UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA

PERLIS
SCHOOL OF MANUFACTURING
ENGINEERING

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF

BIODEGRADABLE POTS AND CUPS

NAME OF MEMBERS MATRIC NO.

NUR ANISA WASILAH BINTI MOHD NOOR 212051542
SHAHRIN
MOHAMMAD DANIALL HAKIMI BIN INCHE 212051106
MOHAMMAD DATAR
IMAN NUR HANIS BINTI EMAM MOHD TAWFEEK 212051071
NUR SUHAILA BINTI SALIM 212051546
NUR SYAZWANA BINTI SHAHRIZAL HISHAM 212051549

SUBJECT: DESIGN I / MDJ22102

COURSE: DIPLOMA IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
GROUP: GROUP 9

CHECKED BY: MR. MOHD SHUHIDAN BIN SALEH

 DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF
BIODEGRADABLE POTS AND CUPS

NUR ANISA
WASILAH
BINTI MOHD
NOOR SHAHRIN
MOHAMMAD
DANIALL HAKIMI
BIN INCHE
MOHAMMAD
DATAR
IMAN NUR HANIS
BINTI EMAM
MOHD TAWFEEK
NUR SUHAILA
BINTI SALIM
NUR SYAZWANA
BINTI SHAHRIZAL
HISHAM

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PERLIS

2022
 DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF
BIODEGRADABLE POTS AND CUPS

By

NUR ANISA WASILAH

BINTI MOHD NOOR
SHAHRIN
MOHAMMAD DANIALL
HAKIMI BIN INCHE
MOHAMMAD DATAR
IMAN NUR HANIS BINTI
EMAM MOHD
TAWFEEK
NUR SUHAILA BINTI
SALIM
NUR SYAZWANA BINTI
SHAHRIZAL HISHAM

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PERLIS

SEPTEMBER 2022
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, we would want to express our gratitude to God for enabling us to complete the
assignment that was assigned to us by our lecturer. The group members put every resource they
had into finishing this project. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to our
lecturer, Mr. Mohd Shuhidan bin Saleh, for all the support and inspiration he provided to us in
order to complete the project. Without his direction, our project would not have been completed
properly. He consistently offers us encouragement and advice on how to complete our projects
so that the study that has been done will lead to worthwhile results. On the other side, we would
want to express our gratitude to our family members for their support in getting the project
done. They never let up in trying to motivate us to put our all into this project. Finally, we want
to express our profound gratitude to our dear friends who always work together to deliver
quality projects with all available resources and responsibilities. I hope that all of the
opportunities will be very beneficial to us and our group project. Last but not least, we would
like to thank all of our classmates for their assistance in helping us complete the survey. They
often offer suggestions and criticism so that we can make numerous improvements to our
project.
 APPROVAL AND DECLARATION SHEET

This project report entitled Design and Development of Biodegradable Pots

and Cups was prepared and submitted

By

NUR ANISA WASILAH

BINTI MOHD NOOR
SHAHRIN
MOHAMMAD DANIALL
HAKIMI BIN INCHE
MOHAMMAD DATAR
IMAN NUR HANIS BINTI
EMAM MOHD TAWFEEK
NUR SUHAILA BINTI
SALIM
NUR SYAZWANA BINTI
SHAHRIZAL HISHAM

has been found satisfactory in terms of scope, quality and presentation as

partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Diploma Engineering
(Manufacturing Engineering) in Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

Checked and Approved by

(MOHD SHUHIDAN BIN

SALEH)

Project Supervisor
Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering Universiti
Malaysia Perlis

SEPTEMBER 2021
 ABSTRACT

The use of polymers derived from non-renewable petroleum sources in

agriculture poses a growing environmental risk. Growing plants for landscape
purposes and other horticultural activities produce a lot of plastic waste from
transplanting pots that is rarely recycled. However, the fabrication and
characterisation of biodegradable planting pots are the subject of very few
works. Biodegradable planters eliminate the need to transplant and afterwards
trash a container. Planting pots manufactured from paper, peat moss, or other
agricultural or industrial waste can be put in the soil with the plant and ultimately
degrade. Pots made of biodegradable polymers will likewise decompose when
buried in the earth. The most recent research on biopots—biodegradable planting
pots—made of bioplastics as well as those made of industrial and agricultural
waste is covered in this chapter. Traditional petroleum-based pots may be
replaced by bioplastics, usually with the inclusion of various reinforcements like
plant or wood fibres. Additionally, the utilisation of several forms of solid
residues in the production chain of unique sustainable products, such as wood
fibre, coconut fibre or coir, rice hulls, manure, peat, soil wrap, and straw, could
aid in the advancement of contemporary agriculture. The most important factor
to keep in mind is the requirement for quick biodegradation of biopots used for
soil planting in order to prevent their collection and root circling while also
improving the effectiveness of biopots' water use when growing plants.
Considering plants growth and functionality, biodegradable containers.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLEDEGMENT I

