ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCT: SUGARCANE BAGASSE AS THE SOURCE

MATERIAL IN MAKING COMPOSTABLE PLATES

A Thesis Title Proposal Presented

to the faculty of Jose Rizal Institute
Orani, Bataan

In partial fulfillment of
the course requirements in
Practical Research II

by:

Julius C. Delas Alas

Gene Cyrus E. Francisco
Jewely D. Ilaya

November 24, 2020

 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Nowadays waste can be heard and seen everywhere it became common to a

citizen's life. Other waste is being thrown because of lacks of facilities that is capable to

do segregation to be able to recycle the waste, this waste can harm the individual health

and needed to prevent it. Sugarcane, a popular source of sugar can help to lessen the

situations harm, it can be used to make a plates that can help to avoid harm to individual

health, it is not biodegradable but a compostable one. Compostable products are aligned

in biodegradable, but with included benefits that can provide important nutrients to the

soil that helps to grow trees and plants when they broke down. These products produce

no toxic residues once they preserved in a composting facility for several months.

Composting is good in disposable products like plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. It is made

out of PLA (Polyactic acid), bagasse (sugarcane fiber) or vegetable starch. Compostable

is more like environmentally-preferred rather that biodegradable (The Green Office,

2008).

Using Other plates that undergo chemical process is said to be harmful to one’s

health different from plates that is full compostable and does not have chemical when

done. Toxins and chemicals do exist in paper plates, such as volatile organic compounds
1
(VOCs), polystyrene and dioxin. Most chemicals are included during process, such as in

dying paper white. Styrofoam contains the chemical styrene, which has been linked to

cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system

effects…the list goes on (Safe Chemicals Healthy Families, 2014). Loh et al(2013) states

that The common, bio-degradable highlights and chemical constituents of the sugarcane

bagasse have been pulling in attention as a exceeding potential and flexible ingredient in

composite materials. Eco-friendly and low cost contemplations have set the momentum

for material science researchers to distinguish green materials that allow low toxin files.

Food waste spreads everywhere and the mixed unsorted collection is a practice to

handle waste flows. Choosing tableware can make a big difference to the waste collection

and can reduce the environmental impact of food waste management (Fieschi and

Pretato, 2018). Environmental processes are more focused around waste streams. Using

compostable materials shows uniqueness. Costumers either embraced or not the

environmental sustainability included in the process called peer policing of waste stream

contamination. Most of the participants agreed to it (Peter, 2012). Compostable

dinnerware are tested and as the result consumers purchased this for more environment

friendly product because it turn out good ( McMartin, 2015).

Jüri et al, 2020 stated that for the protection of the environment it is reasonable to

stop using tableware that is made from polluting plastics which is the disposable

tableware and use compostable products. Compostable products are more environmental

and nature friendly than disposable.

2
 In the Philippines, Converting the municipal waste to useful manure became

difficult due to the presence of non-biodegradable waste mixed in the garbage because it

is lack of facilities. (Cataquis et al, n.d). Compostable are more eco-friendly because it is

made from renewable material that makes it help to reduce waste (Chaudhuri, 2019).

Compostable products is a good option because it has the potential to be transfer into

useful soil nutrients. Composting is additionally an important transfer foundation since it

can get other bio-based wastes in expansion to biodegradable plastics (Song et al, 2009).

The researcher done a pre-experimentation on how to make compostable plates

using sugarcane bagasse. Sugarcanes are harvested and will be squeezed to provide

sugarcane juice, the sugarcane husk is the bagasse. The researcher stored the bagasse in

the wet container to remove short fibers and continue the process without biodegradable

bleachers added in able to make the product natural. As a result, the compostable plates

or the bagasse plates are done. The researcher analyze that the compostable plates are

safer and easier to be done.

The general objective of this study is to be able to create compostable plates using

sugarcane bagasse as an additive. In help to decrease waste in the field extract from

sugarcane the researcher will use its bagasse to create compostable plates using it and

later let the individual know the advantages of this unique plate. The researcher will find

a way to be able to make the people aware and to make it possible.

3
Statement of the problem

The general problem of the study is: How may the compostable plates can be

made using sugarcane bagasse as the source material?

Specifically, it seeks answers to the following questions:

1. How may the sugarcane bagasse be described in terms of:

1.1 Nitrogen Content;

1.2 Phosphorus Content and

1.3 Potassium Content?

2. How may compostable plates be described in terms of:

2.1 Environmental-sustainability;

2.2 Stability;

2.3 Biodegradable and Compostable

2.4 Safety?

3. How may the sugarcane bagasse compatible to use as an alternative material in

producing a compostable plates?

4
Significance of the Study

The following entities are deemed relevant to this study:

Citizens. The present study explores efficiency and efficacy of sugarcane bagasse as

the source material in making compostable plates. The information provided components

of making compostable plates will be a sight of people for using it. Citizens rely of non –

biodegradable when it comes after party, this study will show a reliable source for

biodegradable material like sugar cane bagasse. Most of the citizens have a major part to

get the benefits of this study, Furthermore, considering that they won’t need to be worried

because the compostable plates are useful compared to the other costumed material.

