Mani’la Nut Bag: Peanut Shell as an Alternative

` Raw Material for Paper Bag

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CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to an article by “Peanut Business Farming” (2017), peanut (Arachis

hypogaea L.) or groundnut has been a popular crop in the Philippines. It is considered

one of the major field legumes grown by farmers but its production has been low and

erratic. Among the provinces in the Philippines, the top producers are Isabela,

Pangasinan, La Union, Quirino, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Albay and

Iloilo. However, the Cagayan Valley produced almost half of the country’s total

peanut production. In the Philippines, peanut can be grown throughout the year

provided inputs, especially the water requirement is adequately available. In general,

dry season crop (October-January) gives higher yields and beans of better quality than

the rainy season crop.

Peanut, commonly known as "mani" in the Philippines, is also known as

groundnut in the export market. It is often eaten as nuts in the Philippines, either

boiled in the shell or roasted. It's a common ingredient in the production of peanut

butter and vegetable oil. It's also utilized in sweets and to boost the nutritional value

of other foods. Peanuts are one of the most dependable income crops in a country like

the Philippines that is frequently affected by typhoons because of their low-profile

vegetative development.

Paper has been used for many years and plays an important role in our daily

lives. Wood pulp is used to make paper, which is an environmentally favorable

commodity. Due to its components, which are similarly found in wood, groundnut

shell can be used as an alternative material for creating papers. Furthermore, it

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demonstrates that using groundnut shells in the production of paper can help to reduce

the number of trees cut down.

The Philippines is now engaging in and practicing a plastic-free environment;

this project is being implemented in many cities across the country in order to

conserve the environment and mitigate some of the potential environmental hazards.

Paper products such as paper cups, plates, straws, and paper bags have become

common in most of the country's cities, given the fact that they are biodegradable and

can easily dissolve in water in attempting to prevent floods that occur frequently

during the rainy season and saving marine life, whereas plastics are non-

biodegradable and take an extensive time to dissolve and decompose.

Jed Alegado (2020) stated that single-use plastics have been in the spotlight

for the past years because of its impact on our environment. It pollutes throughout its

lifecycle beginning from extraction, refining, and ending in their disposal in the

oceans and waterways, soil, and in the air we breathe through burning or incineration.

In fact, it does not only impact our environment but also our health, livelihoods, food

and wildlife. Further, plastics do not biodegrade. Instead, they slowly break down into

smaller pieces of plastic called micro plastics. 

The purpose of this study is to develop and process the peanut shell into an

alternative raw material in producing a paper bag that can be used in packaging that

will benefit both land and water environment to reduce the possible environmental

hazard that might experience.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

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This study aims to determine the effectivity of peanut shell as an alternative

raw material in creating a paper bag. Specifically, this study aims to answer the

following questions:

1. How does peanut shell can be a possible alternative raw material in producing

paper bag?

2. How effective the peanut shell in developing Mani’la Nut Bag in terms of:

 Durability

 Strength

 Finest

3. Does Mani’la Nut Bag made from peanut shells can be used as a possible

fertilizer when it is disposed?

Objective of the Study:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the Mani’la Nut Bag can be a

suitable option to a normal paper bag. It will specifically address the following

questions:

1. To determine that the peanut shell can be a possible alternative raw material in

producing paper bag.

2. To evaluate the properties of Mani’la Nut Bag in terms:

 Durability

 Strength

 Finest

3. To assess the effectivity of Mani’la Nut Bag made from peanut shells as a

possible fertilizer when it is disposed?

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This section will show the conceptual paradigm to present the figure of the

study:

Figure 1. IPO Diagram

This figure shows the relationship between the Independent Variable which is

the Peanut shell as the main material to the Dependent Variable which is the Mani’la

Nut Bag or the output of the project. The flow of this research from the beginning

until the end of this study is also included and how the researchers gathered the

information, product procedure and how the project being done.

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The researchers conducted a study in which the main raw materials used in the

production and processing of a paper bag is peanut shells. Since single-use plastic

items such as plastic bags are now prohibited in most cities in the Philippines,

researchers used peanut shells to demonstrate that peanut shells can be used as an

alternative raw material in the production of paper bags aside from making it as a

fertilizer.

The researchers study relates to the study from Karthikeyan et al. (2019) and

stated that in recent years, with the growing shortage of wood from the forest, the

search for alternative fiber producing plant material has been initiated. Ground nut

shell may serve partly as an alternative resource. In this study the researchers

extracted cellulosic fiber from ground nut shell by Kraft’s process and compared other

source of cellulosic fibrous materials. In application that researchers produced paper

from ground nut shell. This is going to be more effective and alterative for cellulosic

fiber in future.