APPROVAL AND DECLARATION SHEET II

ABSTRACT III

ABSTRAK IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS V-
XIV

LIST OF TABLES X

LIST OF FIGURE XI-

XIV

CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT 1

a. Project Introduction 1-2

b. Problem Statement 3

c. Objectives of the Project 3

d. Scope of the Project 4

e. Expected Outcome 5

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF PROJECT 6

2.1 Introduction 6

2.2 Existing Research 7

2.3 Previous on Product 25

2.4 Research Gap 28

2.5 Summary of The Research 28

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 29

3.1 Introduction 29

3.2 Project Gantt Chart 30

3.3 Methodology of The Project 31

3.4 Quality Function Deployment 35

3.4.1 Product Requirement Specification and Product Design Specification 35

3.4.2 Method 35
 CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

1.1: INTRODUCTION

The tremendous manufacture of plastics over the past 60 years has produced a
vast amount of waste on a global scale. In 2015, more than 320 million tonnes
of polymers were created worldwide, but sadly, less than 10% of these plastics
are really recycled, and a significant amount are accumulating in landfills or
being discarded into the environment as litter [1]. Plastics made from non-
renewable petroleum are employed in a wide range of industries. Direct
coverings, greenhouse covering films, soil mulching and solarization films,
silage films, shading and protective nets, nets for harvesting and post-harvesting
operations, irrigation and drainage pipes, strings and ropes, pots, packaging
containers, and sacks are just a few examples of the numerous plastic products
used in modern agriculture [2,3].

Plasticulture is a term used frequently to describe the practice of employing

plastic materials in agriculture. The numerous uses of plastic in agriculture have
numerous benefits, but there are also numerous drawbacks. Plastic debris may
lessen the soil's porosity and, as a result, the airflow through the soil.
Additionally, it may have an impact on microbial populations and reduce the
farmland's fertility. It has also been demonstrated that broken pieces of plastic
materials can leak phthalate acid esters into the soil, which can accumulate in
crops and endanger human health when contaminated vegetables are consumed.
Other hazardous agrochemicals that are typically used on crops may potentially
accumulate in plastics. Because they could consume plastic or other toxins that
seep through it, animals are particularly at risk. Plastic pollution can also reach
rivers and oceans, which can be detrimental for aquatic life [4,5]. Thus, a major
issue in the agriculture sector is the reduction of plastic material use.

In place of petroleum-based pots, biodegradable containers, also known as

biopots, are a sustainable option that are easily adaptable to both horticulture
and floriculture production, decreasing the massive quantity of plastic waste
and offering excellent marketing prospects. Studies that concentrate specifically
on the marketing features of biopots have revealed that the appearance of
biodegradable pots is mostly to blame for their poor level of attraction.
According to a consumer acceptance research conducted by Hall et al. [18],
customers favour rice hull containers first and straw containers second.
However, earlier research examining biodegradable containers found that they
significantly affect plant development. This proposal will provide an overview
of the most recent research on biopots, or biodegradable planting pots, made of
natural or synthetic biodegradable polymers as well as those made of
agricultural and industrial waste. Their effectiveness in promoting plant
development will also be evaluated.
1.2: PROBLEM STATEMENT

The use of plastics based on non-renewable petroleum-sources in agriculture represents a

growing threat to the environment. Horticultural practices, as well as the growing of plants
for landscape, generate great amounts of plastic waste from transplanting pots that are rarely
recycled. Nevertheless, there are only few works that deal with biodegradable planting pot
preparation and characterization. Planting pots based on biodegradable materials remove the
necessity to transplant and hence, discard a container. Planting pots made from industrial and
agricultural solid waste, such as wood pulp, paper, or peat moss can be buried directly into the
soil altogether with the plant and eventually the container will decompose.

Similarly, pots based on biodegradable polymers will also biodegrade when placed in the
ground. This chapter reviews the latest findings on biopots (i.e. biodegradable planting pots)
based on bioplastics, and also those based on industrial and agricultural waste. Bioplastics
usually with addition of different reinforcements, such as plant or wood fibers, are a potential
alternative to conventional petroleum-based pots. Also, the use of diverse types of solid
residues, such as wood fiber, coconut fiber or coir, rice hull, manure, peat, soil wrap, and
straw, in the production chain of novel sustainable products could contribute to the
development of modern agriculture.