Economy. The findings of this study would help the economy as it is important to

provide an alternative supply of materials for the manufacture of compostable plates like

the sugarcane bagasse. In addition, the sugarcane bagasse can be a substitute to

manufacture of compostable plates and can lessen the pollution in the environment.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The results of this

experimental study will help and be beneficial to the organization since it helps the

country’s natural resources. The result can be a guide to protect natural resources and

enhance, maximize, utilize the usage of this material. After being use this material can be

used as fertilizer to make plants grow and help other land resources.

Department of Agriculture. The results of the study would give them many grounds

for taking concrete measures. This research would act as a reference for them to increase

awareness of the diverse use of sugarcane bagasse. It would allow them to carry out a

5
campaign on the elimination of fruit waste, as the results of this experimental research

will provide them with information on some of the statistics required to plan the case. In

addition, a livelihood scheme should be set in order to support those other unemployed

local residents.

Packaging Business. The outcome of the study would help these kinds of business,

as Eco-friendly packaging requires less material, is more economical and often uses

environmentally friendly methods of processing and disposal. Helping the atmosphere is

one of the economic advantages of creating lightweight products that help Fast-Moving

Consumer Goods (FMCG) producers save money and thus produce less waste.

Future Researcher. This study will be beneficial to the future researchers. This

study will help future researchers to further expand the scope of the study and provide a

better solution and answer to this problem.

6
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This experimental study will analyze the efficacy of sugar cane bagasse as the

source material in making compostable plates.

The main source in making Compostable plates in this study is the sugar cane

bagasse. The source within the production of compostable plates in this study is the sugar

cane bagasse. The chosen natural product will be described in terms of its nitrogen

content, phosphorus content and potassium content. The compostable plates

produced from sugar cane bagasse will be described in terms of its environmental

sustainability, stability, biodegradable and compostable, and safety.

At the end of this study, the researcher will be able to decide the efficacy of sugar

cane bagasse as the main source in making compostable plates and be able

to create a product that will be accommodating to reduce the rate of food wastes.

This study will be conducted at Lalawigan Samal, Bataan year 2020-2021.

7
 NOTES IN CHAPTER I

Y.R. Loh, D. Sujan, M.E. Rhaman, & C.A. Das. (2013). Sugarcane bagasse—The

future composite material: A literature review. Retrieved

from:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092134491300058X#!

Mafalda Rovilson. (2015). The Use of Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Green

Materials for Sustainable Packaging Design. Retrieved from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270590601_The_Use_of_Sugarcane_Bagasse-

Based_Green_Materials_for_Sustainable_Packaging_Design

Fieschi Murizio, and Pretato Ugo. (2018). Role of compostable tableware in food

service and waste management. A life cycle assessment study. Retrieved from:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X17308760

Cataquis Dale, Angeles Maila, & Dancel Cinderella. n/d. Utilization of Indigenous

Plants as an Additive for the Manufacture of Biodegradable Plastics. Retrieved from:

https://www.national-u.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/4-JSTAR3-Cataquis-et.-

al.pdf

Nyheim Peter. (2012). Factors That Lead to Environmentally Sustainable

Practices in the Restaurant Industry: A Qualitative Analysis of Two Green

Restaurant Innovators. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/?

q=compostable&id=ED550435

8
 Olt Jüri, Maksarov Viacheslav, Soots Kaarel, & Leemet Tõnu. (2020). Technology

for the Production of Environment Friendly Tableware.Retrieved from:

https://doaj.org/article/cc2586ed4a1a4cad92527b7e6026dedc

Song J.H., Murphy R.J., Narayan R., & Davies G.B.H. (2009). Biodegradable and

compostable alternatives to conventional plastics. Retrieved from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873018/

Golden Laron. (1963). The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of

sugar cane in Louisiana. Retrieved from:

https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1381&context=agexp

9
 CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the relevant theories, related literature and studies,

conceptual framework, research paradigm and definition of various relevant terms used in

the study.

Relevant Theories

This study will be conceptualized along the following theories: Biomass and

Bioenergy: Theoretical study of pneumatic separation of sugarcane bagasse particles (de

Almeida, et al 2019), Dr. John Paul’s The Theory and Operation of Composting (2009),

and The Theory of Green Packaging Design and Its Application by Fen Fen Zhou.

The first theory to support this study is all about Biomass and Bioenergy:

Theoretical study of pneumatic separation of sugarcane bagasse particles (de

Almeida, et al 2019). This study contains separation of sugarcane bagasse particles and

the use of specific particle groups that can improve the quality of many industrial

material product from this biomass, and this biomass or biodegradable product like

10
compostable plates can be assure that this theory is suitable for the study about

sugarcane bagasse as the source material in making compostable plates.

