Banana Stem Fiber 1
Banana Stem Fiber 1
Banana Stem Fiber 1
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the environmental
impact of single-use plastic bags. As a result, there is an increasing demand for eco-
friendly alternatives that can help reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable
practices. One such alternative is the use of banana stem fiber as a material for eco
bags.
produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants. Bananas are widely
produced and abundant natural resources in tropical and subtropical countries in the
world and considered as one of the most useful plants. According to Mohapatra et al.
(2010), banana is the second largest produced fruits after citrus contributing about
16% of the world's total fruit production. Banana plants, which belong to the family
Banana pseudo stem is a part of banana plant that looks like a trunk, which
consist of soft central core and tightly wrapped up to 25 leaf sheaths. According to
Subagyo and Chafidz, 2018, the major uses of banana pseudo-stem fiber are in
making specialized and high-quality sanitary products such as baby pampers, textiles,
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Banana stem fiber is a natural and renewable resource that can be extracted
from the pseudo-stem of the banana plant, which is typically discarded as agricultural
waste. The use of banana stem fiber as an eco-bag material offers several benefits.
Firstly, it reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags, which take hundreds of years
compostable, meaning they can naturally break down and return to the environment
without causing harm. This makes them a more sustainable choice compared to
traditional plastic bags, which can persist in the environment for centuries.
Moreover, banana stem fiber as an eco-bag can be produced using low energy
production. They can also be designed to be reusable and durable, allowing for
multiple uses and reducing the need for frequent replacements. By utilizing this waste
material, we can create a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for bag production
created from discarded parts of the banana plant to suggest a greener and cleaner
lifestyle.
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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study aimed to determine whether Eco bag made from banana stem fibers
2. Why eco bags made from banana stem fiber are good for replacing
plastic bags?
In general, the main focus of this study is to produce an eco-bag made from
banana stem fiber. It focuses on the characteristics of banana stem to produce eco-bag
as an alternative to commercial eco bags sold in the market. This study is designed to
explore the potentiality of banana pseudo stem fiber and to help the environment in
finding a solution to the never-ending pollution that we've been suffering. The
duration of this study will be conducted within the second semester of the school year
2023-2024.
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1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to explore the potentiality of the banana stem pseudo stem
The researcher believes that this study will be beneficial to the following:
1.4.1 STUDENT - The result of this study will help every student to feel comfortable
and show environmental friendliness. It will also help student carry things with less
1.4.2 COMMUNITY - The result of this study will help the community in
minimizing the waste materials that are rapidly increasing and will help in making the
1.4.3 GOVERNMENT - The result of this study will help the government in
1.4.4 RESEARCHERS - The result of this study will serve as a basis for other
researcher to make their own work or conduct further investigation related to the
problem.
1.4.5 FUTURE RESEARCHERS - The result of this study will give a valuable
insight for future researcher because it can serve as their guidelines as they would try
to improve the feature of the output for their study. They can use and enhance the
findings of this study to further develop a new feature that they will add to the eco
bag.
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CHAPTER 2
This chapter discussed some related literature and studies, theoretical and
conceptual framework, and the study's hypothesis regarding the potentiality of banana
Banana is one of the most important fruit crop plants that belong to the genus
musa and scientifically known as Musa acuminata, is a versatile and delicious fruit
packed with numerous health benefits. According to Balda & Sharma, (2021), banana
fibre is one of major interest as banana is one of the most consumed fruit worldwide
with annual production of 115.7 million tons in the year 2018 and is grown in 130
countries, which makes banana waste available locally. Various parts of banana plant
such as fruit, fruit peel, flower bud, leaves and pseudo-stem (banana trunk) are
utilized for different industrial purposes. Pseudo-stem is the major portion of banana
waste biomass and yields good quality fibre that has the potential for industrial
applications in the making of sanitary pads, textiles, pulp, and paper. The pseudo-stem
of banana plant provides and transports nutrients from the soil to the fruits. This
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pseudo-stem will be cut and become waste biomass after the banana fruit is ripe and
harvested, because the banana plant is unusable for the next harvest.
stem possess beneficial qualities that can be used for textiles. But in a recent year,
banana fibers can be refined and used to make fine cushion covers, neck ties, bags,
table cloths, curtains etc. They have composition, structures and properties that are
suitable for using eco-friendly environment. Banana plants, which belong to the
Bananas are widely produced and abundant natural resources in tropical and
subtropical countries in the world. (Subagyo & Chafidz, 2018). The potential of these
Eco bags not only recycle material that would be going to waste, they also
eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags that have proven to harm the
environment. Made from petroleum, plastic bags fuel extraction of fossil resources.