In this study, peanut shell is part of the ground nut family and it is proved that

it is rich in cellulosic fiber materials that is considered as the main ingredient in

creating paper by Kraft’s process which is a process of converting the peanut shell

into pulp that consist almost cellulosic fibers which will be the main component of

paper. The researchers will use the study as a basis for their research in processing a

peanut shell in producing a Mani’la Nut Bag.

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Hypothesis

The researchers conducted a series of experiments that is presented as a

starting point for further action. To perceive and understand this research on the topic

“Mani'la Nut Bag: Peanut shell as an Alternative Raw Materials for Paper Bags”. The

hypothesis is created below:

 If Mani’la Nut Bag will be decomposed for 6 weeks then Mani’la Nut Bag

can be a fertilizer when it is disposed.

 If Mani’la Nut Bag will not decompose within 6 weeks then Mani’la Nut

Bag needs more time to decompose when it is disposed.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The scope of this study focused on the creation and process of peanut shells

as an alternative and main material for paper bag.

Hence, the researchers are limited to develop a paper bag using peanut shells

only. Peanut shell is the major material in producing paper bag. The product design

will be based on the similar design to usual and common paper bags used in super

markets, groceries stores and public markets. The product will undergo through

experiment and testing before having an analyzation of results. The time range for the

study started in February and ended in June 2022.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Although paper bags are currently widely used in the market, one of the goals

of this study is to develop a paper bag made from peanut shells, which will protect the

environment from the negative consequences of tree cutting. Because the product is

manufactured from waste materials, mainly peanut shells, which are not currently

commercially available in the Philippines, this study can give an alternative raw

material for creating paper bags for the market.

The new concept would help reduce waste products like peanut shells. Mani’la

Nut Bags can assist in meeting the growing need for paper bags, particularly in

various supermarkets. Through this research, researchers can contribute to

environmental preservation by reducing tree cutting, hence preventing deforestation

and other variables associated with various environmental issues, by repurposing

peanut shells.

The researcher believes that this study will not only yield data that would be

helpful. More so to the following groups of people:

Environment

This study will benefit the environment to minimize waste products or

materials to lessen the possible issues on the environment.

Community

The result of this study will help the community to gain awareness and to

know more about paper bags aside from being biodegradable, they are also

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environment friendly and practical to use.

Students

This study will serve as a reference for their school works particularly to the

students of San Pedro College of Business Administration. It will benefit all the

Engineering students of SPCBA in preparation for their future research in IE:

Capstone Project.

Future Researchers

This study will help future researchers to pave the way for more expounded

studies in a similar field. Obtaining knowledge and data through this study will help

them establish and continue research.

Manufacturer of Paper

This study offered the manufacturer of paper an empirical information,

suggestions and recommendations regarding to the production of paper using an

alternative raw material which is peanut shell. Thus, it will lead to preserve the

environment particularly forestry and to lessen tree cutting.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

For better understanding of the study, the following terms are conceptually

and generally defined.

Decompose – the ability of a certain object to dissolve or degrade.

Environment – the sum total of all surroundings of all living organism, including

natural forces and either living things, which provide conditions for development and

growth as well as danger and damage.

Finest – refers to the texture of the output product which is the Mani’la Nut Bag.

Mani’la Nut Bag – it refers to the name of the product.

Paper bag - it is considered as the output of the experimental study.

Paper making process - it is the adapted method of the researchers from other study

to process and make a paper and turn into a paper bag.

Peanut shell - it is the main raw materials of the study and it is also considered as a

waste part of the peanut.

Plastic – is a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as

Polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set

into a rigid or slightly elastic form.

Pollution – is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that

causes adverse change.

Pulp - it consists and rich in cellulosic fibers that is the main ingredient or

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composition in making a paper.

Researchers - a group of people who conduct the research of the study.

CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Fiber from Peanut shell as the Main Components for Paper

According to Musekiwa et al. (2020), the cellulose can be used to synthesize

fibers that can be converted into useful paper products. Chemical pulping was the

chosen process for liberating the fibers as it is effective in dissolving lignin embedded

within the cellulose.

The main raw materials of pulp and papermaking industry can be classified

into three categories: wood, non-wood, and non-plant (mainly wastepaper), of which

non-wood fiber material is an important fiber source in the areas where forest

resources are scarce (Liu et al. 2018). The removal capacity of forests decreases as

forests are lost. People continuously use wood, but they seldom plant trees, making it

a less percentage of having it around. The researchers ventured an aid regarding the

continuous cutting of trees through the use of peanut shells (Ymasa et al.2019).

Groundnut shell and wood fibers were stronger than those made from pure

wood pulp. It appears feasible to employ peanut shell waste to extend the fiber raw

material basis of pulping processes without sacrificing paper quality. The peanut shell

fibers possess good physical strength properties (Wolfgang et al. 2007).

