CHAPTER II

THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The literature and studies used in this research give a more detailed

understanding of the relationships between each aspect considered. Numerous topics

are also acknowledged and addressed.

Food Waste

Food wastage has become an increasingly alarming problem in our society. In

the US alone, 80.6 million tons of food were estimated to be wasted. Vegetables and

fruit make up 34.3 percent or 27.6 million tons of food wasted in the US in the year

2019. (ReFed, n.d.) According to (Chen et al., 2020) on average, 65 kg of food is

wasted per year by one person. We take food for granted as most of it is cheap and

readily available at any moment. Consumers tend to buy too much food and care too

little about the risk of wastage (Witzel et al., 2015.) Food waste has broad-ranging

implications on both a national and international level. Up to 40% of all food produced in

the U.S. is left uneaten, and 95% of food that is thrown away ends up in landfills.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, is produced

when food waste decomposes. One-third of the food produced worldwide is thrown

away uneaten, adding to the environmental load (Harvard T.H. Chan, 2017.)
Percentage of Fruit and Vegetables Waste

According to H Kurma (2020) Food waste in the European Union currently

amounts to over 89 million tons, and it is predicted that this number would rise 40-fold in

the upcoming years. About 40% of the food produced in India is wasted, according to

the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Furthermore, this loss of between 10 and

15 percent of the entire production was recorded by the Food Corporation of India. Fruit

and vegetable losses were estimated by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

(MFPI) of India to be 12 and 21 million tons, respectively, totaling roughly 4.4 billion

USD in value, with a total food value loss and waste output of 10.6 billion USD. "Fruit

and vegetable waste" (FVW) is a more inclusive word for inedible components that are

discarded at About 40% of the food produced in India is wasted, according to the Food

and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Furthermore, this loss of between 10 and 15

percent of the entire production was recorded by the Food Corporation of India. Fruit

and vegetable losses were estimated by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries

(MFPI) of India to be 12 and 21 million tons, respectively, totaling roughly 4.4 billion

USD in value, with a total food value loss and waste output of 10.6 billion USD. "Fruit

and vegetable waste" (FVW) is a larger term that refers to inedible components that are

discarded at various phases, including collection, handling, shipping, and processing.

FVW can be viewed as fruit and vegetable loss in place of the aforementioned

definition.
Utilization of Fruits and Vegetable Waste

Vegetable and fruit consumption has always been a part of our daily lives, and

Du et al. (2018) indicate that 1.3 billion tons of produced food are lost or discarded

globally each year. In line with this information, these food wastes are a result of both

purposeful and involuntary losses, which can result in the loss of agricultural byproducts

(Lau et al., 2021). This waste can be used in a variety of ways, as demonstrated by the

studies by Masoodi et al. (2002) that showed the use of apple pomace as a functional

ingredient and source of additional fiber in developing biscuits, cakes, and bread, and

by Belovi et al. (2017) that suggested the use of tomato pomace, which is high in dietary

fiber and minerals, as a functional ingredient to develop several functional foods,

including bread, muffins, and low-calorie jam. Additionally, these waste materials can be

utilized to make paper, such as the eco-friendly line of papers by Favini, which are

produced by substituting process waste from organic goods for up to 15% of virgin tree

pulp. (Favini, n.d.)

Production of Paper Bags

The paper-making process involves several steps. Residuals and raw materials

are collected and cut uniformly, followed by soaking in a mixture of cold water and

baking soda to loosen the fibers and maintain alkalinity. Boiling the soaked materials

helps break down cell walls, making blending easier. Hydrogen peroxide is used for

bleaching, providing light color without compromising fiber structure. A binder made

from aloe vera pulp and corn flour provides antimicrobial properties and stickiness to the

paper. The blended pulp undergoes beating for consistency and is then spread on a

laminated surface or flat plastic material for drying. Before complete drying, the paper is
pressed to achieve a flat shape. The quality of the paper is evaluated based on bursting

strength and moisture content. (Patel, 2016)

Recyclability of Paper Bags

Paper bags are delicate by nature because they are made of paper in the classic

sense. And with consumers becoming more environmentally friendly, most paper bags

are biodegradable. Paper bags disintegrate when they unintentionally end up in the

natural world because of their inherent qualities. Paper bags don't hurt the environment

when made using natural, water-based colors and adhesives made of starch (The

Paper Bag, 2017). The use of paper bags has increased. They are easily recyclable and

constructed of wood. However, not all paper bags have the same construction, therefore

you must be cautious when buying paper bags. Paper bag recycling could be beneficial

in a variety of ways. Additionally, recycling your paper helps save the natural resources

that the paper business uses to create new paper, according to an article by (Okafor,

2021) 17 trees, 3.3 yards of landfill space, 7000 gallons of water, and 4,000 kilowatts of

electricity can all be spared by using recycled paper. As greenhouse gas emissions

contribute to global warming, it can also aid in reducing them.

Drawbacks of Paper Bags

Due to their biodegradability, paper bags are more popular nowadays. A paper

bag is compostable and made from paper, but it really requires four times as much

energy to make one compared to plastic, and the raw materials must come from trees, a

resource that would otherwise fix carbon. According to the article by Lober (2018),

producing paper bags not only increases global waste but also eliminates one of our
most effective strategies for reducing pollution. According to the article Pros & Cons of

Paper Bags - Eco-Friendly & Reusable (Relis & Roth, n.d.-b), Paper bags have a

number of drawbacks, and one of them is that, because wood is required to make

paper, creating paper bags destroys the natural environment. Paper bags are also

significantly heavier when weighed against plastic bags. Finally, it is clearly not

water-proof. After considering everything, we can say that paper bags have a lot of

drawbacks. The effectiveness of paper bags has not been demonstrated in a different

area. On the contrary, along with protecting the environment, you can speed up the

expansion of your business by deciding to use paper bags rather than plastic ones.