They also present a serious disposal problem. It takes centuries for plastics bag to
break down in nature, burning them releases poisonous chemicals, and in oceans,
plastic trash harms a number of marine species. Non-toxic Eco bags, on the other
hand, conserve the environment by harmlessly biodegrading after numerous uses. Eco
bags provide a clean, safe, and eco-friendly alternative. It can bear a stronger load
income that producers, mostly poor women, can use to support themselves and their
families. Reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources through recycling,
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helps the community as a whole. As a result, these communities have become more
reusable plastic bags are the most eco-friendly option in Singapore. The production of
cotton bags involves pesticide use and the discharge of heavy metals into water, while
paper bag production generates liquid waste. Reusable plastic bags, on the other hand,
can be used multiple times and have a lower environmental impact. (Tan, 2022)
According to straits times (2020), nearly 48 million shopping bags are used
every day across the Philippines, totaling more than 17 billion a year. Thought here
are 3r's system and various activities to eliminate plastic, countering this plastic waste
is not yet enough. That's why we come up with an idea for Eco bags because this is
making bags. The pseudo-stem of the banana plant, which is the major portion of the
biomass waste left after fruit harvesting, can provide a sustainable source for fiber-
based industries. Banana fiber extracted from the pseudo-stem has better fineness and
spinnability compared to other fibers. This makes it suitable for the production of eco
bags and other similar products. There are several advantages to using eco bags made
from banana stem fiber. They are biodegradable, renewable, and have a lower
waste material that can be repurposed, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The production of eco bags from banana stem fiber offers an alternative to single-use
paper or plastic bags. These eco bags can be reused multiple times, providing a
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sustainable option for shopping and can help reduce the environmental impact of
Moreover, banana stem fibers are proven to be stronger and useful for bag
properties, banana stem fibers are easier to work with. Furthermore, natural pigments
are also not hard to apply to the fiber. They can be a source of products as well as a
(Sangamithirai & Vasugi, 2020). The usefulness of this material is beneficial for zero
One of the strongest natural fibers in the world is banana fiber, sometimes
referred to as musa fiber. The pseudostem, peduncle, and leaf make up the majority of
the three sections of the banana plant. The banana pseudostem, which resembles a tree
trunk and is useless once the fruit is harvested, can then be used in extracting the
promotes circular economy, local community development and eco- friendly image.
derived from the waste material of banana plants, specifically the pseudo-
stem, which is usually discarded after the fruit is harvested. By utilizing this
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waste material to create eco bags, we can reduce the reliance on non-
2. Biodegradability: One of the key advantages of banana fiber eco bags is their
biodegradability. Unlike plastic bags that can persist in the environment for
hundreds of years, banana fiber bags naturally decompose over time, reducing
By choosing eco bags made from banana fiber, individuals can contribute to
reducing plastic waste and its detrimental effects on the environment and
wildlife.
as waste, they are repurposed and transformed into a valuable product. This
not only reduces waste but also creates economic opportunities and supports
sustainable livelihoods.
5. Local Community Development: The production of banana fiber eco bags can
6. Eco-Friendly Image: Using banana fiber eco bags aligns with eco-conscious
friendly alternative.
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2.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This figure represents the two variables that are related to the study. The
paper eco bag while the dependent variable is the eco bag.
For the purpose of classification, the following terms are conceptually and
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2.4.2 Banana Pseudo Stem – According to ProMusa (2009), pseudo stem is
part of the banana plant that looks like a trunk. It is formed by the tightly
2.4.3 Eco- Bag - According to Cambridge dictionary (2024) eco bag is a brand
name for a bag for carrying things you have bought that can be used many
times and does not harm the environment, for example because it is made
herbaceous plant, any vascular plant that does not have true woody
Subtropical places have a climate that is warm and wet and are often near
tropical regions.
2.5 HYPOTHESIS
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Alternative hypothesis: The banana stem fibers are effective materials in making eco
bags.
Null hypothesis: The banana stem fibers are not effective materials in making eco
bags.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
treatment of data.
and effectiveness of using banana stem fiber as an eco-bag. The research can include
collecting banana stem fibers, processing them into eco bags, and comparing their
properties (e.g., strength, durability, biodegradability) with other commonly used eco
their impact on the performance of the eco bags. Data can be collected through
physical testing such as trial and error. Statistical treatment can be used to analyze the
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data and draw conclusions about the suitability of banana stem fiber as an eco-bag
material.