This theory or theoretical study shows relevance in this study, the models used to

describe the phenomena of particle separation can help study other processes involving

pneumatic biomass transmission to optimize the quality of materials. Sugarcane bagasse

is an important biomass used for the manufacture of paper, bioethanol and other products.

By following this theories proper separation of particles of the said organic material it

will have a big impact by producing the product.

On the other hand, The Theory and Operation of Composting by Dr. John Paul

(2009). This theory explained the composting of organic waste that will be one of the

claims of this study to explain the further information about the importance of

composting. In this theory Dr. John Paul stated that composting is human-controlled and

natural decomposition process is under the human conditions, Dr. Paul also includes

some criteria for proper composition like temperature, mixture content and he added

more criteria. In addition, to produce natural products there must be a proper composition

mode.

Dr. Paul’s theory shows the relevance of this study, as mentioned in the theory

decomposing organic waste to produce a natural organic product will enhance the quality

of the soil that provide nutrient and beneficial microorganisms, this study is not only

beneficial to consumers but also to microorganisms. This theory also includes

information that proper decomposition process will achieve a faster and efficient product

made from organic waste. Furthermore, in order to produce an efficient compostable

11
plate made from sugarcane bagasse knowing the proper decomposition of the bagasse

relating to this theory will make a possible efficient product.

Meanwhile, The Theory of Green Packaging Design and Its Application by

Fen Fen Zhou, discussed the advancement of science and technology and the growth of

human civilization, the climate of survival are declining, the further development of the

economy is being limited. These issues directly impact the reproduction of human

civilization.

As mentioned in this theory, the principle of green packaging design is modified to

the demands of the times, in order to investigate the application of the green idea to

packaging design. Green packaging design has to understand packaging materials, which

would have an effect on the cost of packaging. The 60 percent to 80 percent of the

packaging costs were confirmed at the design stage of the label. The concept of a green

packaging structure should be considered, and the structure of a reasonable packaging

design will not only reduce costs but also reduce adverse environmental impacts. If it

is need to use the least quantity of packaging materials, the area is the right option. Thus,

green packaging can prevent a waste of resources, encourage our design work to be in

accordance with our living climate.

The three theories: Biomass and Bioenergy: Theoretical study of pneumatic

separation of sugarcane bagasse particles (de Almeida, et al 2019), Dr. John Paul’s The

Theory and Operation of Composting (2009), and Fen Fen Zhou’s The Theory of Green

Packaging Design and Its Application involved factors including bagasse, composting

and preventing waste resources that contributes to produce compostable plates. In the

12
first theory which is Almeida’s theoretical study shows that proper separation of

sugarcane bagasse particles can improve the quality of product. To produce a natural

product, The Theory and Operation of Composting presented ways to composed and

decomposed properly for efficiency of product. He also added criteria’s that is essential

to produce the product. Furthermore, The Theory of Green Packaging Design explained

the application of green idea to packaging design to be in demand. Sugarcane bagasse as

an organic material can reduce cost and reduce adverse of environmental impact that will

be accommodating in our living climate.

Related Literature

Sugarcane Bagasse Compostable Plates

Greene (2007), conducted a study regarding the compostable plastic materials

produced from sugarcane degraded in a green yard-waste compost environment. Greene

stated that compostable materials has many benefits in the environment, it claims to meet

standards for biodegradation, sustainable plant growth, and eco-toxicity. I Greene’s study

it shows that plates made out of sugarcane have a high rating. Moreover, Azmin, Hayat

and Nor (2020) stated that agricultural wastes including sugarcane bagasse has been are

being popular in making biodegradable and compostable products.

The use of biomass like fiber, cellulose and starch to replace petrochemical

materials for the production of plastics, could be  a widely acknowledged procedure to set

up a sustainable society (Fiorentino et al., 2017; Ilyas et al., 2019; Karan et al., 2019;

Scott and Buchard, 2019).

13
 In addition, sugarcane has been popular among the principal agricultural crops.

Sugarcane bagasse has been use for biotechnological and non-biotechnological

applications. This study shows how sugarcane bagasse is used as cheaper sources in

developing word for the industrial implications, its use on commercial products, and its

potential to advanced sustainable bio-based environment.

Nitrogen Content

A national high-tech enterprise with the best dying equipment which is ZJN

stated that the bagasse is the sugarcane granular waste left after crushing and pressing the

said organic plant. To supply one ton of sucrose it needs 2 to 3 bagasse. Bagasse is great

fiber material as it is rich in cellulose, and fewer lignin. Fresh bagasse has poor

combustion characteristics and inconvenient to move, storage and use but after dying the

density and durability the combustion characteristics of bagasse improved and easier to

move and storage. The dry sugarcane residues sweet biomass energy.