The main thing to consider is that it is necessary to offer rapid biodegradation of planting
biopots in soil to avoid their accumulation and root circling while increasing biopots water
use efficiency when rising plants. In terms of plant growth and functionality, biodegradable
containers can represent a good alternative to replace petroleum-based plastics used for
horticulture and floriculture containers.

1.3: OBJECTIVE PROJECT

Two specific objectives have been defined to simplify the main objective of the
project:

i. To design and develop a biodegradable pots and cups by using

engineering design process.

ii. To fabricate a biodegradable pots and cups

1.4: PROJECT SCOPES

This project was carried out to design and development of biodegradable pots and cups
focusing on the following steps:

1. Make research about biodegradable pots and cups and imagine the designs of the
pots.
 2. Collect all the data to solve the problems using biodegradable pots and cups.

3. Make a design and evaluate the idea of making a biodegradable pots and cups

4. Choose the best design and the suitable one for the pots.

5. Plan, analysis and provide product design specification (PDS)

6. Get the project items from supplier and running the project.

7. Design the work using catia software

8. Producing the prototype of the pots.

9. Testing the prototype and get feedback from the customers

10. Prepare for a project presentation

1.5: EXPECTED OUTCOME

 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF PROJECT
2.1: INTRODUCTION

The tremendous manufacture of plastics over the past 60 years has

produced a vast amount of waste on a global scale. In 2015, more than 320
million tonnes of polymers were created worldwide, but sadly, less than 10% of
these plastics are really recycled, and a significant amount are accumulating in
landfills or being discarded into the environment as litter [1]. Plastics made from
non-renewable petroleum are employed in a wide range of industries. Direct
coverings, greenhouse covering films, soil mulching and solarization films,
silage films, shading and protective nets, nets for harvesting and post-harvesting
operations, irrigation and drainage pipes, strings and ropes, pots, packaging
containers, and sacks are just a few examples of the numerous plastic products
used in modern agriculture [2,3].

Plasticulture is a term used frequently to describe the practice of employing

plastic materials in agriculture. The numerous uses of plastic in agriculture have
numerous benefits, but there are also numerous drawbacks. Plastic debris may
lessen the soil's porosity and, as a result, the airflow through the soil.
Additionally, it may have an impact on microbial populations and reduce the
farmland's fertility. It has also been demonstrated that broken pieces of plastic
materials can leak phthalate acid esters into the soil, which can accumulate in
crops and endanger human health when contaminated vegetables are consumed.
Other hazardous agrochemicals that are typically used on crops may potentially
accumulate in plastics. Because they could consume plastic or other toxins that
seep through it, animals are particularly at risk. Plastic pollution can also reach
rivers and oceans, which can be detrimental for aquatic life [4,5]. Thus, a major
issue in the agriculture sector is the reduction of plastic material use.

In place of petroleum-based pots, biodegradable containers, also known as

biopots, are a sustainable option that are easily adaptable to both horticulture
and floriculture production, decreasing the massive quantity of plastic waste
and offering excellent marketing prospects. Studies that concentrate specifically
on the marketing features of biopots have revealed that the appearance of
biodegradable pots is mostly to blame for their poor level of attraction.
According to a consumer acceptance research conducted by Hall et al. [18],
customers favour rice hull containers first and straw containers second.
However, earlier research examining biodegradable containers found that they
significantly affect plant development. This proposal will provide an overview
of the most recent research on biopots, or biodegradable planting pots, made of
natural or synthetic biodegradable polymers as well as those made of
agricultural and industrial waste. Their effectiveness in promoting plant
development will also be evaluated.

2.2: Existing Research

This Existing research is to study and gain every evolution

upgrade continuously reliable until now.
 CHAPTER 3

Methodology

3.1 Introduction

In this chapter we will discuss about how we start this project and
complete this project. We are starting from collecting data to finishing the
product. We will also discuss the project planning to accomplish the task
more smoothly in this chapter. The most important part in this chapter is to
find out the customers’ need to make sure the product is prefect and in
popular. The quality and values of the product also will be guarantee. I will
refer to the customer’s need based on the analysis from the google form.
The detail of the product also will attached in this chapter.

