Plastics 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. However, there are problems attached in using plastics. 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.

The world has produced over nine billion tons of plastic since the 1950s. 165 million tons of it

have trashed our ocean, with almost 9 million more tons entering the oceans each year. Since

only about 9 percent of plastic gets recycled, much of the rest pollutes the environment or sits in

landfills, where it can take up to 500 years to decompose while leaching toxic chemicals into the

ground. (earth institute, 2017) renee cho (Columbia university)

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/

Traditional plastic is made from petroleum-based raw materials. 

In 2015, Philippines ranked third in 192 coastal countries for the worst contributors of plastic

pollution in the ocean, dumping over one billion tons of plastic into the ocean (Jambeck, 2015).

Because it is petroleum derived, plastics take many years to decompose completely in the

environment. Plastic used as detergent containers, shampoo and conditioner bottles, and other

non-food containers decompose for an estimated of 100 years and plastic bags that are made of

cans are approximately 1000 years to decay (Sleight, 2011). Once they are burned or exposed to
heat, they emit toxic chemicals such as dioxins which may harm the environment and organisms

especially humans. (Soffar, 2015)

Bio plastics, 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, bio plastics were introduced. The purpose was to have plastics that arecommonly

disposed, decompose on landfills so they won’t take space. The idea or purpose of the bio plastic

failed. Another purpose of this bio plastic 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)

according to Woodford (2019), the bio plastic is better and effective when it iseasy to dissolve in

water and decomposed. Woodford (2019) also added that bio plasticsare moldable plastic that are

made up of chemical compounds that are derived frommicrobes such as bacteria or plants, bio

plastics are biodegradable.

There are two main types of bioplastics. PLA (polyactic acid) is typically made from the sugars

in corn starch, cassava or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral and edible. PHA

(polyhydroxyalkanoate) is made by microorganisms, sometimes genetically engineered, that

produce plastic from organic materials. Bioplastics do produce significantly fewer greenhouse

gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime. There is no net increase in carbon

dioxide when they break down because the plants that bioplastics are made from absorbed that

same amount of carbon dioxide as they grew. (Columbia University, 2017)

Based from Judith L. Fridovich-Keil The first known bioplastic, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB),

was discovered in 1926 by a French researcher, Maurice Lemoigne, from his work with the

bacterium Bacillus megaterium.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/bioplastic

It was then followed in the 1990s by bioplastics which are well-known today, PLA, PHAs or

even plasticised starches which benefited from the rapid technical advances in green chemistry

and white chemistry in recovery of biomass (starches, sugars, cellulose, etc.). (nature plast)

http://natureplast.eu/en/the-bioplastics-market/history-of-bioplastics/

Based from https://www.greenqueen.com 23-year old Denxybel Montinola, who recently

graduated from the University of San Carlos in the Philippines has just invented an ingenious

water-soluble plastic that could be the solution for food waste and the global plastic pollution

problem. Using mangoes and seaweed, which are locally abundant ingredients, Montinola has

created a new blend of bioplastic. (Sally Ho,2019)

Based from bioplasticsnews.com , Philippines Largest Company, San Miguel, Goes For

Bioplastics Packaging. (Axel Barett, 2019)

https://bioplasticsnews.com/2019/11/12/philippines-largest-company-san-miguel-goes-for-

bioplastics-packaging/
Meanwhile, Saba bananas are very much abundant in the Philippines because of its favorable

climate. About 3.5 metric tons of bananas are being produce each year and Philippines is the 5th

largest exporter of bananas. However, 382,491 kilograms of banana waste are also being produce

each year. (PBworks, 2011)

Based from Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, the banana fruit’s peel is a

waste material rich of starch. Banana contains high levels of calcium, phosphorous and

carbohydrate. However, starch is considered to be the major constituent in green unripe banana.

The starch has a long chain of covalently bonded glucose molecules. Starch can be used to

reduce the carbon footprint of traditional resins because they can replace petroleum-based

polymers with natural ones. It is also highly degradable, meaning it can be used alongside a

compostable polymer without interfering with the degradation process.

Starch-based biodegradable plastics are water-sensitive, have high water vapor permeability

and generally provide films with mechanical properties unsuitable for many applications, which

has hindered the expansion of their use and justifies the need to make modifications to improve

their properties (Mbey et al. 2012). Biodegradable plastic properties can be improved mainly by

using mixtures of starch with other synthetic polymers (Chen et al. 2014) and chemical and

physical modifications (Zavareze et al. 2012; Singh and Nath 2013).