In improving the yield of crops, nitrogen fertilization is a key aspect knowing the

influence of its long term fertilization (Saccharum spp.). This aims to know the how N-

fertilizer sources affect the rates on sugarcane yield, biomass partitioning, juice quality,

nutrient accumulation, and N efficiency in acid soils.(Boschiero, et al 2020)

Phosphorus Content

Based on study of Caione et al., (2015) Phosphorus (P) is necessary for the

combination of adenosine triphosphate and several other phosphorylated compounds. It

depends on nutrient also intensify or build up photosynthetic activity and enlarge the root

development, leading to expand nutrient uptake, greater tillering and higher yield

14
sugarcane. P deficiency in sugarcane induces biochemical change such that leaf

phosphatase acid activity in negatively correspond with accumulated. This relationship

could potentially used for early diagnosis of phosphorus nutrition in sugarcane.

Furthermore, a study by (Soltangheisis et al, 2018), the essence of enhancing the

sustainability of phosphorus in sugarcane. All important for Phosphorus (P) as usage of

global food resources to become more organize and for bioenergy has needs to become

more sustainable to lessen environmental impacts and spread a limited production and

critical resource.

Potassium Content

In a study of (Medina et al, 2013) to distribute potassium (K) in sugarcane during

its development the preparation of soil with inherited fertilizer with sugarcane bagasse,

measure the attentiveness of potassium in each part of the plant. Gamma-ray

spectrometry is a use way to detect the measurement of gamma-rays releases from the

radioisotope. After planting the sugarcane the attentiveness of potassium in roots, stems,

leaves are needed to measured every 2 to 3 months and starts about 5 months after

planting.

Sugarcane requires Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium content to annual

application for production of profitable yields. The sum of total phosphorus in

soils utilized for developing sugar cane in Louisiana is moderately low when compared

with the rate of removal by sugar cane. The amount of total potassium in these soils is

medium to high. The accessibility of potassium in numerous of the soils is

15
either generally low or drops during the developing season to such a low level as

to become a constraining factor within the development of sugar (Golden, 1963).

Environmental-sustainability

The findings of the study confirm that the use of biodegradable and

compostable tableware combined with sustainable recycling is the ideal choice for

catering in fast-service restaurants, contract catering and festivals, since it greatly lowers

the emissions, water and resource footprint and is entirely in line with the concepts of

circular economy (Fiesch, 2017).

According to Song, et. al. (2009), the growth of these bio-based products has

many possible advantages for greenhouse gas balances and other environmental effects

over the entire life cycle and the utilization of sustainable rather than scarce resources. It

is intended that the use of biodegradable materials can lead to recycling and reduce the

environmental damage associated with the disposal of oil-based polymers. This paper

discusses the potential impacts of biodegradable packaging materials and their

management of waste, in particular through composting.It raises core concerns that

remind assessments of the advantages of these products in comparison to traditional,

petrochemical-based counterparts.

Stability

According to Rathore (2020), the leftover sugar cane bagasse fiber is converted

into sugar. It is called a waste product, meaning that it does not need extra energy to be

made, but allows the world's best disposable dishes. The bagasse looks like nothing more

than a typical paper plate, but a thicker and heavier one, but there's a lot more to bagasse

16
than the eye meets. Bagasse fibers are naturally tough, making them particularly resistant

to fat and moisture. They are microwave resistant (unlike most plastic plates) and can

comfortably handle temperatures of up to 220°F, which is hotter than boiling water.

Biodegradable and Compostable

In the study of (Liu et al, 2020), most synthetic plastics which is non-

biodegradable caused severe environmental concerns. Replacing these plastics with

biodegradable, compostable, and environment friendly product will make a big impact in

the environment. The produced tableware out of sugarcane bagasse is biodegradable,

compostable, and environment friendly. The tableware made from biomass represents an

eco-friendy, low fetched, and biodegradable alternative to manufactured plastics for

nourishment packaging. Likewise, compostable plastics offer the most excellent solution

to ensure the environment from risks caused by ordinary petroleum based plastics as they

are eco-friendly in nature. Sugarcane bagasse as the source of making compostable plates

helps to lower risks caused by other plates made out of ordinary plastics (Getachew and

Woldesenbet, 2016).

Bagasse fiber attracts attention for the increase of disposal and agricultural

residues and o enhance the profit of sugarcane industry. Low level of maintenance and

great productivity made sugar cane an appealing crop for agriculturists in these locales.

Preparing and recycling of the natural products are done in an environmentally mindful

way, utilizing these assets effectively. Utilization of the rural crops as substitute raw

materials for numerous businesses is more than a choice. Sugar cane bagasse is set up

long-standing time fiber in tropical and subtropical districts for pulp and paper making.

(Chiparus, 2004). Numerous endeavors have been made to obtain an ecologically friendly
17
material to settle the issues related with the plastic waste. Most of the research focuses on

replacing petro-based plastic with biodegradable items with comparable characteristics

and low cost and one considerable biomass is the sugarcane bagasse fiber ( Gupta et al,

2019).

