affects human health, as toxins from plastic can seep

into the soil and water.

Nowadays, humans are beginning to develop an alternative solution to the issue

of the plastic waste problem. According to Arasan (2023), in order to minimize the use

of plastic bags, eco paper bags should be used as an alternative. These paper bags are

made out of eco-friendly materials such as banana stem and/or coconut fiber, which are

renewable resources. By choosing these biodegradable options, we can help reduce the

amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, making a positive impact

on our planet.

Paper is one of the most significant inventions and is produced in all regions of

the world (Elsevier, 2014). It has been used for centuries for various purposes, including

writing, packaging, and art. The versatility of paper makes it an essential material in

our daily lives, and with the rise of eco-friendly production methods, we can ensure that

its use is sustainable and beneficial for the environment. By supporting responsible

paper production, we can help protect forests and promote a healthier planet for future

generations.
 Plastic waste is a certain old plastic containers that are not used anymore and

then discarded by users. It takes tens until hundreds of years to decompose plastic waste

well. Moreover, It will take 1000 years to decompose plastic waste perfectly. It is a very

long time. A plastic bag is popular when it is used at supermarket in some cities. Based

on the fact and information that plastic waste is dangerous (Bandung 2016).

Environmentally friendly solutions are becoming more and more popular in the

textile sector as a result of rising environmental concerns and the need for sustainable

development. By combining fabric waste and banana fibre to create eco-friendly items,

this article investigates the possibilities of sustainable innovation (DRV PAULOSE,N

AJITH 2024).The natural and biodegradable substance known as banana fibre presents

a viable substitute for traditional textiles, and the recycling of fabric waste deals with

the problem of managing industrial waste.

The use of banana pseudo stem fibers for making paper bags is an innovative

and sustainable approach to reducing environmental pollution caused by traditional

paper bags made from wood pulp. Banana plants are widely cultivated, and their pseudo

stems, typically discarded after harvesting, can be repurposed into strong and durable

paper. This process not only produces biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable

paper but also generates income for farmers and rural communities, promoting

sustainable economic development (Directo, J. F., Jhaila, I. A. F., Sariba, F. F., & Gan,

R. F., 2022).

Coconut fiber, known for its high lignin content, provides excellent durability

and resistance to water. Research has shown that incorporating coconut fiber extract

into paper production enhances the mechanical properties and water resistance of the
final product. This makes it a viable alternative to plastic bags, contributing to

environmental sustainability by utilizing agricultural waste and reducing reliance on

non-biodegradable materials (Arasan, N. T., Aruldass, A. R., Satiyan, P., Kumar, D., &

Jagaveeran, T., 2022).

Okra mucilage and papaya latex are natural adhesives that can be used to

improve the water resistance and strength of paper bags. Studies have demonstrated

that these natural polymers can effectively bond fibers, creating a waterproof barrier

that enhances the durability of the paper. This combination of natural materials offers a

sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem, providing an eco-friendly alternative

that is both strong and biodegradable (Causon, T., Pabilona, S. G., Garcia, G. E.,

Eleazar, J. R., Torres, K. K., Mallare, J. D., Jose, M. C., Castro, A. J., & Santos, J.,

2023).

Earth has been the primary reason for human existence for over 4.5 billion years,

providing oxygen, food, and ecosystems. However, recent events have shown that

humans have failed to properly care for the planet. An organic water system paper bag,

created by Chemistry, is a great alternative to plastic bags. Plastic bags are recyclable,

though few people recycle them. Recycling plastic bags is a difficult task, they fly away

in the recycling plant and get stuck in machinery. Because of this, many cities do not

offer curbside recycling for plastic bags. Instead, large-scale retailers offer bag

recycling services. However, these services are dependent on the consumer bringing

the plastic bags back to the store. Bags that are not recycled end up becoming litter,

because they do not biodegrade. In addition to filling up landfills and becoming

eyesores, plastic bags that become litter endanger many facets of the environment,

including marine life and the food chain. Scientists are concerned about how this level
of plastic pollution could change our planet, (According to The: NATIONAL

GEOGRAPHIC)

Eco bags is a type of shopping bag which can be reused many times. It isan

alternative to single-use paper or plastic bags. It is often a tote bag made from fabric

such as canvas, natural fibers such as Jute, woven synthetic fibers, or a thick plastic that

is more durable than disposable plastic bags, allowing multiple use. (Debbie Meyer,

2018)

According to Saraexim (2016) Reusable shopping bags are better than plastic

or paper bags. These bags are used to prevent environmental pollution. Materials, used

to produce these bags, do not harm the quality of our surroundings. These bags are

generally made of materials such as jute, cloth, and recycled plastics., canvas or organic

cotton These reusable bags are hygienic and easily washable. These products can be

used for various purposes. But in this study we use banana stem because we found out

that banana fiber is a natural bast fiber which has wide range of uses in handicraft

product developments such as mat, rope and twines, but only 10% of its pseudo stem is

being used for making products and remaining waste is used as fertilizer. (Vigneswaran

et al., 2015) Eco bags not only recycle material that would be going to waste, they also

eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags that have proven to harm the environment.