Moreover, starch is a natural biopolymer consisting predominantly of two polymer types of

glucose namely amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is essentially a linear polymer of glucose

linked together by α-1,4 bonds while amylopectin is a branched polymer consisting of both α-1,4

and α-1,6, glycosidic linkages, with the latter found at branch points. The amylose/amylopectin

ratio, which is a function of the starch source, is significant as it affects some physicochemical
properties of starch and in turn, influences its functionality and eventual applications. The

advantages of starch for plastic production include its biodegradability, renewability, good

oxygen barrier in the dry state, abundance and low cost.

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Review of Related Literature

Bio plastics are the kind of plastic that is degradable and is/or derive from renewable

resources and not based in petrochemicals. It can be used to reduce the problem of contaminating

the plastic waste that suffocates and contaminates the environment. (Acciona, 2015)

The extensive production of conventional plastics and their use in different commercial

applications poses a significant threat to both the fossil fuels sources and the environment.

Alternatives called bioplastics evolved during development of renewable resources. Utilizing

renewable resources like agricultural wastes (instead of petroleum sources) and their

biodegradability in different environments enabled these polymers to be more easily acceptable

than the conventional plastics. The biodegradability of bioplastics is highly affected by their

physical and chemical structure. On the other hand, the environment in which they are located,

plays a crucial role in their biodegradation. (Emadian et. al., 2016)

 Bioplastics is a broad term used to describe a range of plastic materials that are either

biodegradable or derived from renewable resources or both. It is generally group bioplastic

materials according to their properties namely bio-based and biodegradable plastics, bio-based

and durable (non-biodegradable) bioplastics and petrochemical-based and biodegradable

bioplastics. Bio-based and biodegradable bioplastics are made using renewable resources, such

as plant biomass, and will biodegrade under certain environmental conditions. These materials

are suitable for disposable items, such as packaging, drink bottles, single-use food containers and

cutlery. They are more sustainable because they save fossil fuel resources and, if disposed of

appropriately, support further plant growth. Bio-based and durable (non-biodegradable)

bioplastics are made using renewable resources but are designed to have a longer life span (for

example, carpet fibers and interior car panels). Petrochemical-based and biodegradable

bioplastics are some petrochemical-based plastics that can be biodegraded by the microbes in the

soil, compost or oceans. (Science Learning Hub, 2013)

There are two main types of bioplastics. PLA (polyactic acid) is typically made from the

sugars in corn starch, cassava or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral and edible. PHA

(polyhydroxyalkanoate) is made by microorganisms, sometimes genetically engineered, that

produce plastic from organic materials. Bioplastics do produce significantly fewer greenhouse

gas emissions than traditional plastics over their lifetime. There is no net increase in carbon

dioxide when they break down because the plants that bioplastics are made from absorbed that

same amount of carbon dioxide as they grew. (Columbia University, 2017)

The number of different bio based plastics resins available in the market is growing every

day. Corn starch is the most commonly used raw material for composing a compostable plastic,

which is converted into polymer with the same properties as conventional plastics. Other
compostable resins are made of cellulose, soybean protein, potato starch, and also petroleum

(Worldcentric, 2014)

Bio based plastics contain renewable carbon which means when it decompose it doesn’t add

to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere because the carbon in the plastic comes from the

atmosphere. (EuropaBio, 2013)

Bio plastics have several benefits. The use of renewable resources to produce bio plastics is

the key for: increasing resource efficiency by the means of the resources being cultivated on an

(at least) annual basis and the principle of cascade use, as biomass can first be used for materials

and then for energy generation; reducing the emission of carbon footprints and GHG of the

product; conserving fossil fuels by substituting them step by step. (European Bioplastic, 2016)

Saba bananas grow in giant bunches at the top of a tall central stem on large banana palms.

Once bunch of Saba bananas can weigh up to 80 pounds. The flesh is white and dense, with a

starchy consistency, though it is not as firm as a plantain. Saba bananas offer a rich flavor

profile, developing a taste somewhat like a sweet potato when cooked. When ripe they are

slightly sweet with hints of citrus and peach. Saba bananas are very high in starch, offering the

same amount of carbohydrates as a potato. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, and C,

and contain dietary fiber and iron. (Specialty Produce, 2013) It is a very sturdy plant that can

grow up to 25 feet tall. This banana has good wind resistance and cold tolerance. The trunk of

this plant can grow as thick as 24 inches wide or 2 feet. The short stout banana makes excellent

to stones (AgriStarts, 2016) Bananas can add a lush, tropical look to any area. Bananas can grow

in all types of climate if given an appropriate care. (Stokes Tropical, 2011)

Review of Related Studies

A Turkish researcher Elif Bilgin proved that banana peels can be made into something more

useful than garbage by making it into a bio plastic. She said that she saw the possibility of

banana peels can be made into bio plastics because of its content, starch.

