La Consolacion University Philippines

formerly University of Regina Carmeli

"The Effectiveness of Banana (Musa Acuminata) Pseudo-stem

Fiber as an Alternative Eco Paper Bag"
Aguilar, P. A. A. Embuscado, K. L. S. Fajardo, J. A. C.
Gameng, K. J. M. Lopez, J. C. B. Mariñas, M. L. S.
Morales, K. C. A. Polintan, J. E. A.Regalado, P. J. DJ. Villanueva, D. M.R.
IN T R O D UCTIO N
The study could not have been
This research explores banana pseudo-stem fiber as a potential eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. It investigates the material's completed without the exceptional
support we received from our
properties, seeks new methods to obtain it, and identifies other environmentally suitable alternatives for plastic bags. The study
capstone advisor, Mr, Harold Hipolito.
highlights the advantages of using banana fiber, such as its lower cost, increased efficiency, and higher strength compared to Throughout the entire process, her
traditional plastic bags. However, there are concerns about certain eco bags being made of plastic, prompting researchers to enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion
have served as an inspiration and kept
propose banana fiber as a more sustainable option. The study acknowledges that while banana fiber has good mechanical us on course.
properties, its use in textiles and the fashion industry is not extensively studied, and limitations such as stiffness and the risk of Our friends, who gave their full
support as we conducted our
breakage need to be addressed. Research shows that banana fiber is a promising alternative to plastic bags due to its durability and capstone research, are also greatly
eco-friendly nature.This study contributes to finding a solution to the global problem of plastic waste and serves as a valuable appreciated. We would like to thank
everyone who took part in giving us
resource for future researchers interested in exploring the topic further. Plastic bags pose significant environmental threats, and
emotional support and inspired us to
utilizing banana fiber can help mitigate pollution and protect ecosystems. keep going.
We thank our families for the
unending support and
encouragement they have given to

OBJECTIVES each one of us throughout the

research process.
Finally, we would like to thank the
Lord Almighty, for giving us the
The objective of using banana pseudo-stem fiber is to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote wisdom and perseverance to conduct
this study. His eternal guidance and
sustainable packaging practices. The study also highlights the economic benefits that can be derived from banana creative source has brought us in
pseudo-stem fiber production, potentially creating new jobs and income streams in banana-growing regions. By reframing our minds to contribute
something good in our communities of
utilizing this natural and biodegradable material, the demand for plastic bags can be reduced, leading to a more imagined perfection. The success of
this paper is for His Greater Glory.
sustainable approach to packaging and waste management.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
RESULTS AND
DISCUSSIONS
As indicated in the table, the greater quantity of The table illustrates that the more water used in The table demonstrates that the longer the
banana pseudo stem used, the further banana eco boiling the banana pseudo-stem, the longer it banana pseudo stem is boiled, the better the
paper bag manufactured. takes to dry the banana eco paper bag. banana eco paper bag produced.

Researchers have introduced an innovative solution for eco-friendly packaging: paper bags made from banana pseudo-stem fiber. These bags have
undergone rigorous testing to assess their compressive strength, durability, and life span. The bags have successfully met the strict standards of the
EN13590:2003 certification system, highlighting their eco-friendliness while offering reliable strength when subjected to pressure. In the compressive
strength test, the banana fiber paper bags exceeded expectations, showcasing remarkable resilience and maintaining their shape under heavy loads. This
demonstrates their suitability for packaging needs, as they provide a durable and dependable option. The durability test further emphasizes the bags'
quality, as they exhibit exceptional tensile strength, puncture resistance, and load capacity. Even after being subjected to a durability test involving lifting
the bags 20 times, they retained their firmness and showed no signs of breaks or weakening. This confirms the strong bonding of the material to the bag's
construction, enabling it to withstand repeated tugging efforts. In line with the importance of life span testing, the researchers evaluated the bags over a
month-long period from the last week of April 2023. The bags successfully passed the life span testing, proving their long-lasting nature and fulfilling the
critical requirement for eco-friendly products. Overall, the development of these eco-friendly banana fiber paper bags presents a sustainable packaging
solution that combines strength, durability, and a prolonged life span, making them an environmentally conscious choice for various applications.

PROCEDURE CONCLUSION
Collect banana fibers by peeling off the Carefully lift the screen out of the water and
outer layer of the banana pseudo-stem. lay it flat to dry. You can use a fan or air-dry The study involved extensive experimentation,
Make sure to remove any excess pulp or the screen outdoors to speed up the drying which revealed the potential of utilizing banana
debris from the fibers. process.
pseudo-stem fiber to create eco-paper bags that

for several hours or
Soak the fibers in water Once the pulp is dry, carefully peel the paper are not only functional but also aesthetically
overnight to soften them. Drain off the excess from the screen. You should now have a
water.
appealing. Despite facing time restrictions due to
sheet of paper made from banana fibers.
Use a blender or food processor

to blend the our involvement in various activities, as students,
Cut the paper to the desired size and shape
fibers into a pulp. Add small amounts of water we collaborated effectively as a team and
for your bag. Fold the paper in half, leaving a
as needed to help the blending process.

rigorous testing, including assessments of
Pour the pulp into a large basin or tub filled
with water. Mix the pulp and water together
until the pulp is evenly distributed.
ends together to create handles for the bag.
Place a screen or mesh on top of the water
and pulp mixture. Use a rolling pin or similar
object to press the pulp into the screen,
spreading it out evenly.
flap at the top for the bag opening.
Use scissors to cut two small holes near the top
of the bag, one on each side. Thread a piece of
twine or ribbon through the holes and tie the
If desired, use glue to reinforce the
seams and edges of the bag.
successfully completed the project. Through
compressive strength, durability, and existence,
we were able to ascertain the effectiveness of the
eco-paper bags. The research process itself
proved to be a challenging endeavor,
highlighting the importance of time,

perseverance, and overcoming constraints.

Furthermore, the project served as a valuable
METHODOLOGY opportunity for us to enhance our critical
thinking skills, gaining insight into the
significance of preserving and safeguarding the
MATERIALS: • Rolling pin or similar object for pressing resources bestowed upon us by Mother Earth.

• Banana pseudo-stem fibers

RECO M M E N D A TIO N
• Twine or ribbon (optional)
• Water
• Screen or mesh The study on banana eco paper bags
using banana pseudo stem yielded
• Large basin or tub promising results. Researchers
• Scissors recommend two improvements for
future studies: slicing the pseudo stem
• Boiler/Pot into smaller pieces for easier handling
and better fiber separation, leading to
• Glue (optional) more consistent and durable bags, and
utilizing direct sun drying to accelerate
moisture evaporation, benefiting from
REFERENCES natural solar energy and reducing
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.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pankaj-Deka/publication/304743030_Exploration_of_banana_fibre_as_low_cost_ improving production efficiency and
Motaleb, K. Z. M. A., Mizan, R. A., & Milašius, R. (2020). Development and characterization of eco-sustainable banana fiber utilizing renewable resources.
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-020-03343-y