The Feasibility of Onion (Allium cepa) Peels as the Main Ingredient for

Bioplastic Materials

Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion

March 2021

CHAPTER 1
 INTRODUCTION
Rationale and Background of the Study

Plastic are carbon-based polymers derived mostly from petroleum. These plastics are
commonly used in product packaging in most markets in the country. They are water-proof and
easy to use. Getting rid of the said plastics is extremely difficult. According to a study led by the
University of Georgia (2012), the Philippines have dumped 1 billion tons of plastics in the ocean
in 2010. On the other hand, the country’s population is enormously fast-growing compared to
other countries in Asia. This huge population results to the production of tons of plastics every
year. These plastics will take years before they completely decompose. Due to the longtime of
decomposition, the disposals of the said plastics have been one of the biggest problems of the
country.
Bioplastics, however, are plastics that are derived from renewable resources or
biodegradable or both. (Science Learn, 2013). These are plastics that are derived from
vegetable oil, corn starch, plant cellulose, and/or bacteria. (Goodall, 2011).
In 1980’s bioplastics were introduced. The purpose was to have plastic that commonly
disposed, decompose on landfills so they won’t take space. The idea or purpose of the
bioplastic failed. Another purpose of this bioplastics is to reduce the utilization of petroleum/
petro-chemicals. But some of starch- based plastic nowadays are mixed with petroleum- based
plastics. (NYC, May 13, 2014)
Meanwhile, Research has proven that the extract of Onion peel (OPE) is a great source
of antioxidants. It is tested for the storage of animal meat with inhibition of microorganism
growth in the medium (Ifesan, 2017).
Because of the facts presented above, the researchers aimed to seek an alternative
way in making a bioplastic. They wanted to find a way of Onion peelings useful instead of being
wastes. The researchers wanted to help the environment by using waste product as the key
ingredient of the bioplastic

A. Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to make a bioplastic with the same quality as the traditional plastic.
It aims to establish answers to the following research questions:
 1. Can Onion (Allium cepa) peels used to produce bioplastic?

2. Is there significant difference between the treatments in terms of strength?

3. Is there significant difference between the treatments in terms of degradation rate?

B.Goals and Objectives

This study would like to determine:

1. If the Onion (Allium cepa) peels work as the main ingredient for bioplastic materials.

2. If there a significant difference between the treatments in terms of strength.

3. If there a significant difference between the treatments in terms of degradation rate.

Hypotheses

1. The Onion (Allium cepa) can be the main ingredient for bioplastic materials.

2. There is no significant difference between the treatments in terms of strength.

3. There is no significant difference between the treatments in terms of degradation rate.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Dependent

Variable Result
 Main Ingredient for bio
Onion peels extract
plastic material

Scope and Delimitation

This study is focused on the feasibility of Onion (Allium cepa) peels as main

ingredient for bioplastic materials that could help to lessen the plastic waste in a

community. This is going to be conducted at Tugas Mambusao, Capiz during the Second

Semester A.Y 2021-2022. This study was conduct during the pandemic.

Treatment A: 50% onion peels extract, 10% cornstarch, 20% water, 5%

glycerol, and 5% vinegar

Treatment B: 75% onion peels extract, 20% cornstarch, 10% water, 5%

glycerol, and 2% vinegar

Treatment C: 100% onion peels extract, 10% cornstarch, 10% water,

5% glycerol, and 10% vinegar

Significance of the Study

This study is conducted to benefit the following:

Students. The results of this study will provide knowledge or idea to the
students about bioplastics materials.
People. The study would also benefits the people because it will help them to create a
good source of plastic that will not produce harmful effects.

Future Researchers. The future researchers can also gain the significance in this study.

The Researcher. The researcher of this study can also gain confidence in this study. They

could enhance their skill, strategy and knowledge in engaging to researcher work.

Definition of Terms

For purpose of understanding and clarity, the following terms are specified their
conceptual and operational definitions.

Allium cepa - The onion, also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a
vegetable

that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium.

Bioplastic - are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources, such as

vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, wood ships, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc.

Degradation - is the process of it’s becoming damaged and poorer or process of

something becoming worse or weaker.

Feasibility – describes how easy or difficult it is to do something or an assessment of the

practicality of a proposed project or system.