(Fair Print, n.d.)

Producing Paper From Food Waste

According to Drupa (2015) The 7.4 billion people on our globe require enormous

amounts of food, which is produced by the agriculture industry. However, only specific

components of agricultural products typically the roots, fruits, seeds, or juices become

food waste. Only 15 to 20 percent of plants produced for food production fall under this

category. Preventing food wastes lowers or it minimizes your carbon footprint and

decreases methane emissions from landfills. It also conserves resources while reducing

pollution caused by the production, transportation, and sale of food (WSRA, 2022).

According to Paper on the Rocks (2018), the production of paper has damaged a lot of

forests and caused deforestation. In line with this, people are now looking for an

alternative material to use for the production of paper. According to the research (Drupa,

2015), vegetable waste can be utilized to produce paper that can be used to make

paper bags. The materials for these types of paper bags can be easily found instead of
using virgin paper, which requires cutting trees. An 11-year-old girl named Manya

Harsha created a paper bag made from vegetable waste to motivate our generation to

stop the destruction of the Earth caused by our actions. (Mukundan, 2021)

Production of Paper Bags from Vegetable Waste Material

According to the study by Rajyalakshmi and Swain (2017), vegetable waste

matter can be used as an alternative raw material for paper bag production. The

researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using vegetable waste matter from

carrot, radish, and tomato as a raw material for paper bag production. The study found

that the physical properties of the produced paper bags, such as tensile strength,

tearing strength, and bursting strength, were comparable to those of bags made from

conventional raw materials. This study also found that the production of paper bags

from vegetable waste matter can result in significant cost savings and reduce waste

disposal problems. Vegetable waste matter is abundant, and its use as a raw material

for paper bag production can provide a sustainable solution for waste management.

Moreover, the produced paper bags were found to be eco-friendly, biodegradable, and

compostable. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into sustainable waste

management and the development of eco-friendly products. The use of vegetable waste

matter as a raw material for paper bag production can contribute to reducing waste and

promoting sustainability. Moreover, the production of paper bags from vegetable waste

matter can provide an additional source of income for farmers and vegetable vendors.

(Rajyalakshmi & Swain, 2017).

Reduce Carbon Footprint

 Biodegradable packaging materials are better for the environment because they

are manufactured from recycled materials rather than chemicals and plastics. Because

of the packaging's eco-friendliness, less wasteful materials are produced, and fewer

resources are consumed. (seoteam, 2020). Our daily actions, such as driving to work,

cooking, and even taking a shower, all add to our carbon footprint. To lessen our impact

on the environment, we can all make changes in our daily lives. Companies produce a

significant quantity of CO2 during the process of making products, which has a

detrimental influence on the environment and contributes to global warming. It's time to

consider the environment and start lowering your carbon footprint if you haven't already.

(Swiftpak, 2021) According to a YouGov poll on climate change, the typical Briton thinks

that buying fewer plastic things would be the third most efficient strategy to cut

emissions. Purchasing and using less plastic, on the other hand, is one of the efficient

ways to reduce emissions, removing just 0.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents

per person per year, according to the same survey. (Hardy, 2023).

Paper bag and Plastic bag Comparison

The fact that plastic bags have the lowest environmental impact of all the

shopping bag options is one of their main benefits. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is

the material most frequently used to create the thin, plastic grocery shop bags. Although

resources like petroleum are used in the creation of these bags, compared to the

production of cotton or paper bags, it produces fewer waste products, toxic byproducts,

and carbon emissions. Regarding sustainability, paper bags have several advantages

over plastic bags. Because they are biodegradable, they can be utilized for activities like

composting and are simpler to recycle. However, producing paper requires a lot of
resources: Making a paper bag requires nearly four times as much energy as making a

plastic bag, in addition to the chemicals and fertilizers. (National Geographic Society,

2022)

Oversupply of Vegetables in the Philippines

The oversupply of vegetables is one of the factors contributing to food waste. In

2019, the Philippines experienced an oversupply of vegetables. Tons of vegetables

grown by farmers in Benguet Province had to be thrown away because the excess

stock caused market and trading post prices to drop. Produce was oversupplied from

January 1 to January 7, according to an article by Ilao (2019). Carrots and other

vegetables were priced between P1 and P7 per kilogram, while potatoes were P15 per

kilogram. Normally, these would have been priced between P15 and P50 per kilogram.

Produce that wasn't sold was thrown out. Farmers claimed that as a result of the low

prices, they had incurred significant losses. The farmers then made the decision to

throw away the produce. Due to an excessive amount of harvest in the public markets,

some farmers from other provinces have taken to throwing away their harvest, while

others have opted to donate their goods rather than take the chance of losing money by

transporting veggies and selling them for a very low price. (News, 2023). We can

conclude that vegetable waste can happen in a different way given the type of problem

we are currently facing in our nation.

Synthesis

Several studies and pieces of literature have served as supporting evidence on

the reason why the research was conducted; these include topics such as food waste

and the production of paper from scratch materials. With this chosen related literature,

we can determine and believe that producing paper bags is not impossible. According to

Lober (2018), the amount of objects that can be creatively reused from recycled

materials may surprise you if you're interested in creating something useful. The studies

and literature on food waste that are relevant to the use of fruit and vegetable waste and

the making of paper bags from vegetable waste may be associated with each other.

