Water Soluble Starch-based,

Packaging: A Sustainable Replacement

for Plastic Packaging in E-commerce
Industry
Keywords to find facts in
rrl:
• Water Soluble
Starch-based
Packaging
• Plastic Packaging
DISCUSS THE FACTS,
CONCEPTS AND • E-Commerce
PRINCIPLES THAT ARE Industry
RRL: RELATED IN THE STUDY: • Sustainability
FROM BOOKS, JOURNALS, Water Soluble Starch-based • Customer
ARTICLE, MAGAZINE, Packaging: A Sustainable Behavior and
NEWPAPERS, DICTIONARY Replacement for Plastic Preferences about
Packaging in E-Commerce
packaging
Industry
• Packing Supply
Chain
• Biodegradability
and Degradation
• Environmental
Impact

TITLE AND LINK FINDINGS GAP ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

Environmental issues are the harmful effects of human activities on the

environment. These include pollution, waste disposal, climate change, global warming,

the greenhouse effect, etc. According to the article: Environmental Issues (2023). These

problems are still the problems hundreds of years ago and still unsolved and

continuously damaging the environment. All of these issues involve the plastic

production problem and one of those are the plastic used in any type of purchasing.

From the plastic bag used in physical markets and now adding causes an impact from

the e-commerce market. The E-commerce market is now globally happening and the

production of plastics is increasing because of the materials used to deliver the parcel

to different areas around the world. The disposal of plastic packaging used in the e-

commerce industry is now adding a large problem and causing a large impact to the

environmental issues and economical challenges nowadays.

The Philippine Star, a journal cited by Bella Cariaso, in August 2023. According

to Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the environment secretary, the Philippines creates at

least 61,000 million metric tons of rubbish each day, 24 percent of which is plastic

waste. According to Loyzaga, the Philippine economy loses 70% of the material value

of plastics annually, or between $790 million and $890 million in value. Observed that

163 million plastic sachet packets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film

bags are produced daily in the nation. This shows that the plastic production repeatedly

increases which results in continuous negative effects in the environment that harms

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and impacts global warming and also because of the improper way of disposing the

used plastics from different resources.

In the age of digitization and global connectivity, the world has witnessed a

dramatic shift in consumer behavior, with e-commerce emerging as a dominant force

in the retail industry. As online shopping continues to proliferate, the convenience it

offers is coupled with a growing environmental concern - the vast quantities of non-

biodegradable packaging materials generated in the process. The unsustainable nature

of traditional packaging materials poses a significant threat to our planet's delicate

ecological balance. Consequently, it is imperative that we seek innovative and

sustainable solutions to address this impending environmental crisis.

Today, e-commerce is widely used because it is an accessible and convenient

of buying and selling. According to the article: Impact of COVID Pandemic on E-

Commerce. Said that distinct upward jog in total global retail sales from 2019-2020,

giving a strong boost to a steady 8% growth in retail ecommerce sales worldwide

forecast through 2024.This shows us an increase in online retail sales as a result of the

paradigm shift that COVID disruptions have brought to business. However, plastic

consumption also increases multiple times because of the enlargement of ecommerce.

As reported by the Environmental Impact of E-Commerce (2023). This is one of the

most significant forms of waste generated by online shopping. Items are often packaged

in layers of plastic, bubble wrap, and cardboard boxes, which can be difficult to recycle.

Online shopping can also contribute to the use of single-use products, such as packaging

materials and shopping bags, which can end up in landfills or oceans.

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 According to Nanang, E.W. & Heru, S. (2017). Analysis of Biodegradation of

Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch. A study implementing cassava scratch for

packaging materials to lessen and control the usage of plastics globally. This research

shows that although biodegradable polymers are functionally equivalent to ordinary

plastics, they can be broken down by microbes, which release water (H2O), carbon

dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) as byproducts. In other words, they can be recycled

into nature after usage because they can decompose in the environment, which is why

they are called eco-friendly plastics. In reality, because it is inexpensive and a readily

available source of raw materials for manufacturers, cassava holds enormous market

potential.

The use of cassava packaging materials for e-commerce is a big adjustment for

online sellers but since the production of plastics kills the environment and risks the

human, this should be given a chance to improve the market strategy so people become

aware about the problems that the plastics cause to the environment. This is a one step

to control and avoid contaminated air and solid pollution because of the difference

between manufacturing companies using harmful effects mechanical to the production.