3.2 Project Gantt Chart

GANTT CHART
List major activities involved in the proposed project. Indicate duration of each activity to the related month(s).
YEAR 2022
Project’s Activities
WEEK
Grouping

Project Tittle

Progress Project Tittle

Preparation Mini Project Proposal (Grouping)

Submit Mini Project Proposal (Grouping)

Mini Project Progress

Mini Project Progress – Project Outcome (Submit)

Preparation Project Presentation

3.3 Methodology of The Project (Project Planning)

In this project, the implementing process is broken down into three phases. The flowchart
below depicts the three phases. Research is done at the first stage in order to gather facts and
information. The professor, the Internet, and the electronic library are all sources of data and
information. The yield of product design specification is the following stage (PDS).

The second stage is machine design, which included the machine's frame, supporting
infrastructure, and mechanical components. Selecting material is the following stage. To create
the ideal product, the stronger, more affordable, and chemically resistant materials are used.

Analyzing the performance is the third phase. The analysis is based on how effectively and
successfully the machine performs when bending the work item. Finding the conclusion is the
final stage.
 Flowchart of project

Step 1: Research and Information Gather

After discussion with all teammates and research, all the data and information collected can
allow me to identity the product I want to invent. One problem when sowing into traditional
pots is the root growth of seedlings can be impacted if they are not transplanted early enough,
with spiralling of the roots becoming a common issue. By contrast, the fibrous pots allow the
roots of seedlings to push through the sides of the pot, which in turn promotes healthy and
even root growth.
Step 2: Produce Product Design Specification

To gather data, we employ a variety of research techniques, including questionnaires,

surveys, and case studies. We have a better understanding of the needs of the product in
society after applying these strategies. To more clearly demonstrate the needs of society for
the goods, houses of quality are constructed. The survey's findings will also be made available.

Step 3: Mechanism Design

The Pugh selection method is used to evaluate the concepts and the control system for the
product. The detail drawing will then be created using CATIA V5R21 software, and the final
concept will be produced.

Step 4: Material Selection.

Better materials are picked to build products with superior performance utilising the Pugh
selection process. To reduce the product's absorption costs, low-cost materials were also
chosen.

Step 5: Analysis

We'll examine the product's functionality and identify any issues with it. If the product
performs flawlessly, then our purpose will have been accomplished and a conclusion formed.
Flowchart of project planning
 3.4 Quality Function Deployment

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a process and set of tools

used to effectively define customer requirements and convert them into
detailed engineering specifications and plans to produce the products that
fulfill those requirements. QFD is used to translate customer requirements
(or VOC) into measurable design targets and drive them from the
assembly level down through the sub-assembly, component and
production process levels. QFD methodology provides a defined set of
matrices utilized to facilitate this progression.

3.4.1 Product Requirement Specification and Product Design

Specification

A product requirements document (PRD) is an artifact used in the

product development process to communicate what capabilities must be
included in a product release to the development and testing teams.

A product design specification (PDS) is a statement of what the

customer wants the product to achieve.It is the basic control and reference
document for the design and manufacture of the product.The PDS is a
document that contains all of the facts related to the outcome of the
product development.

In order to fully understand the customer needs and requirements,

survey method will be conducted in this section. The survey form that we
do will be attached.

3.4.2 Method
80 participants (Teacher, Lecturer, Student and so on)
took part in this survey. In order to truly understand the needs
 of customers, they were asked to fill out the survey form we
have already done. We also provided a suggestion form for
customer to let us know biodegradable pots that the customer
really wanted so for the improvement of product, we can
clearly understand their needs. In this section, they only need
to fill out the form by their mean.

3.4.3 Analysis Customer Survey

Based on the survey form, 18 respondents give different suggestion of
improvement for Biodegradable Pots And Cups.
3.4.4 Product Design Specification

After doing survey, I know the need of customers as long as the customer requirements for
Biodegradable Pots And Cups. Thus, the product specifications will be as below:

3.4.5 House of Quality

Improvement Direction

Design
Requirements
Importance weight

environment
Easy to use

Recyclable
Affordable

Material
Stability

Safe
Design
factor

Customer
Requirements

FUNCTION 4 3 3 1 9 9
STABILITY 4 3 9 9
SAFETY 5 9 9
SIZE 3 1 3 3
MATERIAL 4 3 9 9 9
COST 2 9 1
22
RAW SCORE (435) 27 57 49 30 83 72 117
RELATIVE WEIGHT % 6.21 13.10 11.26 6.90 19.08 16.55 26.90
RANK ORDER 7 4 5 6 2 3 1

Column1 Column2
9 Strong
3 Medium
1 Weak

Increase

Decrease

Explanation of House of Quality

3.5 Concept Generation

Clarify the problem

Search Externally Search Internally

Explore Systematically

Reflect on the
solutions and the
process

Figure: flowchart of concept generation process

• Clarify the problem

Problem Decomposition
• Search Externally
Lead users
Patents
Literature
Benchmarking
• Search Internally
Group methods
• Explore Systematically
Classification tree
Combination table
• Reflect on the solutions and the process
Continuous improvement
Nowadays, Biodegradable plant pots will break down over time and can even
provide nutrients to the ground. This means less is going to landfills which will help
save Mother Earth. Eco-friendly pots are better for plants. Biodegradable or home
compostable plant pots have the potential to promote healthy root growth for
plants.