Since it was stated that, on average, 65 kg of food is wasted per person per year (Chen

et al., 2020) and that, according to UN estimates, roughly half of all fruits and

vegetables produced each year are wasted (Ruvi, n.d.), people have come up with

creative ideas to use the waste in a variety of ways, including as sources of additional

fibers and minerals as well as physical products like papers, specifically paper bags.

Nowadays, paper bags are popular because people value the environment. However,

an article by the National Geographic Society (2022) stated that producing paper bags

harms the environment significantly more than producing plastic bags, requiring nearly

four times as much energy. A paper bag does have the advantage of being

biodegradable, though. Recycled paper can help preserve 17 trees, 3.3 yards of landfill

space, 7000 gallons of water, and 4,000 kilowatts of electricity (OKAFOR, 2021).

It takes 17 to 20 trees to produce one ton of paper, and 26,000 to 28,000 gallons

of water to prepare it. Based on this knowledge, a study suggested that we can produce
paper using food waste, particularly vegetable waste. Manya Harsha, an 11-year-old girl

who makes paper out of leftover fruits and vegetables, is a good example. She

suggests utilizing them instead of ordinary paper because it undergoes significant

processing and generates a lot of water and chemical waste (Mukundan, 2021). In

conclusion The decision to produce paper bags out of this biodegradable material was

made in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, despite the fact that typical paper bags

and plastic bags may be detrimental and costly. On the other hand, materials that are

essentially recyclable are biodegradable. The eco-friendliness of the packaging results

in less wasteful material production and less resource consumption. (seoteam, 2020).

Conceptual Framework

The study's inputs, procedures, and findings are summarized here using graphics

and narratives. The conceptual framework of the study, which will act as a guide for

conducting this study, is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: The Conceptual Framework of the Study

 The input box lists the ingredients used to produce the bag, which include

cabbage, aloe vera pulp, lily leaves, hydrogen peroxide, water, baking soda, and corn

flour.

The process box displays the steps taken to create the product. This begins with

preparing the ingredients, which includes cutting them and soaking them in cold water

with baking soda. They are then boiled for 15 to 20 minutes on the stove at 100 degrees

Celsius. To achieve light-colored paper, the boiling residual will be bleached using

hydrogen peroxide. This stage also involves preparing the binder, aloe vera pulp, and

corn flour for the following step. The next step is blending these ingredients with warm

water to get a smooth, thick pulp. The next step is to put this pulp on a muslin cloth to

remove excess water before spreading it out in a form that will be sun dried. The dried

paper is then pressed with a little roller to dry entirely and produce a flat, straight sheet

of paper. Finally, the strength and durability of the product will be evaluated to assure its

quality. These procedures will make up the third box, or output box, which will be the

Verdura bag as the study's ultimate product.

 Figure 2: Testing the Hypothesis

Figure 2 depicts the hypothesis testing procedure. The first box contains the

product itself, a paper bag made of cabbage (Verdura Bag), which will be subjected to

various tests to determine its effectiveness. The procedure to check the paper bag's

tensile strength and durability would be in the second box. The paper bag's

biodegradability is determined in the third box. The fourth box depicts the action to be

taken if problems arise during the

process. The fifth box includes the final product's production.

 Figure 3: Evaluation of Collected Data

The figure above depicts the data collection and analysis technique. The input

section, which consists of the formulated inquiry questions, respondents, and product, is

necessary to advance to the process box, which consists of the formulation, creation,

and acceptability of the paper bag. The validated questionnaire and the outcome of the

paper bag assessment would constitute the procedure's outcomes.

Schematic Diagram

Cabbage Paper Bag (Verdura Bag)

Step 1: Gather Necessary Materials in order to create the VerduraBag

Step 2: Put the excess vegetable scraps in a large container for storage

Step 3: Clean the excess debris that is present in the scraps as well as washing

the raw materials thoroughly

Step 4: Cut the vegetable scraps into small pieces in preparation for blending

Step 5: Prepare the blender and add all the necessary ingredients (Aloe Vera,

Vegetable Scraps, Baking Soda, Water)

 Step 6: Prepare the silk screen and a basin big enough to fit it. Fill the basin with

halfway water

Step 7: Blend all the ingredients in the blender and pour the blended mixture into

the basin

Step 8: We conduct a test screenprinting if the paper itself is feasible, after the

testing we start the actual screen printing process to create the structural integrity of our

paper bag.

Step 9: Using a hairdryer, dry the mixture until the texture feels similar as an

actual paper

Step 10: Once fully dried, separate the paper from the silk screen

Step 11: Layer the gathered paper to strengthen its quality, additionally, the

creation of the paper bags were created.

Step 12: The Final Product is complete and ready as for the packaging of goods
Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis

Based on the research’s related studies and the statement of the problem, a Null

hypothesis has been developed to create a prediction and expectation that will be

tested.

There is no significant difference in the tensile and tearing strength of paper bags made

from vegetable waste matter compared to those made from conventional materials. By

way of elaboration, this research assumes that there is no statistically significant

advantage or disadvantage to using vegetable waste matter as an alternative material

for the production of paper bags.

Definition of Terms

Agricultural Byproducts - It is the discarded organic material, and it was produced

and came from raising plants or animals.

Analysis Technique - Analyzing something in depth to learn more about it or to

understand it better by utilizing statistical techniques.

Consumers - Whether it be goods or services, a consumer is anything or a person that

consumes.