Made from petroleum, plastic bags fuel extraction of fossil resources. They also present

a serious disposal problem. It takes centuries for plastics bag to break down in nature,

burning them releases poisonous chemicals, and in oceans, plastic trash harms a number

of marine species. Non-toxic Eco bags, on the other hand, conserve the environment by

harmlessly biodegrading after numerous uses. (unfccc.int, 2019)

 According to phys.org (2019), every day almost 48 million shopping bags are

used throughout the Philippines, adding up to more than 17 billion a year. Though there

are 3r’s system and different activities to eliminate plastic, yet it is still not enough to

counter these plastic waste. That’s why we come up with an idea about Eco bags

because this is the best alternative to plastic bags. Conducting the experiment could

have the duration of days of… weeks. This is because many trials must be done to prove

that it is effective to use banana stem fiber, as an additive on making Eco bags.

The global shift toward sustainabl” packaging alternatives is fueled by the need

to reduce the environmental impact of plastic. Singh et al. (2020) emphasize that plastic

packaging, which takes hundreds of years to decompose, contributes heavily to

environmental pollution. According to Nayak and Maiti (2019), plant-based fibers such

as banana stem fibers offer a viable and environmentally responsible alternative due to

their natural biodegradability and strength.

Banana stem fibers have been gaining attention for their use in packaging

materials due to their strength, durability, and sustainability. Patel and Jain (2020)

discuss the significant tensile strength and fiber properties of banana stem fibers, which

make them ideal for use in paper production. The fibers are rich in cellulose and lignin,

giving them robust mechanical properties. Kumar et al. (2018) demonstrated that

banana stem fibers, when treated appropriately, can be used to produce eco-friendly

paper that is comparable to synthetic alternatives in terms of strength.

While banana stem fibers offer strength and biodegradability, one of the

challenges in using them for packaging is waterproofing. Various methods have been

explored to make biodegradable paper waterproof without using harmful chemicals.

According to Jha et al. (2021), coatings derived from natural latex, such as papaya latex,
have been successfully used to waterproof paper products. In combination with banana

stem fibers, such coatings can make paper bags water-resistant while maintaining their

environmental integrity.

The use of plant-based adhesives and coatings is crucial in ensuring that the

paper remains biodegradable. Srinivasan et al. (2020) demonstrated that natural

mucilage from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) can serve as an effective binder for paper

production. The mucilage acts as a natural adhesive, providing a biodegradable and

non-toxic solution for bonding fibers together in the creation of paper products.

Additionally, natural oils and waxes from plants are often used to create coatings that

enhance the water resistance of paper products.

Recycling is an environmentally friendly practice. While fewer trees are cut

down when the recycled paper is used to manufacture new paper, more natural

resources are preserved. In addition to saving energy used in pulping, each ton of

recovered fiber saves an average of 17 trees. Recycling services can occasionally be

less expensive than services 16for getting rid of waste. Paper recycling minimizes air

pollution from burning and frees up landfill space (Cao et al., 1999; Horn, 1975;

Howard & Bichard, 1992; Jang et al., 1995).

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design

The researchers applied a quantitative approach based on experiment design to

complete the study; an established method design widely used for scientific inquiry.

Moreover, since results are specific and objective, experimental design is the best way

to test hypotheses and theories.

B. Research Locale

The study was conducted at Juan S. Tismo National High School, where the

necessary materials and laboratory facilities were available for conducting the

experiments. The school’s resources ensured that the research could be done effectively

and under proper conditions.

C. Research Participation and Sampling

The samples (Banana Stem Fibers, Coconut Fiber Extracts, Okra Mucilage, and

Papaya Latex) were ethnically sourced from the researcher’s provided property and

from the local community. The researchers used a purposive sampling technique to

make sure the raw materials were typical of the local plants and were taken responsibly

from the researcher’s property and local community. This way, the study was conducted

properly, while also considering sustainability and ethical research practices.

Criteria for Sampling

No. Description

1. The banana stem fibers should be fresh, with no signs of decay or mold.

2. The okra should be fully matured and free from any visible damage.

3. The coconut fibers should be extracted from mature coconuts, free of any
contaminants.
4. The papaya latex should be fresh.

5. All materials must be ethically sourced, either from the researchers’

property or local communities.
D. Data Gathering Procedure

To evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the eco-friendly waterproof

paper bags, researchers will employ two key methods. The first method involves a

laboratory test where researchers will create small samples of paper bags using varying

ratios of banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage, and papaya latex.

These samples will be subjected to water exposure to observe their resistance to

moisture and overall durability over a set period. The goal is to determine how well the

fibers and natural extracts work together to provide waterproofing and strength.

The second method Involves using the bags in everyday situations, like carrying

groceries or small items. Researchers will monitor how the bags handle weight, resist

tearing, and last over time to make sure they are durable and reliable for regular use.