Safety

In an experimental study of (Liu et al, 2020) created a pathway to valorize

sugarcane bagasse left from sugar production to food-related end products through pulp

molding, which speaks to a feasible fabric and clean manufacturing. The sugarcane

bagasse from the sugar industry is normally secure for food-related applications. The

tableware is completely biodegradable, renewable, and naturally inviting. Liu and other

researchers also created a hybrid fiber procedure that long bamboo filaments were mixed

with short sugarcane fibers, which shaped abundant physical interwinding within the

obtained tableware with predominant performances as required for food holders, counting

high malleable strength, superior oil stability, excellent hydrophobicity, and low heavy

metal substance. (Azmin, Hayat and Nor, 2020) In this study, fiber and cellulose were

extracted from sugarcane bagasse. To ensure its safety, before they were utilized within

the bioplastic production. Sensory evaluation, drying time, water absorption, moisture

substance and water vapor permeability of each created bioplastic were measured and

analyzed.

According to the New Food Economy article, there are currently 62 PFAS

approved by the FDA for utilize in nourishment contact products. The PFAS utilized in

food contact packaging nowadays has been tested and according to a statement released

18
by the FDA on June 11th, “based on the best available current science, the FDA does not

have any sign that these substances are a human health concern, in other words a food

security risk in human food, at the levels found in this limited sampling.” Compostable

Plates made from sugarcane fiber are natural and renewable resources. No trees or paper

used its extra strong and has a standards for compostability (Grinvalsky, 2019).

Related Studies

A study entitled “Cellulose Nanoparticles Extracted from Sugarcane Bagasse

and Their Use in Biodegradable Recipients for Improving Physical Properties and

Water Barrier of the Latter” by Brant (2020), focuses on the Sugarcane bagasse—

Saccharum officinarum L., as the most cultivated abundant waste within the industry as

the result of the broth extraction after pulverizing sugarcane within the mills. The

researchers estimated that 1 ton of sugarcane produces around 280 kg of bagasse after

total processing. The researchers added important applications of sugarcane bagasse:

make of composts through composting; biodegradable tubes and vases for utilize in plant

development in green-houses. Agro-industrial residues, for example, straw and sugarcane

bagasse, rice husk, coconut shell fiber and others have been considered for the making of

cellulose pulp and cellulosic subordinates for the most diverse applications. Sugarcane

bagasse and other types of vegetal biomass are fibrous compounds consisting of

cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and small amounts of extractive and mineral salts. In the

case of sugarcane bagasse specifically, it contains 46.0% of cellulose, 24.5% of

19
hemicellulose, 19.95% of lignin, 3.5% of fat and waxes, 2.4% of ashes, 2.0% of silica

and 1.7% of other elements

Sugarcane bagasse, originally received from the supplier with moisture ca. 50%,

after dried in the sun for 8 h at ca. 30˚C, showed 27.22% ± 0.78% moisture from samples

tested in triplicate. After dried, ground by the miller equipped with a knife system, its

moisture dropped to 15.54 ± 0.03 from another triplicate of samples evaluated, fact

already explained in “Main raw material”.

In a similar study entitled “Sugarcane bagasse—The future composite

material: A literature review” conducted by Loh et. Al (2012), This study attempt to

explore plausible applications and potentials of SCB for composite material. The

natural, bio-degradable features and chemical constituents of the sugarcane bagasse

have been attracting attention as a highly potential and versatile ingredient in

composite materials. Eco-friendly and low cost considerations have set the

momentum for material science researchers to identify green materials that give low

pollutant indexes. Various components of sugarcane bagasse is shown to possess the

ability of being applied as raw material for manufacturing of composite materials at

multiple levels of properties and performances. Studies on the impacts,

performances and applications of sugarcane bagasse in its original condition;

transformed forms; treated with appropriate chemicals and/or processes; in

combination with materials of distinct properties and manipulation of

manufacturing methodologies have been duly considered.

Moreover, Song, Murphy, Narayan, and Davies conducted a study in 2019 entitled

“Biodegradable and compostable alternatives to conventional plastics”. This paper

20
examines the potential impacts of biodegradable packaging materials and their waste

management, especially by means of composting. It presents the key issues that

illuminate judgements of the benefits these materials have in relation to conventional,

petrochemical-based partners. Particular examples are given from new research on

biodegradability in simulated ‘home’ composting systems. It is the view of the authors

that biodegradable packaging materials are most reasonable for single-use disposable

applications where the post-consumer waste can be locally composted.

Packaging waste forms a significant part of municipal strong waste and has caused

expanding environmental concerns, coming about in a reinforcing of different regulations

pointed at decreasing the amounts created. Among other materials, a wide range of oil-

based polymers is currently utilized in packaging applications. These are essentially all

non-biodegradable, and a few are difficult to recycle or reuse due to being complex

composites having changing levels of contamination. Recently, significant progress has

been made within the improvement of biodegradable plastics, generally from renewable

common resources, to create biodegradable materials with similar usefulness to that of

oil-based polymers. The development in these bio-based materials has a few potential

benefits for greenhouse gas equalizations and other environmental impacts over whole

life cycles and in the use of renewable, instead of limited resources. It is intended that use

of biodegradable materials will contribute to sustainability and reduction in the

environmental impact associated with disposal of oil-based polymers.