Fruit and Vegetable Waste - It is the portion of the fruit or vegetable that is removed

and is either discarded or unused.

Inedible - It is the term for something that is not suitable for consumption.

Methane Emissions - Discharge of a large amount of gas that is found in small

quantities in the atmosphere

Virgin Tree Pulp - It is the mechanical or chemical separation of untouched cellulose

fibers from a tree.

Wastage - It involves the misuse, degradation, and loss of a material

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents an overview of the research methodologies used in the

study. A criteria for subjects in the study, the participants, and the research design are

all provided, along with information about the target respondents and research locale.

The study's objective, factors that went into this decision, and many data sources used

are all discussed by the researcher. The procedures utilized to carry out this study are

given as well, along with a description of the instrument used for research and data

collection. The data analysis techniques and statistical approaches are also covered by

the researcher. Lastly, a discussion of the cost analysis used in the process is also

incorporated as part of the product proposal.

Research Design

This research intends to create a paper bag manufactured from vegetable waste

as an alternative to a standard paper bag while also testing how minimizing food waste

benefits environmental conservation.

For this study, the researchers utilized an experimental research design. The

experimental research design is a scientific and objective approach of conducting

research that involves researching or observing two or more variables under certain

settings in order to achieve specific findings about a hypothesis statement. (Sirisilla,

2022) The researchers can experiment with the independent variables to see if it affects

the study. Thus, its primary purpose is to ascertain the impact of an independent
variable on the dependent variable. After examining the association between these two

variable kinds, the researchers are able to draw valid conclusions.

Procedure

These are the following factors that the researcher will consider when

determining whether or not a paper bag made of vegetable waste is an effective

alternative to a regular paper bag. The steps are as follows:

In order to gather a concise amount of easy-to-understand and accurate data,

the researchers will construct and distribute a survey questionnaire to respondents. The

questionnaire will be distributed to the designated sections of the Grade 12 Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand at the Technological Institute

of the Philippines - Quezon City. The survey will be conducted on-site using paper

questionnaires to maximize the amount of data and information collected from

respondents. Lastly, the respondents are asked to answer questions prepared by the

researchers, and their answers will help the researcher determine whether the product

is effective or what changes need to be made in order for the product to be effective..

Research Setting

The setting of this study is the STEM strand group of senior high school students at

Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City, it currently has main school

buildings, these were spread out throughout the 3.3-hectare site, and it is located near

World Citi Medical Center. This place was selected for the convenience of the

researchers, moreover, the respondents of the Technological Institute of the Philippines.

The Usage of Vegetable Waste Matter as an Alternative Material for the Production of

Paper Bags (Verdura Bag) study was carried out by the Grade 12 STEM student

researchers in TIP QC - SHS.

Sources of Data

Data are information or facts used in discussing or deciding the answer to a

research question. The source of data in the study is the subjects from which the data

can be collected for the purpose of research (Arikunto, 2010: 129). The researcher can

use the library which is collecting books, audio, documents, and other printed materials

as the source of data.

While conducting studies, the researchers gathered primary data and evaluated

consumer input on the product's advantages and disadvantages. Both primary data

collection and participant recruitment using online and in-person surveys. The

researchers employed voluntary response sampling as their sampling method. The

secondary sources of data that will be used during the investigation were gathered from

academic journals and online articles that were verified and contained the data that the

researchers needed for their research paper, such as those on Google Scholar, doi.gov,

and other environmental websites like da.gov.ph.

Data Gathering Procedure

For the purpose of this research, survey questionnaires were used. The

questionnaires were distributed in person, through printed surveys and online google

forms. The survey forms contained questionnaires about the quality of the product,
which will be reviewed by the consumers themselves. The data gathered from the

survey questionnaires will be used to assess the product’s quality in order to identify

minor errors and adjustments. Through analyzing the information, the researchers

would be able to determine the product’s effectiveness and.

Research Instrument

The research is an example of experimental research in which the obvious

research instrument that the proponents will use as they progress on their study are

experiments. Since the study is a pure science research, experimentations are very

much needed to meet the needs of the study. The instrument that is most appropriate

for the study is one that is used to conduct experiments in a lab setting to test potential

reactions in the object being studied. In both the pure and applied sciences,

experiments are largely utilized as research tools for data collection. (Adams, 2019)

The procedures that the raw materials will undergo will be conducted by the

researchers step by step. From the step of obtaining vegetable waste matter, which is

the main raw material of the research, to the actual usage of the raw material producing

it and turning it as a product which is, in this study, a paper bag. The researchers will

then follow the step-by-step processes and procedures that will be discussed

furthermore as they move along the study. In order to determine the level of

effectiveness of the vegetable waste as an alternative in making paper bags it will be

assessed using the Likert’s Scale.

Interpretation Table for Likert’s Scale

Scale Interpretation
 5 Strongly Agree

4 Agree

3 Neutral

2 Disagree

1 Strongly Disagree

Cost Analysis

Figure 1: Estimated Cost of Materials and Ingredients

The estimated cost of the materials required to make a paper bag is shown in the table.

NOTE: Prices of the materials needed may vary.