Wood and Peanut shell have Similar Composition

An article entitled “Biocatalysts and Agricultural Biotechnology” by Pham

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Anh Duc, (2019), the increased peanut production leads to the accumulation of these

peanut shells which is not utilized, thus either burnt or buried. As peanut shells are

rich in many functional compounds and composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and

lignin, it can be utilized in multiple ways. According to Costa et al. (2013) the higher

cellulose content together present in ground plant may be a suitable source for

producing paper in low-cost and eco-friendly environmental.

Peanut shells consist of cellulose (48 wt%), hemicellulose (3 wt%) and lignin

(28 wt%). The peanut shells were characterized by high porosity and showed water

absorption around 198% at 72 hours. Its chemical composition is essentially

composed of silica, iron oxides, alumina and calcium oxide. Its microstructure

showed that the peanut shells were a compilation of microfibers with high porous of

borders (Bobet et al. 2020)

Meanwhile, Lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose form unique and complex

structures in wood. Softwood species include 33–42% cellulose, 22–40%

hemicellulose, 27–32% lignin, and 2–3.5% extractives. Hardwood species contain

38–51% cellulose, 17–38% hemicellulose, 21–31% lignin, and 3% extractives

(Tarasov et al. 2018).

Peanut shell as a Fertilizer

According to Win et al. (2019), waste peanut shells were used to enhance soil

properties by composting for cultivation of plants as the organic fertilizer. It is

observed that the soil added with peanut shell-compost has a potential increase of

Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, total Sulphur, total Calcium and total Magnesium

in plant growth media than control soil.

The use of organic waste in agriculture can reduce the need of chemical

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fertilizer and restore the organic carbon deficiency in the soil. As chemical fertilizers

are causing ecological damage, an alternative method is required to replace the use of

chemical fertilizers for the growth of vegetable plants. In this orientation, groundnut

shells (230-300g/Kg) produced during processing are used as a natural fertilizer for

the cultivation of vegetable plants to increase their yield and to reduce the

environmental pollution (Vasavi rama Karri 2018).

Plastic Bags

Another important factor to consider is the role plastic bags have come to

occupy in daily life. Although plastic bags were originally unpopular when they were

introduced, shopping without a plastic bag today is almost inconceivable (Li et al.

2017). The utilization of plastic bags is increasing from time to time in spite of a good

deal of awareness of the residents about the adverse effects of these products. In order

to reduce the problems associated with plastic bag wastes, it is recommended to

educate the public (1) not to use plastic bags, and (2) to use eco-friendly alternative

materials (bags) made from clothes, natural fibers and paper (Lall and Ghosh 2018).

Pollution due to Plastic Bags

Plastic bag pollution is a growing global environmental concern. Several

countries have recently approved bans on the use and distribution of plastic bags.

Plastic bags are convenient, cheap, and plentiful. The addiction has created blindness

to the innocuous use of plastic products and subsequent global consequence. Such a

vast amount of plastic bags have been scrapped, and environmental impact thusly

quantified, that contamination persists in ocean, terrestrial and marine life (Li and

Richter 2018). About 6-17 million tons of plastic enters the oceans every year. Nearly

700 species have been known to interact with these plastics, including plastic bags,

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and have been linked to having lethal effects on vertebrates to zooplankton (Per Vince

and Hardesty 2017). Due to its resistance to degradation, most plastic debris will

persist in the environment for centuries and may be transported far from its source,

including great distances out to sea. Land and Ocean based sources are the major

sources of plastic entering the environment, with domestic, industrial and fishing

activities being the most important contributors. Ocean gyres are particular hotspots

of plastic waste accumulation. Both macro plastics and micro plastics pose a risk to

organisms in the natural environment, for example, through ingestion or entanglement

in the plastic (Li and Fok 2017).

SYNTHESIS

Single-use plastic products is still a prevalent problem in the community that

leads to various environmental issues that is happening. Plastic products is an

example non-biodegradable products which need an extensive time to dissolve or

decompose, it is the one of the major reasons that the Philippines is now banning

single-use plastics product and reduce the possibility of experiencing various

environmental issues. To reduce the possible problem from the environment, different

LGU’s in the Philippines are now mandating the banning of single-use plastic

products especially plastic bags since it is one of the most dispose plastic products.

However, forestry suffers due to the high demand of paper-based products because

wood from tree is the main materials in producing paper products. It is indeed

essential to have an alternative raw material in producing paper products to lessen the

tree cutting, that will result to reduce the environmental issues that people are

experiencing. The research showed that peanut shell can be an alternative raw

material in producing paper products due to its same compositions with wood.

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