“Bagasse Fiber for Production of Nonwoven Materials” a study conducted by

chiparus (2004), This study aims to develop a commercial method for characterizing

some of the physical properties of bagasse or other unconventional fibers obtained

21
through a new atmospheric extraction method, and also to create and analyze different

nonwoven structures based on bagasse, kenaf and other annual plants. Elastic nonwoven

composites exhibiting good mechanical characteristics were successfully prepared by hot

pressing bagasse/cotton webs sandwiched between EBC melt blown nonwoven fabrics.

The nonwoven composite degraded at a rather high temperature (220°C), but the

exploitation temperature is limited to 70-100°C by softening and melting of the synthetic

polymer. Nonwoven composite samples exhibited low thermal and heat transmittance

coefficients. For the same composition these coefficients can be tuned by changing the

construction parameters (density and number of layers). The soil burial method clearly

evidenced the starting of the biodegradation process by the diminution of the mechanical

characteristics (strength, modulus) of the test samples after weeks in soil.

Likewise, “The Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Contents of Sugar Cane

in Louisiana” by Laron E. Golden in 1963 stated that in order to clearly understand the

effect of growing sugar cane on the general fertility status of soils, it is necessary to

determine the rates of removal of nutrients from the soil annually by the crop and the way

these rates compare with rates of application of nutrients in fertilizers. The average total

nitrogen was higher in terrace soils than in the recent alluvial soils, but the averages of

total phosphorus, available phosphorus, total potassium and available potassium in the

terrace soils were lower than the averages from recent al- luvial soils

Moreover, “Pulp and Paper Production from Sugarcane Bagasse” by Rainey

and Covey (2016) focuses on the considerations for bagasse-based pulp and paper

manufacture with only a broad overview of the general wood-based process. This study

found that bagasse fibers made by atmospheric treatment of bagasse with 20–40 g/lNaOH

22
were suitable for use in a wide range of nonwoven materials at bagasse loading of up

to70% (the limit was stiffness of bagasse fibers). The nonwoven materials were suitable

forvarious agricultural uses such as biodegradable plant pots, poultry bedding, and

aquaculture. It is not clear whether these products have been made commercially.

Bagasse has also attracted interest for use in composites with polymers. Although

for many applications long reinforcing fibers are preferred, there are benefits in

using short fibers in some applications particularly where a high modulus is

required. In an extensive review, Verma et al.(2012) noted work using bagasse

fibers in composites with a wide range of polymers including phenolic resins,

thermoplastics, and polyester. Work has also been performed on esterification of

the bagasse to a thermoformable material.

Moreover, “Valorization of sugarcane bagasse by developing completely

biodegradable composites for industrial applications” by Guna et al. (2019), the

researchers report an approach to utilize sugarcane bagasse for high value interior

applications. They have used raw bagasse as reinforcement and wheat gluten as

matrix to develop completely biodegradable ceiling tiles. Increasing constraints on

the use of concrete and need to promote energy efficient green buildings are leading

the research for new materials for civil engineering and architectural applications.

Biobased renewable materials such as bamboo and coir are being studied for both

indoor and outdoor applications. Utilizing agricultural residues and co-products for

construction directly promotes sustainability and green building.

In addition, substantial value can be added to the residues, use of synthetic

polymers can be reduced and hence benefits to the environment can be accrued. The

23
bagasse-gluten composite even at its lowest density had 63% higher flexural strength

than the conventional gypsum based ceiling tiles. The composites exhibited good

thermal stability until 250 °C. Maximum water absorbed by bagasse-gluten

composites was 62% (w/w) as opposed to the 84% for the gypsum tiles.

Furthermore, bagasse-gluten composites had similar flammability as that of the

gypsum tiles and possessed moderate acoustic insulation and heat transmission.

Bagasse based ceiling tiles meet most of the performance requirements and show

high potential to replace the gypsum based tiles in current use.

In a similar manner, a study by Bari and Sistani (2019) entitled “Durability of

Natural/Synthetic/Biomass Fiber–Based Polymeric Composites” stated that the best

starting point for production of BCs is to develop a better understanding of the structure,

properties, and function of these materials and to determine their interaction with

different natural fibers in the formation of BCs. Biodegradable materials (pure polymer,

blended product, or composite) obtained from renewable resources could be classified as

green polymers, and their attributes have attracted considerable attention for their

possible roles as alternatives to petrochemical-derived materials [34]. Innovations in the

development of materials from biopolymers, reductions in the use of fossil-based raw

materials to decrease carbon dioxide releases, complete biological degradability coupled

with decreased landfill use, and application possibilities of agricultural resources for the

production of bio/green materials are just a few of the possible benefits of using

biopolymers.