A bio plastic was also made by a student named Kathleen Hazel Lansang Montemayor from

the starch obtained from squash. Because of plastics that does not decompose easily which one

of the causes of global warming. They also said that the project can reduce problems of global

warming because the bio plastics decompose.

Proponents from Spain (J. Gonzales, P.Partal, M.Garcia and C.Gallegos) also made bio

plastics from starch due to the overgrowing waste products and depleting of petroleum reserves

because of producing plastic products.

A group of researchers (YugRasarawat, Misha Patel, Tejas Sagar, and Sharmishtha Shil) in

India also used starch from maize because of its abundance in their country.

Another work has proven that the starch from cassava can also be used as a raw material in the

production of bio plastics. This is done by Kim Duran with her co-proponents. The result was

found that the product exhibited the desirable mechanical properties of a biodegradable plastic

making it biodegradable at disposal. The proponents concluded that cassava starch is one of the

most promising raw materials that can be used in making bio plastic that can be sold in large-

quantity and commercially.

I. Background of the study

Plastics 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. However, there are problems attached in using plastics. 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.

Bio plastics, 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 2015, Philippines ranked third in 192 coastal countries for the worst contributors of

plastic pollution in the ocean, dumping over one billion tons of plastic into the ocean

(Jambeck, 2015). Because it is petroleum derived, plastics take many years to decompose

completely in the environment. Plastic used as detergent containers, shampoo and

conditioner bottles, and other non-food containers decompose for an estimated of 100 years

and plastic bags that are made of cans are approximately 1000 years to decay (Sleight, 2011).

Once they are burned or exposed to heat, they emit toxic chemicals such as dioxins which

may harm the environment and organisms especially humans. (Soffar, 2015)
 Meanwhile, Saba bananas are very much abundant in the Philippines because of its

favorable climate. About 3.5 metric tons of bananas are being produce each year and

Philippines is the 5th largest exporter of bananas. However, 382,491 kilograms of banana

waste are also being produce each year. (PBworks, 2011)

Based from Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, the banana fruit’s peel is a

waste material rich of starch. Banana contains high levels of calcium, phosphorous and

carbohydrate. However, starch is considered to be the major constituent in green unripe

banana. The starch has a long chain of covalently bonded glucose molecules. Starch can be

used to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional resins because they can replace petroleum-

based polymers with natural ones. It is also highly degradable, meaning it can be used

alongside a compostable polymer without interfering with the degradation process.

Starch-based biodegradable plastics are water-sensitive, have high water vapor

permeability and generally provide films with mechanical properties unsuitable for many

applications, which has hindered the expansion of their use and justifies the need to make

modifications to improve their properties (Mbey et al. 2012). Biodegradable plastic

properties can be improved mainly by using mixtures of starch with other synthetic polymers

(Chen et al. 2014) and chemical and physical modifications (Zavareze et al. 2012; Singh and

Nath 2013).

Moreover, starch is a natural biopolymer consisting predominantly of two polymer types

of glucose namely amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is essentially a linear polymer of

glucose linked together by α-1,4 bonds while amylopectin is a branched polymer consisting

of both α-1,4 and α-1,6, glycosidic linkages, with the latter found at branch points. The
amylose/amylopectin ratio, which is a function of the starch source, is significant as it affects

some physicochemical properties of starch and in turn, influences its functionality and

eventual applications. The advantages of starch for plastic production include its

biodegradability, renewability, good oxygen barrier in the dry state, abundance and low cost.

Starch has been incorporated into conventional plastics in an attempt to impart some level

of biodegradability on the resulting composites. Starch is a good biodegradable filler

candidate because it possesses satisfactory thermal stability and causes minimum interference

with melt-flow properties of most materials used in the plastic industry. The tensile

properties of starch are suitable for the production of packing materials, and glycerol is added

into the starch as a plasticizer.

In this regard, starch has been used as fillers, thermoplastic starch (TPS), in the

production of biodegradable synthetic polymer like polylactic acid (PLA), foamed starch and

starch-synthetic polymer blends. Starch-based bioplastics are not a single class of polymers

but rather a family of products. They have the ability to absorb humidity and hence they are

being widely used for the production of capsules in pharmaceutical sector.