No. Ingredients Remarks Est. Cost Quantity Measurement

1 Vegetable Waste Waste May vary

2 Aloe Vera Pulp ₱200-500 1 1 Kilogram

3 Lily Leaves ₱150 1

4 Hydrogen Peroxide ₱350 1 1 Liter

5 Baking Soda ₱72 1 1 Pound

6 Flour ₱50-150 1 2 Kilograms

No. Project Materials Remarks Est.Cost Quantity Measurement

1 Silk Screen ₱100-250 1 30*40

2 Food Processor Or Blender May vary 1

3 Water May vary

Figure 2: Total Cost

 Capstone Project Cost

Raw Materials ₱1,500

Ingredients ₱2,000

Electricity ₱1,000

Maintenance Cost ₱1,000

Total Cost : ₱5,500

Statistical Treatment

To interpret the data effectively, the researchers will make use of the following

statistical treatment. The Percentage, Weighted Mean, and Likert’s Scale are the tools

that will be used to interpret the data.

To determine the frequency of each response, it will be determined on the number

of the respondents who will check in the particular item. The Demographic profile of the

respondents will be determined using the formula of the percentage.

𝐹
Formula: % = 𝑁
𝑥 100

Wherein:

% is the percentage

F is the frequency

N is the total number of respondents

100 is a constant value

 The mean is the most often used in central tendency calculation since it is prone to

fewer errors. The tabulated data will be treated with the use of frequency distribution,

percentage, and weighted mean.

Σ𝑓𝑥
Formula: x = 𝑓

Wherein:

x is the weighted mean

f is the sum of all respondents

Σfx is the sum of all products

 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Tensile and Strength Test Data:

Table 1 Small Paper Bag

Trials Cans Total Weight Can the paper bag withstand the weight?

1st Trial 3 cans (155g each) 465 grams Yes

3 cans (155g each)
2nd Trial 2 cans (165g each) 795 grams Yes
5 cans (155g each)
3rd Trial 2 cans (165g each) 1,105 grams Yes

Table 1. presents the three trials that show how much weight a small paper bag is

capable of supporting. In the first attempt at testing, the paper bag had three cans

weighing 155 grams each for a total weight of 465 grams. Since the paper bag did not

tear nor break, it is capable of carrying more than 465 grams.

Five cans with different weights were put inside the bag for the second trial. With a

combined weight of 795 grams, it has 3 cans that weigh 55 grams each and two cans

that weigh 165 grams apiece. Even with five cans packed into such a small paper bag, it

could support the weight of what's inside. Seven cans totaling 1,105 grams are used for

the last trial. Two cans of 165g and five cans of 155g. The paper bag could still support

the weight.

Table 2 Big Paper Bag

Trials Cans Total Weight Can the paper bag withstand the weight?
3 cans (165g each)
1st Trial 2 cans (155g cans) 805 grams Yes
3 cans (165g each)
2nd Trial 4 cans (155g each) 1,115 grams Yes
 3 cans (165g each)
3rd Trial 7 cans (155g each) 1,580 grams Yes

Table 2. presents the three trials that show how much weight a small paper bag

can withstand before breaking. In the first attempt at testing, the paper bag had five

cans weighing 165 grams each for a total weight of 805 grams. Since the paper bag did

not tear nor break, it is capable of carrying more than 805 grams.

Seven cans with different weights were put inside the bag for the second trial. With

a combined weight of 1115 grams, it has three cans that weigh 165 grams each and four

cans that weigh 155 grams a piece. Even with Seven cans packed into such a small

paper bag, it could support the weight of what's inside. Ten cans totaling 1,580 grams

are used for the last trial. Three cans of 165g and Seven cans of 155g. The paper bag

could still support the weight overall.

Table 3 Statistical Analysis

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10
Mean 3.7419 4.2581 4.4194 4.1935 3.9355 2.1935 4.0323 3.6775 3.5161 4.4839
Median 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 5
Mode 3 4 5 4 4 1 4 4 4 5

Standard Deviation 0.7288 0.6308 0.6204 0.6542 0.7718 1.3520 0.7063 1.1072 0.9263 0.6256
Variance 0.5312 0.3978 0.3849 0.4279 0.5957 1.8279 0.4989 1.2258 0.8581 0.3914
Average Deviation 0.6220 0.5265 0.5619 0.5202 0.6035 1.1925 0.4995 0.9116 0.7555 0.5661
Range 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 4 4 2
Midrange 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 3.5 5.5 3.5 3.5 5.5
1st Quartile (Q1) 3 4 4 4 3 1 4 3 3 4
2nd Quartile (Q2) 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 5
3rd Quartile (Q3) 4 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 4 5
25th Percentile (P25) 3 4 4 4 3 1 4 3 3 4
40th Percentile (P40) 3 4 4 4 4 1 4 3.8 3 4
50th Percentile (P50) 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 5
60th Percentile (P60) 4 4 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 5
75th Percentile (P75) 4 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 4 5
Midhinge 3.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 2 4.5 4 3.5 4.5
Interquartile Range
(IQR) 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1
Quartile Deviation
(QD) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 1 0.5 1 0.5 0.5
Coefficient of
Variation 19.48% 14.81% 14.04% 15.60% 19.61% 61.64% 17.52% 30.11% 26.34% 13.95%
Kurtosis -0.9406 -0.5147 -0.5069 -0.5744 -1.2673 -0.8868 -0.8770 -0.3676 0.6536 -0.2519
Skewness 0.4482 -0.2518 -0.5691 -0.2136 0.1137 0.6623 -0.0454 -0.5611 -0.7227 -0.8086

​ The gathered data shown in the table from questions 1 to 10 except question 6

shows the user’s preference to natural and sustainable packaging with each

question from 1 to 10 having a standard deviation value, 0 > 1. While question 6

has a 0 < 1. This table shows the whole statistical analysis of the study. The

Median interprets as the majority of consumers agree with quality of our product

except question 6 which concludes that our paper bag is chemical-scent free,

Table 4 - Outlier Tests:

Mid Outlier Test Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10

Upper Limit 5.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 8 6 6.5 8 5.5 6.5
Lower Limit 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 0 -2 2.5 0 1.5 2.5
Extreme Outlier Test Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10
Upper Limit 7 8 8 8 11 9 8 11 7 8
Lower Limit 0 1 1 1 -3 -5 1 -3 0 1

​ This table shows the outlier in the questionnaires that was distributed as to

quality testing for vegetable packaging (VerduraBag)

 Count Question 1: I prefer using vegetable paper bags over normal paper bags.
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 13 - 39.394%
4 - Agree 13 - 39.394%
5 - Strongly Agree 5 - 15.15%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.1. This table shows that 39.394% of the respondents are neutral, and another

39.394% also agree on using vegetable paper bags over normal paper bags. This table

concludes that the majority of users prefer vegetable paper bags over normal paper

bags.

Question 2: The concept of vegetable waste paper bags aligns

Count with my environmental values and concerns.
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 3 - 9.091%
4 - Agree 17 - 51.515%
5 - Strongly Agree 11 - 33.333%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.2. On this table, 51.515% of the users answered "agree" on question two, which

concludes that the majority agrees with the concept that vegetable waste paper bags

align with their environmental values and concerns.

Question 3: Vegetable waste can help boost recycling and waste

Count reduction by being used in the creation of paper bags.
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 2 - 6.061%
4 - Agree 14 - 42.424%
5 - Strongly Agree 15 - 45.45%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.3 Given that 45.45% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement in Table

3, it can be concluded that vegetable waste can help boost recycling and waste

reduction by being used in the creation of paper bags.

Question 4: If vegetable waste-derived paper bags were readily available,

Count I might choose to use them instead of standard paper bags.
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 4 - 12.121%
4 - Agree 17 - 51.515%
5 - Strongly Agree 10 - 30.303%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.4 According to table 4, 51.515% of respondents concur with the statement,

indicating that they could opt for vegetable waste-derived paper bags rather than normal

paper bags if they are easily accessible.

Count Question 5: Can the paper vegetables bag hold certain products?
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 10 - 32.258%
4 - Agree 13 - 39.394%
5 - Strongly Agree 8 - 24.24%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.5 This table shows that 39.394% of respondents agree with the question,

implying that vegetable paper bags can hold certain products.

 Count Question 6: The smell of the paper bag gives a hint of a chemical-like scent.
1 - Strongly Disagree 15 - 45.45%
2 - Disagree 3 - 9.091%
3 - Neutral 7 - 21.212%
4 - Agree 4 - 12.121%
5 - Strongly Agree 4 - 12.121%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.6. This table shows that 45.45% of respondents answering "Strongly

disagree" to question six indicate that the majority of users strongly disagree that the

smell of the paper bags gives a hint of a chemical-like scent.

Question 7: Is it better to use the vegetable paper bag than the normal paper
Count bag on a daily basis?
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 7 - 21.212%
4 - Agree 16 - 48.48%
5 - Strongly Agree 8 - 24.242%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.7. This table shows that 48.48% of the respondents answered "Neutral" to

question seven, indicating that the majority of users are neutral. It is better to use the

vegetable paper bag than the normal paper bag on a daily basis.

Question 8: Could heavy objects like cans, bottles of beverage, etc.

Count be carried in a paper bag?
1 - Strongly Disagree 3 - 9.091%
2 - Disagree 4 - 12.121%
3 - Neutral 7 - 21.212%
4 - Agree 11 - 33.333%
5 - Strongly Agree 8 - 24.242%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.8 This table shows that 33.333% of the users answered ‘’agree" on this

question, meaning that the majority of them agreed that heavy objects like cans, bottles

of beverage, etc. can be carried in a paper bag.

Count Question 9: Do you believe regular use will cause it to degrade quickly?
1 - Strongly Disagree 3 - 9.091%
2 - Disagree 3 - 9.091%
3 - Neutral 9 - 27.273%
4 - Agree 15 - 45.45%
5 - Strongly Agree 3 - 3.091%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.9. This table shows that 45.45% of the respondents “agree” with the question,

implying that they believe regular use causes paper bags to degrade quickly.

Count Question 10: Could the paper vegetable bag protect the environment?
1 - Strongly Disagree 1 - 3.03%
2 - Disagree 1 - 3.03%
3 - Neutral 2 - 6.061%
4 - Agree 2 - 6.061%
5 - Strongly Agree 17 - 51.515%
Total 33 - 100%

Table 5.10. Given that 51.515% of respondents strongly agreed with this question in

Table 10, It can be concluded that the vegetable paper bag protects the environment.

Table 6 - Statistical Treatment:

 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Row Totals
Strongly 15 (9.80) 10 (9.80) 8 (9.80)
Agree 5 (9.80) [2.35] 11 (9.80) [0.15] [2.76] [0.00] [0.33] 49
13 (14.80) 17 (14.800) 14 (14.80) 17 (14.80) 13 914.80)
Agree [0.22] [0.33] [0.04] [0.33] [0.22] 74
13 (6.40) 2 (6.40) 4 (6.20) 10 (6.40)
Neutral [6.81] 3 (6.40) [6.81] [3.00] [0.90] [2.02] 32
1 (1.00) 1 (1.00) 1 (1.00)
Disagree 1 (1.00) [0.00] 1 (1.00) [0.00] [0.00] [0.00] [0.00] 5
Strongly 1 (1.00) 1 (1.00) 1 (1.00)
Disagree 1 (1.00) [0.00] 1 (1.00) [0.00] [0.00] [0.00] [0.00] 5
165 (Grand
Column Totals 33 33 33 33 33 Total)

Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Row Totals

8 (8.00) 8 (8.00) 3 (8.00) 17 (8.00)
Strongly Agree 4 (8.00) [2.00] [0.00] [0.00] [3.12] [10.12] 40
4 (11.60) 16 (11.60) 11 (11.60) 15 (11.60) 12 (11.60)
Agree [4.98] [1.67] [0.03] [1.00] [0.01] 58
7 (6.40) 7 (6.40) 9 (6.40) 2 (6.40)
Neutral 7 (6.40) [0.06] [0.06] [0.06] [1.06] [3.03] 22
1 (2.40) 4 (2.40) 3 (2.40) 1 (2.40)
Disagree 3 (2.40) [0.15] [0.82] [1.07] [0.015] [0.82] 12
Strongly 15 (4.60) 1 (4.60) 3 (4.60) 3 (4.60) 1 (4.60)
Disagree [23.51] [2.82] [0.56] [0.56] [2.82] 23
165 (Grand
Column Totals 33 33 33 33 33 Total)

The chi-square statistic is 21.2895. The p-value is .16765. The result is not

significant at p<.05.

​ As to the conclusion of the table, The tensile and tearing strength of paper

bags made from vegetable waste matter are not significantly different from those
 made from conventional materials with the chi-square statistic of 21.2895. To

elaborate, this study concludes that there is no statistically significant advantage

or disadvantage to employing vegetable waste as an alternative material for

paper bag production.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A summary of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations related to the

observation made as a result of the study are presented in this chapter.

Summary of findings

Researchers at the Technological Institute of the Philippines used a tensile

strength test to determine the study's findings, and they also surveyed thirty (30)

students in Grade 12 regarding the use of vegetable waste as an alternative material to

the production of paper bags.

The research instruments used for collecting data in this study are the following:

Strength tests and Likert scale survey questions related to the study.

Conclusions

​ There is no statistically significant advantage or disadvantage to employing

vegetable waste as an alternative material for paper bag production.

​ Employing vegetable waste is efficient and sustainable as an alternative source

of raw material for the production of paper bags.

Recommendations

The following suggestions are put forth following the study's conclusion and in

light of its conclusions:

​ The researchers suggest promoting recycling and making use of vegetable and

food waste, such as by turning it into paper packaging. It provided numerous

examples of favorable results.

​ In order to achieve a fine, smooth texture on these kinds of paper bags, the

researchers advise utilizing leafy green vegetables.

​ Future researchers should gather larger samples and carry out more precise

tests in order to provide more accurate and diverse results and to guarantee that

the study is inclusive.

Bibliography

Agricultural Waste Management and Disposal - Farm Waste Disposal. (n.d.). Business

Waste. https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/agricultural-waste-management/

Benefits of Recycling. (2019). National Institutes of Health.

https://nems.nih.gov/environmental-programs/Pages/Benefits-of-Recycling.aspx

Aschemann-Witzel, J., de Hooge, I., Amani, P., Bech-Larsen, T., & Oostindjer, M.

(2015). Consumer-Related Food Waste: Causes and Potential for Action.

Sustainability, 7(6), 6457–6477. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066457

Bauman, B. (2019, August 20). How plastics contribute to climate change. Yale Climate

Connections.
 https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/08/how-plastics-contribute-to-climate-ch

ange/

Belović, M., Torbica, A., Pajić-Lijaković, I., & Mastilović, J. (2017). Development of low

calorie jams with increased content of natural dietary fibre made from tomato

pomace. Food Chemistry, 237, 1226–1233.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.06.045

Boz, Z., Korhonen, V., & Koelsch Sand, C. (2020). Consumer Considerations for the

Implementation of Sustainable Packaging: A Review. Sustainability, 12(6), 2192.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062192

Cho, R. (2020, April 30). Plastic, Paper or Cotton: Which Shopping Bag is Best? State

of the Planet; Columbia Climate School.

https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2020/04/30/plastic-paper-cotton-bags/

De Laurentiis, V., Corrado, S., & Sala, S. (2018). Quantifying household waste of fresh

fruit and vegetables in the EU. Waste Management, 77, 238–251.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.04.001

Drupa. (2015, November 24). Turning food waste into paper. Drupa.

https://blog.drupa.com/de/food-waste-paper/

Fair Print. (n.d.). What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Bags? -

Fairprint. Fair Print India.

https://fairprintindia.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-paper-bags/

Favini. (n.d.). Ecological Paper From Organic Waste | Crush | Favini. Graphic

Specialities. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from

https://www.favini.com/gs/en/fine-papers/crush/all-about-crush/#:~:text=The%20e
 co%2Dfriendly%20paper%20with%20agro%2Dindustrial%20waste&text=Crush%

20paper%20includes%20by%2Dproducts

Food Waste Problem | ReFED. (n.d.). Refed.org.

https://refed.org/food-waste/the-problem/

Food waste: 127 kg per inhabitant in the EU in 2020. (2022, October 25). Ec.europa.eu.

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20220925-2

Harvard T.H. Chan. (n.d.). Food Waste. The Nutrition Source.

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

Howard, B. C. (2018, October 31). 5 recycling myths busted. Environment.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/5-recycling-myths-buste

d-plastic

Ilao, M. (2019, January 9). Benguet farmers forced to throw away vegetables amid low

prices, oversupply. ABS-CBN News; ABS-CBN News.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/09/19/benguet-farmers-forced-to-throw-a

way-vegetables-amid-low-prices-oversupply

Kamal, S. (2022, January 3). Food Waste in India & The way forward.