Reduce Plastic Packaging Waste as a Result of Increasing E-Commerce Sales

During COVID-19 Pandemic

According to Hidayat et.al (2022). This business idea that adopts the reuse and

refill concept and reverse logistics start to develop emergently. This behavior could be

replaced by the reuse and refill activity. However, the respondents also preferred the

online order system. The online order system started to grow in Indonesia along with

e-groceries.

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 This application is not all applicable in online shopping since they only have

virtual interaction with customers and they are far away from each other. The concept

of reuse and refill packaging materials is difficult to apply unless they need to ship out

first the plastic materials for the customer and the seller will refill it in the customer’s

preferred packaging and ship back to the customer. This would cause so much time and

effort.

Single-use Plastic Packaging Alternative

Another aspect to consider is the advancement of starch-based bio nan

composite and agro waste-based composites in single-use packaging applications.

Since starch is an abundant material obtained from natural resources, deriving starch

from agro-waste products and utilizing it in developing starch-based blends and

composite would be cost effective and would minimize agri-food waste production.

Based on the study conducted by Surendren et.al (2022). Starch-based

biodegradable packaging has a potential alternative for plastic consumption since there

are further studies about the concentration of natural ingredients like glycerol with other

organic food helps to longer the lifespan of scratch-based.

Plastic Waste Management

In 2020, the world produced 367 million metric tons of plastic waste, a number

that is set to exponentially increase in the coming years. While reducing the generation

of plastic waste in the first place is essential, efforts to manage and dispose of the

existing waste is crucial to address the plastic crisis. While avoiding the generation of

plastic waste is overall preferable, environmentally sound management of plastic waste,

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once it is generated, is essential to protect human health and the environment. Without

proper collection and disposal system, plastic contaminate the air, soil and water, thus

causing harm to ecosystems and people.

Behavior of Filipino Consumers

The empirical results of this research provide tenable evidence that most

Filipino consumer are now considering the environmental benefits of eco-friendly

packaging. The remark emphasizes the growing importance of environmental benefits

of eco-friendly packaging. There are Filipino consumer who often prefer to buy and use

eco-friendly packaging because it is durable and can last longer; they are influenced by

social norms such as social media, family, and friends, and are prepared to pay a

premium for such packaging.

This concept inspires the development of a product using environmentally safe,

locally sourced, and sustainable materials. Being mindful while using products that

harm living things and degrade the environment also helps the Filipinos' quality of life.

Nevertheless, this is a lack of details about the materials that are used in eco-friendly

packaging to determine easily what will be the product that will be supported by the

Filipino citizens.

This study, titled "Water Soluble Starch-based, Packaging: A Sustainable

Replacement for Plastic Packaging in E-commerce Industry" endeavors to bridge the

gap between the burgeoning e-commerce sector and environmental sustainability. By

exploring the untapped potential of cassava flour as a raw material, we embark on a

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journey toward the creation of biodegradable packaging that not only addresses the

issue of non-biodegradable waste but also guarantees the safety of living organisms and

ecosystems it may come into contact with. The urgency of this research is underscored

by the escalating ecological repercussions of conventional packaging materials,

including plastic pollution in oceans, soil degradation, and the release of harmful toxins

into the environment. In this context, cassava flour, derived from a widely cultivated

and renewable source, emerges as a promising alternative. Its biodegradability, water

solubility, and non-toxic nature make it an ideal candidate for sustainable packaging

development.

Traditional Plastic Packaging Materials

Plastics have remained the material of choice, and after serving their intended

purpose, a large proportion ends up in the environment where they persist for centuries.

The packaging industry is the largest and growing consumer of synthetic plastics

derived from fossil fuels. Food packaging plastics account for the bulk of plastic waste

that is polluting the environment. Additionally, given the fact that petroleum reserves

are finite and facing depletion, there is a need for the development of alternative

materials that can serve the same purpose as conventional plastics.