The banana stem fibers will be cleaned, dried, and processed into pulp, while

coconut fiber extract will be filtered, okra mucilage boiled and strained, and papaya

latex carefully harvested and prepared. These raw materials will then be blended in

precise proportions to form a slurry, poured onto screen frames, and dried into sheets,

which will later be molded into paper bags. Multiple trials will be conducted, varying

the proportions of banana stem fibers, coconut fiber extract, okra mucilage, and papaya

latex to identify the optimal combination for creating a strong, durable, and eco-friendly

paper bag alternative to plastic.

a. Amount of materials used in paper bag production

b. Effectiveness of paper bag resistance to water and durability

c. Ability of the bags to withstand everyday use and handing

E. Research Procedure

The researcher will make it clear why this study is being conducted, how the

researcher will do it, and the ethical rules that must follow.

Planning Phase: Includes the information and sample gathering.

Information Gathering: All relevant information about the study is gathered and

collected for a better understanding of the topic.

Collection of Banana Stem Fibers, Coconut Fiber Extracts, Okra Mucilage, and

Papaya Latex: The raw materials are ethically sourced from the property of the

researchers and Local Community to ensure sustainability and inclusivity in the study.

These materials will be utilized for the experiment and the success of the research. All

samples are subject to specific criteria based on their quality, such as freshness,

structural integrity, and suitability for processing, ensuring consistency and reliability

throughout the study.”

Experimentation Phase: First, the banana stems were boiled to make them

easy to separate into fibers. Banana stems, being rich in fibers, are a great basis for the

outer layer section of the product. While boiling, 25 milliliters of sodium hydroxide are

added.

Then, cut-up okras are boiled to extract their mucilage. Okras contain a semi-

fibrous and protein-rich substance called okra mucilage, which is essentially a slimy

material formed when cooked. The mucilage will be used as a thickener, stabilizing

emulsions, a suspending agent, and a binder for the product.

 Next, coconut fibers are boiled again to extract their elements. Coconut fiber

extracts will act as the product’s stronghold due to their thickening properties.

After that, all the components are placed into a blender and blended until they

become a thick mixture of fibers and extracts. The mixture is then poured into a decal

frame submerged in a tub of water to remove excess chemicals and give the paper its

shape. After being taken out, it is left to dry overnight under direct sunlight.

Finally, cuts are made into papaya fruits to let their latex pour out. The papaya

latex is then brushed onto the surface of the folded paper to make it waterproof.

Extraction Phase: The extraction phase focused on obtaining the raw materials

needed for the study. Banana stems were boiled with 25 milliliters of sodium hydroxide

to make them easier to separate into fibers, which are essential for the outer layer of the

paper bag. Okras were boiled to extract mucilage, a slimy, semi-fibrous substance that

acts as a natural binder and stabilizer. Coconut fibers were also boiled to release their

thickening properties, which provide added strength to the product. Lastly, papaya latex

was extracted by making cuts on unripe papaya fruits, allowing the latex to flow out

naturally.

Preparation Phase: During the preparation phase, the extracted components

were processed and combined to form the paper. The banana fibers, okra mucilage, and

coconut fiber extracts were blended together to create a thick mixture. This mixture was

poured into a decal frame submerged in water to remove excess chemicals and shape

the paper. Once molded, the paper was left to dry under direct sunlight overnight.

Finally, the dried paper was coated with papaya latex, which was brushed onto its

surface to make it waterproof and ready for testing.

 Finalization Phase: Once the paper was fully dried and the latex coating

applied, the bags were carefully inspected for any defects or uneven coatings. After

ensuring the bags were properly sealed, they were cut to the desired size and prepared

for testing.

Effectiveness of the Product: To test the effectiveness, the paper bags were

subjected to water resistance tests, where they were submerged in water to check for

leaks. A durability test was also performed by adding weight to the bags to check for

tears or structural weakness. Lastly, biodegradability tests were done by burying the

bags in soil to assess how quickly they decompose, demonstrating their environmental

sustainability.

F. Ethical Consideration

The relevant research activities must avoid injury to participants or researchers,

and ethical considerations must be provided before conducting the study. These ethical

considerations are essential to ensure the study is conducted responsibly, respects

participants’ rights, and promotes environmental sustainability.

Cause No Harm: All research activities ensure no harm comes to the

environment or participants/researchers. The use of natural resources like banana stems,

coconut fibers, okra mucilage, and papaya latex is done sustainably, ensuring that their

will be no harm to the local ecosystems. If the participants are involved like in testing

their research, their safety should be prioritized to prevent any injury nor harm,

especially during the experiments in handling the materials.

 Consent with Knowledge: Researchers that are involved in testing the materials

or processes, they are obtained to ask consent before doing the experiment. Researchers

should be fully informed about the whole of the study, potential risks, and benefits of

the experiment. Researchers should also know how their data will be used.

Participation is Entirely Voluntary: The researchers should participate

voluntarily, with no entreat or pressure. Researchers should have the right to move out

at any time without any negative consequences. This will help ensure that researchers

to engage willingly and without any undue influence.