Biodegradability. Baba's biodegradable pots can be broken down by

microorganisms into humus, carbon dioxide and biogas when placed in a microbial
environment. Similar to garbage, it can decompose either within an anaerobic
(without oxygen and sunlight) or aerobic (with oxygen) environment.

Parts are divided into two primary bodies in the designed concept. The cover for
the hydraulic component comes first, followed by the cover for the body frame
component. The concept is created based on a number of standards that satisfy the
needs of the client.
 3.1.1 Concept Selection

Design concept

Pung Concept Importance Pots and Cups Designed Designed Desighed Desighed
Selection Matrix weight organic concept concept concept concept
factor 1 2 3 4
(DATUM)

Size of product 2 S - S + -

Environmentally 4 S - + S -

friendly

Weight 3 S S + + S

Cost 4 S + + - +

Safe for nature 4 S - - + -

Easy to carry 2 S S S S S
Design
Criteria Pot 4 S - - + -

dissolves naturally

Safety 3 S - - + -

features

Easily recognizable 2 S S S + S

Safe to use 3 S + - S +

More ecosystems 4 S - - S -

TABLE 1: PUGH CHART

For Weight :

# of pluses (+) 2 3 6 2

# of minuses (-) 6 5 2 6

Total score = DATUM -4 -2 4 -4

(35)
# of pluses (+) 7 11 18 7

# of minuses (-) 21 18 8 21

Total score = -14 -7 10 -14

Info: (+) pluses , (-) minuses , (S ) same

Based on the Pugh chart, ‘+’ is equal to better and ‘++’ is equal to best ; ‘-’ is equal to

poorer and ‘--’ is equal to worst ; ‘S’ is equal to same while the ‘total’ (use ‘+’ to

minus ‘- ‘) represents that the overall score that ranked by considering product design

specification (PDS) and product requirement specification (PRS).

First, we Pots and Cups organic select as DATUM concept and

scores ‘S’ for all criteria.The total score for DATUM is 35. From the 1 Pugh Chart,

we had add on the additional criterion, which is more ecosystem to assign the score.The

evaluation performed in pugh chart indicates the designed concept 3, 2 and 1 are tied

for first place with score=10 , and followed by designed concept 2 with score=-7 and

last place is designed concept 1 with score= -14.

Design concept

Pung Concept Importance Desighed Designed Desighed

Selection Matrix weight concept 3 concept 2 concept
factor 4
(DATUM)

Size of product 2 S S ++

Environmentally 4 S + S

friendly

Weight 3 S + +

Cost 4 S - S
 Safe for nature 4 S -- +

Easy to carry 2 S S S
Design
Pot 4 S - -
Criteria
dissolves naturally

Safety 3 S -- +

features

Easily recognizable 2 S - +

Safe to use 3 S - S

More ecosystems 4 S - S

TABLE 2: PUNG CHART

For Weight :

# of pluses (+) 2 5

# of minuses (-) 7 1

Total score = DATUM -5 4

# of pluses (+) (35) 7 15

# of minuses (-) 24 4

Total score = -17 11

Info: (+) pluses , (-) minuses , (S ) same

We build the 2nd Pugh Chart with eliminate the design concept 1 since it gets the

lowest score and it becomes less attractive in order to discriminate between the

options and criteria can be weighted. Then, in order to choose the best concept, we

use designed concept 3 as our new DATUM since it has the highest number of

positives.From the 2nd Pugh Chart, obviously the designed concept 2 has been

canceled after the use of weight. It also shows that the remaining one options which is

designed concept 2 are very close with total score -17. We can say these

concepts are in line with PDS and PRS.

In conclusion, the final concept is concept 3 which is the designed concept that

we have designed fulfil and meet most of the requirement design criteria. This best

concept is more safety to use, ang safe for nature.

3.5.2 Detail Drawing of Concept

After the concept is selected, the detail drawings are produced by parts to let us know more about
the details of the concept. The drawings will be attached in behind.

Designed Concept of Biodegradable Pots and Cups