As reported by the article called Environmental Impact of Food Packaging

Materials, the usage of plastic packaging has a large impact to environmental pollution

which is the primarily concerning of global issues. The packaging industry consumes

the highest volumes of plastics produced globally and is the main source supplying

waste plastics into the environment at an alarming rate. As a result, there is increasing

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need for eco-friendly sustainable packaging materials with the desired physical,

mechanical and barrier properties for food packaging.

Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch

Plastic waste has become a worldwide problem. Indonesia is the world’s

second-largest contributor of plastic waste after China, since it produces approximately

100 million tons of plastic for various industrial sectors. According to the study titled

“Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch” (2017) The use of

nonbiodegradable plastics and biodegradable plastics has been calculated to be 70%

and 30% respectively.

The lifespan of the bioplastics to be employed, respectively, is extended by the

combination of non-biodegradable plastic and cassava scratch. Regardless of the

percentage they make up in a product, non-biodegradable plastics nonetheless contain

chemicals that contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, using these

chemicals as one of the components for the cassava starch bioplastics is not a solution

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for plastic pollution because they still are the sources of pollution and harm to living

things.

This research, "Water Soluble Starch-based Packaging: A Sustainable

Replacement for Plastic Packaging in the E-commerce Industry," is a product that has

zero non-biodegradable ingredients to maintain the eco-friendly idea of this product to

the economy, with a good quality, and for the safety of every consumer until it was

completely disposed of by its own method.

Telo Bag Made of Cassava Starch

Telobag is a biodegradable, earth-friendly bag which is mainly intended for the

household as waste bag or plastic bag replacement. Telobag is made using 100% natural

ingredients of cassava and vegetables oil, which means that it mainly safe for plant,

eco-friendly and not harmful for animals, land and water.

Telobag looks exactly like plastic bag, but it is not an ordinary plastic bag.

Telobag can only be use for 180 days, and right after that it can naturally degrade and

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fully compostable. Compared to the normal plastic that made by petroleum-based raw,

that can be degrade over hundreds or thousand years.

Water Soluble Starch-based, Packaging: A Sustainable Replacement for Plastic

Packaging in E-commerce Industry

It is composed entirely of natural components and has a minimum of 75 days

lifespan before it dissolves in water at room temperature. This product is secure and

suitable in case of unexpected rain or accidental contact with liquid materials. Since it

is made with natural components it is not toxic or harmful to any water living organism

and cannot be consider as waste given that it dissolves on its own.

The Water-Soluble Starch-based Packaging offers few advantages and

specifications over the traditional and existing bio-based plastics. This e-commerce

packaging materials has 2 specifications; the first one is the cassava starch-based parcel

bag with sizes of small to extra-large and the second one is the bubble wrap inspired

with the measurements of 20x100m or 40x100m. Due to the lower consumer cost and

the materials utilized in this project, this product's price is lower than that of the

preceding product, the Telobag, and it may face market competition.

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The traditional bubble wrap packaging is made from non-biodegradable plastic

materials which is toxic and has a significant environmental impact. It costs 400 pesos

for every 20x100 roll. Water soluble starch-based bubble wrap packaging, on the other

hand, is designed to be more environmentally friendly using renewable resources. It

comes with two colors: green for more eco-friendly vibes and clear for simpler and

plain version. The cost would range from Php250.00 – 300.00 for both 20x100 and

40x100, cheaper compare to the traditional bubble wrap.

Traditional Bubble Wrap Water Soluble Starch-based Bubble Wrap

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The researchers want to develop a bio-based plastic using cassava flour with

different sizes and additional modification which is a cassava-based bubble wrap

packaging to lessen the usage of regular plastics and packaging used by e-commerce

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industries that causes harm to the environment and living organisms, globally. To

answer this concern, the researchers pursue to respond the following inquiries:

1. How would water soluble starch-based packaging design will develop

and benefit the consumer and sellers in terms of:

1.1. Cost Efficiency

1.2. Environmental-friendly

1.3. Performs effectively

2. How would this product surpass the challenges impact of natural disaster

and maintain the good quality?

3. What are the differences between traditional packaging to this product

and how does it work out the environmental issues that are facing causes

by plastic production.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The goal of this study is to lessen or avoid the usage of plastics with the good

quality materials of this packaging and an easy way of disposing of waste. Since e-

commerce is widely used today, the materials they are using for packaging increases

solid waste and air pollution. This environmentally friendly, biodegradable e-

commerce packaging material will offer a way to lessen the trash produced by non-

recycled goods while still providing the assurance that it will contain the item until it

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reaches the customer. When it gets to the consumer, it may now be dissolved by soaking

in water that is at room temperature and waiting the prescribed number of days for the

components to dissolve.