“The Use of Thermochemical Pretreatments to Improved the Anaerobic

Biodegradability and Biochemical Methane Potential of the Sugarcane Bagasse” a

24
study conducted by Costa et al. (2014), The researchers evaluated the effects of acid,

alkaline, and hydrothermal pretreatments on sugarcane bagasse to increase its anaerobic

biodegradability and biochemical methane potential (BMP). Lignocellulosic material can

be used as biomass for power generation via biogas if it is pretreated to improve the

anaerobic hydrolysis step, by either solubilising the hemicellulose (total reducing groups,

TRG) or removing lignin (Lig), with consequent exposition of the cellulose fibre to

anaerobic degradation.

The highest sugar production (31.14 g TRG/g substrate) was achieved with the acid

pretreatment in 6.4 min at 138 °C, with a HCl concentration of 0.63 M, and the highest

lignin removal (23.24 g Lig/g substrate) was found with the alkaline pretreatment after

47 min at 184 °C and a NaOH concentration of 0.8 M. However, the best values of BMP

(197.5 L CH4/kg substrate) and anaerobic biodegradability (27.4%) were achieved by the

hydrothermal pretreatment after 10 min at 200 °C, which was sufficient to generate

power of 6.8 MJ/kg substrate. The results showed that the methane derived from the

anaerobic digestion of these hydrolysates produced less energy than the direct burning of

the dry bagasse. Thus, the recovered lignin, with its high added-value, may be used to

improve environmental sustainability and profitability of the process. In this case, the

alkaline pretreatment extracted 80.2% of the lignin present in the bagasse, and the

hydrolysate could generate 313.4 L CH4/kg substrate.

Likewise a study entitled “Biodegradation of Compostable Plastics in Green

Yard-Waste Compost Environment” by Greene (2007) claims to meet ASTM D6400

standards for biodegradation, sustainable plant growth, and eco-toxicity. Biodegradation

was measured by disintegration studies over 20 weeks. Compostable plastic materials,

25
produced from polylactic acid (PLA), corn starch, or sugarcane, degraded in a green

yard-waste compost environment. The researcher commercially available compostable

products, made from PLA, sugarcane, or corn starch, biodegraded while in a commercial

compost facility with other common yard waste compostable items. The PLA container,

cup, and knife completely degraded in 7 weeks at a rate similar to the Avicell micro-

cellulose control. The corn starch-based trash bag and sugarcane plate degraded at a

similar rate as the Kraft paper control. The three materials degraded between 80% and

90% after 20 weeks.

“The Use of Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Green Materials for Sustainable

Packaging Design” conducted by Pereira et.al., 2015. Their study simulates the

environmental effect of the alternative option of design depending on the choice of

materials. Using a interdisciplinary research methodology. The findings of a

nanocomposite substance derived from a mixture of sugar cane bagasse to simulate the

carbon footprint and energy consumed in the Solidworks Sustainability Design

Experiment. This approach may provide valuable perspectives for both material and

construction engineers to show quantitatively and qualitatively the effects of eco-design

alternatives in the early life cycle, including the life cycle of new products.

The study conducted by Ana María Jiménez Serna, 2017 which is entitled

“Comprehensive Utilization of The Bagasse Residue as a Source of Fibers for

Manufacturing Packaging Papers and Biocomposites”. The suitability of the use of

sugarcane bagasse residue as a raw material for the manufacture of brown-line paper and

the viability of the manufacture of high-yield pulps in conjunction with recycled fibers

were evaluated. Because of its higher yield, paper properties and suitability to be

26
distilled. Organosolv treatment has been found to be more effective for processing

sugarcane bagasse fibers.

The findings obtained for sugarcane bagasse pulps make it possible to assume that the

time of the breakup increases as the volume of ethanolamine is applied and this is

because the interaction with the reagents allows the loss of lignin and extractives and the

fibers. The reinforcing of sugarcane bagasse brings value to a by-product and expands the

agriculture industry's value chain. It can also offer low-cost alternatives to wood fiber and

at the same time reduce CO2 emissions due to combustion.

A study entitled, Bagasse Fiber – The Future Biocomposite Material: A Review

by Balaji, Karthikeyan, and Sundar Raj, 2015 which focuses on uses of sugarcane

bagasse. The use of bagasse fibers through advanced technology for the production of

biocomposites transforms the future of the coming generation. Well-designed and

engineered bagasse fiber products can help to make a new revolution to sustain our

natural resources. Therefore, the bagasse fibers can be used for advanced and engineered

product development for various applications on the basis of this short review.

It will be an alternative way of developing biocomposites that can be used

especially for the everyday needs of ordinary people, whether they are house furniture,

house furniture, fences, ceilings, flooring, and lightweight car components or sports

equipment. Their low cost, easy accessibility and aesthetic designs will be the main

driving force for transforming the present into a sustainable future.

27
 Substantial research has been undertaken around the globe to tackle and overcome

the above barriers. This effort to develop biocomposite materials for global applications

with improved performance is an ongoing process.

