Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

College of Informatics and Computing Science

Ged 109: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
SOCIAL INNOVATION PROJECT

“Coconut Coir Slipper: The Eco-friendly

Footwear made from
Coconut Husk”

Prepared by:
De Grano, Margarette Q.
Mercado, Xyreen P.
Songalia, Niñiela O.
Umali, Jonalyn C.
Vierneza, Mark Aeron M.

May 2023
Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

I. INTRODUCTION

The proposed project by proponents is the coconut coir slipper. It is a slipper made from
coconut husk or fiber. Instead of throwing coconut husks away or burning them, it can be used
as a usable object that can be applicable in people’s daily lives , for example recycling this kind
of waste materials and to save money in buying their needs and to determine one of the
solutions that may be for eliminating or decreasing the environmental conflicts. Given that,
coconut coir is an environmentally beneficial product, its use will never result in environmental
harm, thus, it is free of enmity. Coconut coir is a natural waste product; it has a low
environmental effect and is an excellent method to utilize a portion of the coconut that would
otherwise be wasted. The project aims to promote the local economies' thriving agriculture
industry, to transform waste material into useful objects such as coconut husks and importantly,
to create an output that alleviate the environmental issues.
Furthermore, husks don't have many applications or markets, thus a large majority of
them are either burned or dumped in the landfill or in the ocean, these activities can produce
pollution that may affect the environment. According to Stelte et al. (2023), coir is a high-
strength, high-resilience fabric that has traditionally been utilized in homes. Coir is an attractive
raw material for a wide range of applications due to its unique mix of mechanical qualities and
its naturally elevated lignin concentration. Additionally, the use of coir to absorb colorants and
contaminants from water, coir has been found in studies to absorb and remove a wide spectrum
of colors and strong-based contaminants from water.
Additionally, according to Teipel (2014), newly established business, essentium
materials, manufactures automotive trunk liners, load floors (battery pack includes in electric
cars), and living wall planters, among other things, using technology they proposed that creates
a composite material made of coconut husks and recycled plastics. This article demonstrates
that the product is greener and more cost neutral than standard all-synthetic fibers made from
plastic, as well as being more durable and stiffer, and with natural anti-microbial qualities due
to a high lignin concentration. The team then collaborated with multiple manufacturing
businesses to produce various material blends and densities, as well as evaluating material

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

mixes, such as experimenting using various binder fibers and carrying out processing
procedures. Today, essentium collaborates with community development groups in the
Philippines to remove fibers from husks and shells, work that is done near to the factories where
coconut meat and dairy products are processed. The fibers are extracted from the husk and
packaged before being exported to the United States, where it’s mixed with other fibers,
frequently recycled and salvaged fibers, to create a felt-like substance. This non-woven goods
felt may then be molded or shaped into car components. This page was written to inform others
that certain. Specifically, the subject matter is intended to raise awareness among others that
many waste from agriculture may be transformed into usable products.

II. DESIGN, PRINCIPLE AND APPLICATION

2.1 Design

The coconut husk slipper design is made to make the users comfortable to use. The
proponents used the same type of fabric as the pants to make the slippers more presentable and
neat, and also put cardboard and felt to make the slippers more durable. When sewing, carefully
secure the edges so that it don't get damaged. Coconut husk slipper design is simple so that it
is pleasing to the eye and attractive.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

 The images below represents the ‘Coconut Coil Slipper’.

2.2 Principle
The project's concept is that a coconut husk slipper is a renewable and eco-friendly
material. It is long lasting, and the natural fibers in the husk provide a breathable and
comfortable surface for the feet. Coconut husk slippers are a practical and comfortable
footwear option for everyday use. They are also an environmentally friendly replacement to
traditional slippers made of synthetic materials. To summarize, this slipper is an innovative and
environmentally friendly product that combines functionality, comfort, and sustainability,
making it a popular choice for those seeking eco-friendly and comfortable footwear. The idea
behind making coconut husk slippers is to use sustainable and eco-friendly materials to create
a long-lasting and comfortable footwear option with a low environmental impact. Making a
coconut husk slipper promotes social and environmental sustainability.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

2.3 Application

The following steps are the procedure on making the coconut husk slipper

1. Prepare all the materials needed.

2. Peeling /Plucking the husk from coconut
3. Using the fabric and ruler, measure the fabric to the size or length of the slipper you
want to make or to make the foot-bed of slipper
4. Mark the measured fabric and cut it. Extra 1 inch of fabric can be added for sewing it
5. Sew the cut fabric to the sign to form the bottom of the slipper.
6. Set aside the sewn fabric and get a zipper.
7. Using the sewn two fabrics, join them or sew in the middle and leave a space that is not
sewn.
8. Sew the zipper to the space that has not been sewn.
9. Put the zippered fabrics aside.
10. Get the tape measure and marker for making the slipper strap.
11. Measure the fabric according to your size, then sew.
12. Combine the lower part of the slipper and the strap to make the slipper complete.
13. Take cardboard to put inside the base of the slipper.
14. Put the plucked husks on the inside of the foot-bed.
15. Do the same procedure from step 2 to step 13 for the process of making the other slipper
to complete the coconut husk pair of slippers.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

 The pictures below are the process during on making the coconut coir slippers.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

III. MATERIALS
The following materials were used for accomplishing the objectives of the
Social Innovation Project.
1. Coconut Husks. The proponents chose coconut husk as their main material because
people can also use it in other products instead of throwing it away or burning it, which
will add to nature's problem.
2. Old Clothes. The proponents use old clothes for the sole of the slipper and we decided to
use old clothes so they can be recycled instead of thrown away.
3. Cutter or Scissors. They choose scissors or cutter for cutting old clothes and cutting some
excess of coconut husk.
4. Thread and Needle. They will utilize it to sew the base of the slipper they’re going to
make.
5. Zipper. The proponents chose this material on their product so that it can be washed,
just remove the coconut husk and it can be used again.
6. Cardboard. It is used when husks placed evenly inside and don’t look like there’s a
bulge or hump
7. Pen and Ruler. It used for lining or measuring the materials that need to be measured,
like clothes and cardboard.