The Primary objectives of this study are as follows:

1. To design and develop a product that will benefit the consumers and sellers in terms

of cost efficiency, environmentally friendly and will perform effectively.

2. To maintain the good quality of the product regardless to the whether condition of

the country and to deliver safely the order items to the buyers of the e-commerce sellers

3. To promote the idea of producing biodegradable products to society as an alternative

to traditional plastic packaging and produce a product that is not adding to the

environmental issues that are facing globally.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study will mainly focus on reducing the escalation of plastic wastes and

promote sustainable packages. The study will be conducted in the Province of Bulacan

which has 75 Shopee sellers and will be the respondents for this study. The

scope of this study is to produce and implement the use of biodegradable packages. The

packages would be made from eco-friendly materials and cost-efficient to reduce waste

management and pollution issues. The study will be conducted within the span of

August 2023 – December 2023.

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 The study will be limited to a small number of test sites. Despite these

limitations, the study is expected to make a significant contribution to the improvement

of bio-based plastics.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design for a thesis titled " Cassava starch-based, water-soluble

natural replacement for plastics used in e-commerce " would be a mixed-method

design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Mixed method research is the

type of research in which a researcher or team of researchers combines elements of

qualitative and quantitative research approaches (e. g., use of qualitative and

quantitative viewpoints, data collection, analysis, inference techniques) for the broad

purposes of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration. (Johnson et al. 2007,

p. 123).

The quantitative methods would be used to collect data on the performance of

the Biodegradable Packaging, such as accuracy, sustainability, and its life cycle. This

data could be collected through laboratory testing or field trials.

The qualitative methods would be used to collect data on the users' experiences

with the Biodegradable Packaging, such as their satisfaction, their perceived ease of

use, and their suggestions for improvement. This data could be collected through

interviews, surveys, or focus groups.

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 In addition to that, a Convergent Parallel design will be adopted in formulating

the paper. This research design will analyze both quantitative and qualitative data occur

simultaneously and analyzed separately.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The present study is significant because it has the potential to impact all living

things. The researchers conduct research on how make products that are made entirely

of natural materials endure longer and conform to high standards of quality while

simultaneously resolving the environmental issue of global trash. This study will be

able to show the sustainability and effectiveness of water-soluble plastics. The finds

may benefit the following:

Workers. These are the people who are responsible for the production of plastics. This

study will help them to manufacture biodegradable plastics purely made from natural

substances and free from harmful materials.

Consumers. These are the people who use plastics. This study will help them to

produce fewer greenhouse gases and achieve less plastic pollution.

Environment. This study will embrace the production of biodegradable packaging to

provide eco-friendly solutions and reduce pollution to ensure proper disposal and

greener environment.

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Future Researchers. These are the people who also want to conduct other studies and

produce a solution to the escalating number of plastic wastes. This study will help other

researchers to be more well educated about this topic, and it can be a useful reference

for future research conductors. This study might also give them new ideas and

innovation to an existing product.

PRODUCT DESIGN AND PARTS DESCRIPTION

Product Design

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 DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT

Description Pictures

Cassava Starch

It is in high demand due to its availability, low-

cost and unique functional features.

Cassava starch modification is required to create new

techno-functionalities for industrial applications.

Chemical treatments are the most common techniques

of cassava starch modification to improve starch

functionalities. In addition, there are rapidly growing

demands towards developing new protocols for

making health promoting starch-based ingredients and

chemical modification has been investigated for

increasing resistant starch and reducing digestibility

rates.

Vinegar

Vinegar may be used to pickle food, a

preservation method that extends the shelf life of

perishable foods by killing bacteria. Vinegar is an

acidic liquid produced through the fermentation of

ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It is used in cooking not

only for its flavor qualities but also for its chemical

17
properties. It can be made from a variety of base

ingredients that contribute their own unique

characteristics to the vinegar and add extra flavor and

vibrancy to foods they are used with.