Likewise, a study entitled “Eco Friendly Bio-Degradable Molded PulpPackaging

Using Sugarcane Bagasse” by Mr. V. John Fredrick, 2018, stated that by taking the

waste bagasse as raw material after crushing the sugarcane, by milling, shaping, drying

and other methods. Final goods should be taken replace foaming and plastic goods that

are very eco-friendly. Productive packaging for electrical devices, toys, cosmetics,

computer accessories, personal computer components, small household equipment,

acoustic items, medical supplies, automotive parts, hand and pneumatic instruments,

glass, pottery and porcelain goods and applicators for lunch boxes are practical

applications.

The findings have been obtained by having wet bulk storage partly depithed bagasse

in a method for the processing of paper pulp from sugar mill bagasse. The artifacts of the

present innovation have also been obtained by means of a chosen series of method

phases, the combination of which has a chemical and morphological effect, resulting in

the unforeseen and especially good results attainable by the invention.

Another similar study “The Effect of Heat Compression on Mechanical Behavior

and Moisture Content of Pineapple Leaf Fiberand Sugarcane Bagasse Waste for

Plate Disposal” by Sabdin and Saiful Din, 2014, in order to achieve renewable

technology, waste from farming and manufacturing should be minimized and used as raw

materials in building. This research focuses on the use of waste materials from pineapple

28
leaf and sugar cane bagasse as compounds to substitute polystyrene and other plastic

glass in the manufacture of plate disposal.

The hot press plate is constructed with a variable temperature change on the

surface of the mold according to specifications of 50°C, 100°C and 150°C. The effect of

heat compression was assessed on the physical and mechanical actions of the disposal of

the pineapple leave and sugarcane bagasse waste layer.

The best roughness surface appearance on N2T8(20% of pineapple leaf and 80%

sugarcane bagasse waste) was seen from observations and testing. For specimen N2T8,

the optimal percentage of pineapple leaf and sugarcane bagasse waste is well present at

heat parameter 50 ° C. Best absorption of water in the N8T2 (80% of pineapple leaf and

20 % sugarcane bagasse waste) sequence of specimens due to the ability of pineapple leaf

for hydroscopic and water resistance. It can be inferred that pineapple leaf and sugar cane

bagasse waste provide a potential raw material for the strength and light weight of paper

disposal applications.

The above mentioned studies are said to be related to the present study since it

support the variables considered in the conduct of the present study. The result of those

studies will be relevant and related to the present study since it can be used to determine

the quality and efficiency of compostable plates.

Conceptual Framework

29
 I P O

 The wet pulped

bagasse will be
converted to dry
pulp board
 Mix the pulped
 Pulped bagasse with starch
Bagasse  Poured to 1st tank Sugarcane
 Starch and mix with water Bagasse
 Water after 15 minutes Compostable
pour water into the Plates
2nd tank until the
level of hydraulic
press
 Molding plates
using centrifugal
pump

Figure 1 Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 presents the conceptual framework as shown in the paradigm of the

study.

The first frame shows the input of the study that will be used to produce an

alternative source in making compostable plates which are pulped bagasse, starch, and

water

The second frame presents the process in which the raw material will undergo. It

includes the wet pulped bagasse will be converted to dry pulp board, mix the pulped

bagasse with starch, poured to 1st tank and mix with water after 15 minutes pour water

30
into the 2nd tank until the level of hydraulic press, molding plates using centrifugal pump,

and compostable plates will be sundried.

The third frame indicates the output of the study which is, the sugarcane bagasse

compostable plates.

The solid lines connect the first frame to the second frame and to the third frame,

representing how the inputs will be subjected to the processes, and how the processes will

result to the output or product.

Hypothesis of the Study

The null hypothesis of the study can be rejected or accepted.

 Sugarcane bagasse is inefficient as the source material in making compostable

plates.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are used in the study and are defined operationally.

Sugarcane. The plant that will be used in the study.

Sugarcane Bagasse.It is the sugarcane fiber waste left over after the sugarcane stalk's
sugar-bearing juice has been removed. It's where you can find the raw materials for
composting pots.

Compostable Plates. Are biodegradable plates made of quick-degrading materials.

31
Eco-friendly. Refers to goods or activities that contribute to green living by conserving
resources such as water and energy.

Nitrogen Content.A component of plantswhich is essential in determining the ability of

sugarcane bagasse to produce compostable plates.

Phosphorus Content.A mineral which is essential in determining the ability of

sugarcane bagasse to produce compostable plates.

Potassium Content.A nutrient which is essential in determining the ability of sugarcane

bagasse to produce compostable plates.

Environmental-sustainability. Is the responsibility to protect global habitats and

conserve natural resources in order to promote health and well-being today and in the
future.

Stability.Is the quality, condition, or extent to which everything is stable of the output.

Biodegradable.Refers to the tendency of objects to be decomposed by the activity of

micro-organisms, such as microbes or fungi, while being assimilated to the natural world.

Compostable. Is the substance that is capable of being broken down into natural
elements in a compost system.

Safety. Is the condition of being safe of the product.

32
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36