IV. CONCLUSION AND OBSERVATION

4.1 Conclusion

According to journal entitled ““Ecocoboard - a new material made from coconut

husks”, there are various benefits to using coconut husks, a by-product of the copra and coconut
oil industries, as a resource to make building materials. The critical demand for value addition
and income generation for the lowest income farmers, as well as for the growth of rural
communities and the stimulation of the local economy will be meet by this invention called
Ecocoboard.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

To conclude, same as into invention of Ecocoboard, turning recycled coconut husks

into slippers offers a chance to cut waste, advance sustainability, and generate profit. These
slippers can provide convenience, comfort, and a greener option to conventional footwear by
utilizing the inherent qualities of coconut fibers. To address issues and improve the recycling
process for wider use, more study and development are necessary. Thus, despite of the process,
there could be difficulties involved in turning recycled coconut husks into slippers. It might be
challenging to turn the husks into a product that is suitable for making slippers without the right
tools and knowledge. The slippers' consistency in quality and longevity can potentially be a
problem. Additionally, depending on elements like price, competition, and consumer
awareness, the market's acceptance and the slippers' ability to scale may differ. However, the
positive attributes of the product will be explained in the observation part of the paper.

4.2 Observation

Slippers made from recycled coconut husks can have a number of advantageous effects
on the environment and the economy. Here are some inferences that can be drawn about the
recycling process and the final product:

1. Environmental sustainability: Making slippers out of recycled coconut husks helps

to cut waste and encourages environmentally friendly behaviors. The natural byproduct
of the coconut business, coconut husks are frequently thrown away as waste. People
can lessen the amount of waste that is burned or disposed of in landfills, which helps to
reduce environmental pollution.
2. Biodegradable and renewable resource: Coconut husks are a resource that is both
biodegradable and regenerative. The proponents used the husks to make slippers since
they are a plentiful natural resource that doesn't contribute to deforestation. Coconut
husk slippers are a distinctive and environmentally sustainable alternative to
conventional footwear. It can be promoted as a socially and sustainably responsible
good, appealing to customers who care about the environment. The footwear can stand
out from artificial or non-biodegradable substitutes thanks to the usage of coconut
husks as a raw material, capturing a niche market.
Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation
 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

3. Comfort and functionality: Coconut husk slippers can provide comfort and
functionality to users. Coconut fibers have natural cushioning properties, which can
make the slippers comfortable to wear. It can also have good moisture absorption and
breathability, keeping the feet dry and preventing odor. The slip-resistant texture of the
coconut fibers can provide additional grip, making the slippers safer to use on various
surfaces.
4. Economic opportunities: Recycling coconut husks into slippers can create economic
opportunities, especially in coconut-producing regions. It can provide an additional
revenue stream for coconut farmers and processors by utilizing a previously discarded
material. The production and sale of coconut husk slippers can generate employment
and stimulate local economies, contributing to sustainable development. Economic
opportunities can be created by turning recycled coconut husks into slippers,
particularly in areas where coconuts are grown. By making use of a material that was
previously discarded, it can give coconut farmers and processors an extra source of
income. Coconut husk slippers can be made and sold to boost local economies and
create jobs, which will aid in sustainable development.
5. Comfort and utility: Coconut husk slippers can provide consumers both comfort and
utility. The natural cushioning qualities of coconut fibers might contribute to the
comfort of the slippers. Additionally, they may be breathable and have good moisture
absorption properties, which can keep the feet dry and minimize odor. The slippers are
safer to use on different surfaces thanks to the coconut fibers' texture, which is resistant
to slipping.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation

 Republic of the Philippines
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY
The National Engineering University
JPLPC Malvar Campus
G. Leviste St., Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines 4233
Tel Nos.: (+63 43) 416-0350 local 204; (+63 43) 416-0068
E-mail Address: cics.malvar@g.batstate-u.edu.ph | Website Address: http://www.batstate-u.edu.ph

References

Stelte, W., Reddy, N., Barsberg, S., and Sanadi, A. R. (2023). "Coir from coconut processing
waste as a raw material for applications beyond traditional uses," BioResources 18(1),
2187-2212. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.18.1.Stelte

Teipel, Elisa. “Company converts coconut husk fibers into materials for cars and homes”,
National Science Foundation, 23 July 2014. https://phys.org/news/2014-07-company-
coconut-husk-fibers-materials.html

Ecocoboard - a new material made from coconut husks. (n.d.).

WUR. https://www.wur.nl/en/show/Ecocoboard-a-new-material-made-from-coconut-
husks.html

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building a Nation