Glycerol

Glycerin, also known as glycerine or glycerol,

is a type of sugar alcohol compound that is made from

either animal fats, plant fats or is synthetically

produced. The polyol occurs naturally in fermented

foods and beverages, including beer, honey, vinegar,

wine, and wine vinegar. It is a colorless, odorless, non-

toxic liquid that has a sweet taste. Glycerol is the most

common plasticizer due to its high plasticizing

capacity and thermal stability at processing

temperatures.

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References

Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch (2017). A study

implementing cassava scratch for packaging materials. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Heru-

Suryanto/publication/318281509_Analysis_of_Biodegradation_of_Bioplastics

_Made_of_Cassava_Starch/links/59601809aca2728c118b6fae/Analysis-of-

Biodegradation-of-Bioplastics-Made-of-Cassava-Starch.pdf

Impact of COVID Pandemic on eCommerce (2021) increase in online retail sales as a

result of the paradigm shift that COVID disruption

https://www.trade.gov/impact-covid-pandemic-ecommerce

The Environmental Impact of E-Commerce (2023) Retrieved from

https://earth5r.org/convenience-comes-at-a-cost-the-environmental-impact-of-

ecommerce-

packaging/#:~:text=The%20packaging%20waste%20generated%20by,oceans

%20and%20harming%20marine%20life.

Reduce Plastic Packaging Waste as a Result of Increasing e-Commerce Sales during

COVID-19Pandemic (2022).

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/afreport/91/0/91_2022_105/_article/-

char/ja/

Recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives (2022).

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2022/gc/d2gc02169b

Waste Management System (2022). Reducing the generation of plastic waste in the first

19
 place is essential https://safetyculture.com/topics/waste-management-

system/?fbclid=IwAR0WxQNjKqMKQNXy12cpwSfsdDFzHqs1w7ExhcpmN

2hEjfnUnK7GsNX7L5A

Behavior of Filipino Consumers (2023). Filipino consumer are now considering the

environmental benefits of eco-friendly packaging

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369400129_Promoting_the_Usage_o

f_Eco-

Friendly_Tertiary_Packaging_A_Market_Research_on_the_Perceived_Behavi

or_of_Filipino_Consumers_Based_on_Sustainability_Factors

Environmental Impact of Food Packaging Materials (2020)Traditional Plastic Packaging

Materials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7664184/

Its Not an Ordinary Plastic Bag. Telo Bag made of Cassava Starch

https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/its-not-an-ordinary-plastic-bag

E-commerce platforms urged to reduce plastic use, explore sustainable alternatives

(2021). Retrieved from

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/09/09/2125968/e-commerce-

platforms-urged-reduce-plastic-use-explore-sustainable-alternatives

Green Bubble Wrap.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://d3e54emdgoy1fq.cloudfront.n

et/uploads/product/image/367704/large_88955-356-83666-Bubble-Wrap-

Green-Bubble-

Wrap.jpg&tbnid=kek6eCmWI42giM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https://www.123ink.

ca/p-358719-356-83666-crownhill-green-bubble-wrap12-x-

25&docid=bKgf6zIwlObUlM&w=1000&h=1000&hl=en-

PH&source=sh/x/im/m6/4

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Glycerin in Food. (2022)

https://ifpc.com/glycerin-in-

food/?fbclid=IwAR1wn2XFQ3nuomBd66k2RGXWsS38Dv_dQHK5jIbfqJxU

ZUPFKRe3N-

eK0VY#:~:text=How%20is%20glycerin%20used%20in,product%20its%20s

mooth%2C%20thick%20texture

What is Vinegar? A Guide to Buying, Cooking, and Storing Vinegar (2023).

https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-vinegar-1328647

The Nutrition Sources. (2019)

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-

features/vinegar/?fbclid=IwAR0dlbhxRYqID7rpIzhXj5PLz0GAGgQMI9FhV

c1C1MYHd7JJjp9Fm2fpSpY#:~:text=Vinegar%20may%20be%20used%20to

,several%20types%20of%20vinegars%20available

5 Reasons to Add Cassava Flour (2023)

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/cassava-

flour/?fbclid=IwAR2byP8fgSEEB8A3j5dfunQJ3LemWbUW369uWQ-

O0tkYUQQOyvNCcmoujvU

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