Www.linkedin.com.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/food-waste-india-way-forward-swarn-kamal#:~:te

xt=Food%20Waste%20in%20India%20and

Lau, K. Q., Sabran, M. R., & Shafie, S. R. (2021). Utilization of Vegetable and Fruit

By-products as Functional Ingredient and Food. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.661693
Life Beyond Numbers. (2021, September 10). This 11-YO Eco-Warrior Is Turning

Vegetable Waste Into Paper. Hindustan Times.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/this-11-yo-eco-warrior-is-turning-vegeta

ble-waste-into-paper-101631277078321.html

Lober, D. (2018a, February 12). The Truth About Paper Bags. Www.reusethisbag.com.

https://www.reusethisbag.com/articles/the-truth-about-paper-bags#:~:text=Paper

%20bags%20generate%2070%20more

Lober, D. (2018b, March 17). Creative Recycling Projects from Common Household

Items - ReuseThisBag.com. ReuseThisBag.com.

https://www.reusethisbag.com/articles/creative-recycling-projects

Lyu, F., Luiz, S. F., Azeredo, D. R. P., Cruz, A. G., Ajlouni, S., & Ranadheera, C. S.

(2020). Apple Pomace as a Functional and Healthy Ingredient in Food Products:

A Review. Processes, 8(3), 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8030319

Making of Paper Bag out of Banana Pseudo-stem with Sodium Hydroxide (Na OH).

(2013). StuDocu; StuDocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/cebu-institute-of-technology-university/res

earch-inquiries-investigation-and-immersion/making-of-paper-bag-out-of-banana-

pseudo-stem-with-sodium-hydroxide-na-oh/33241283

Masoodi, F. A., Sharma, B., & Chauhan, G. S. (2002). Use of apple pomace as a source

of dietary fiber in cakes. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 57(2), 121–128.

https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1015264032164

Mugho, L. (2022, October 27). The Impact of Single-use Plastics. Brightmark.

https://www.brightmark.com/newsroom/the-impact-of-single-use-plastics?gclid=Cj
 0KCQjwqNqkBhDlARIsAFaxvwyvgHNC2csSsFrUZJqg3HyqUyFh4WoDak0HObg

Tio1ouA62rAUyDBIaAmZ4EALw_wcB

Mukundan, D. L. (2021, September 8). Turn vegetable waste into paper? Ask

11-year-old Manya how to! YOCee.

https://yocee.in/turn-vegetable-waste-into-paper-ask-11-year-old-manya-how-to/

National Geographic Society. (2022, July 22). Sustainable Shopping—Which Bag Is

Best? | National Geographic Society. Education.nationalgeographic.org.

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sustainable-shoppingwhich-ba

g-best/

News, G. I. (2023, April 3). Some farmers throwing away their produce as “oversupply”

affects income. GMA News Online.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/865895/some-farmers-thro

wing-away-their-produce-as-oversupply-affects-income/story/

OKAFOR, J. (2021, November 17). Are Paper Bags Recyclable? & Ideas for Reuse.

TRVST. https://www.trvst.world/waste-recycling/are-paper-bags-recyclable/

Paper Bags Market. (n.d.). Www.futuremarketinsights.com.

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/paper-bags-market

Paper on the Rocks. (2018, November 28). What is the environmental impact of

deforestation for paper production? Paper / on the Rocks.

https://paperontherocks.com/2018/11/28/environmental-impact-of-deforestation/

Passi, J. C. T. (2021, October 8). Taro Stems Used As An Alternative Raw Material in

Creating Paper Bag For The Consumers of Baguio | PDF | Student’s T Test |

Paper. Scribd.
 https://www.scribd.com/document/530990480/Taro-Stems-used-as-an-Alternative

-Raw-Material-in-Creating-Paper-Bag-for-the-Consumers-of-Baguio

Pem, D., & Jeewon, R. (2015). Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Benefits and Progress of

Nutrition Education Interventions- Narrative Review Article. Iranian Journal of

Public Health, 44(10), 1309–1321.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4644575/

Pros & Cons of Paper Bags - Eco-Friendly & Reusable | Relis & Roth. (n.d.).

Www.relisandroth.com. https://www.relisandroth.com/paper-bags-pros-and-cons

Ruvi. (n.d.). How Many Fruits and Veggies Do We Waste Per Year? Ruvi.

https://www.goruvi.com/blogs/news/644-million-tons-of-wasted-fruits-and-veggies

-each-year#:~:text=The%20UN%20estimates%20that%20nearly

Sirisilla, S. (2023, January 19). Experimental Research Designs: Types, Examples &

Advantages. Enago Academy.

https://www.enago.com/academy/experimental-research-design/

Swiftpak. (2021, April 12). Reduce the carbon footprint of your packaging operation.

Swiftpak.

https://www.swiftpak.co.uk/insights/reduce-the-carbon-footprint-of-your-packagin

g-operation

The Paper Bag. (2017). For the environment. Www.thepaperbag.org.

https://www.thepaperbag.org/for-the-environment#:~:text=Paper%20bags%20are

%20natural%20and%20biodegradable&text=Due%20to%20their%20natural%20

characteristics
Thompson, C. (2017). Paper, Plastic or Reusable? Stanfordmag.org.

https://stanfordmag.org/contents/paper-plastic-or-reusable

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2018, December 12). Sustainable

Management of Food Basics | US EPA. US EPA.

https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/sustainable-management-foo

d-basics