3.2 MATERIALS
wooden frame
2-liter water
strainer
Casserole
knife
chopping board
blender
Flat iron
Varnish
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3.3 EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS AND UTENSILS
Cylinder
3.4 PROCEDURE
extracting fiber. Equipped with a bolo knife, we will carefully cut the banana
stems, ensuring a clean and precise separation. Once the stems are collected, we
will gather additional materials from David's house. We will obtain water,
essential for the process. A blender will be used to soften the banana stem pieces,
basin, which will serve as a container for the blended banana stem mixture. Lastly,
Using the bolo knife, we'll peel off the old skin from the banana stem. After
peeling off the old skin, we'll cut the banana stem into small pieces.
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3. Preparation of Banana Stem
We'll heat up some water for the banana stem. Prepare the 25 mL Sodium
Hydroxide Solution. We will use sodium hydroxide to loosen the pseudo stem and
separate its fibers. Next, we'll add the banana stem after the water has boiled. The
Sodium Hydroxide Solution will then be added. Then, get some water ready to
rinse your banana stems. Once your boiled banana stems are soft, we will strain
We'll heat up some water for the banana stem. Prepare the 25 mL Sodium
Hydroxide Solution. We will use sodium hydroxide to loosen the pseudo stem and
separate its fibers. Next, we'll add the banana stem after the water has boiled. The
Sodium Hydroxide Solution will then be added. Then, get some water ready to
rinse your banana stems. Once your boiled banana stems are soft, we will strain
5. Eco-bag Making
After the banana stem fiber has thoroughly dried, we will carefully remove it
from the frame, ready to embark on the exciting journey of creating our eco bag.
With our creative minds at work, we will begin sewing the banana stem fiber
together, using a needle and thread, to form the foundation of our environmentally
friendly bag. After that, varnish and dry it 10minutes under the sun. Then, we are
ready to present our eco bag made from banana stem fiber.
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3.5 EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCT
Through observation and research, eco bag made from banana stem fibers have
long-lasting bag options. Eco bags made from banana stem fiber have a rough texture
due to the natural characteristics of the fiber. Unlike commercial bags, which often
undergo additional processes to enhance their texture and make them smoother, eco
bags retain the original texture of the banana stem fiber. The rough texture of eco bags
made from banana stem fiber is part of their appeal. It showcases the natural and
sustainable nature of the material. The roughness adds a unique and organic touch to
the bag, making it stand out from traditional commercial bags. The fibers are known
for their high tensile strength which means they can withstand significant amount of
weights without breaking or tearing. This makes them highly suitable for carrying
heavy things.
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3.6 STATISTICAL TREATMENT
TABLE 0.1
limit of 1
kilogram
ensures that
remains sturdy
and can
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securely hold
your
belongings
TABLE 0.2
limit of 1.5
kilogram
ensures that
remains sturdy
and can
securely hold
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your
belongings
TABLE 0.3
limit of 2.5
kilogram
ensures that
remains sturdy
and can
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securely hold
your
belongings
CHAPTER 4
ANALYSIS OF DATA
This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the data related to the processing
of banana stem fiber into eco bags, including the quantities of water, sodium
hydroxide, banana stem fiber, other materials used, and the time required for the
process. The analysis aims to provide insights into the feasibility and efficiency of
utilizing banana stem fiber as a raw material for eco bag production.
As evident from the analysis of the data, eco bags made from banana stem
fiber have the potential to serve as a viable replacement for commercially available
eco bags. The detailed examination of the data, including the precise quantities of 2
liters of water, 25ml of sodium hydroxide, 3 kilograms of banana stem fiber, amount
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of other materials used, and result has provided valuable insights into the feasibility
controlling the amount of water, sodium hydroxide, and other materials, we can
optimize the strength, durability, and overall performance of the eco bags. These
CHAPTER 5
harm to our ecosystem and wildlife. However, there is a growing awareness of the
need for sustainable alternative and one promising solution is the use of eco bags
made from banana stem fiber. The findings of this study highlight the potentiality of
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eco bag made from banana stem fiber as a replacement for plastic bag that can help to
prevent plastic pollution problem and promote proper waste management. Eco bag
or oceans.
Lastly, eco bag have been found to be effective in carrying a significant amount
of items. The strength and durability of banana stem fiber allow the bag to carry any
amount of things. This findings shows the sustainability, validity and reliability of
5.2 CONCLUSION
After conducting several trials and errors, the results have revealed that banana
stem fiber can indeed be successfully used as an alternative material for eco bags.
These findings have opened up exciting possibilities for sustainable bag production
and have garnered significant attention in the quest for eco-friendly solutions.
Moreover, the successful integration of banana stem fiber into eco bag production
Through ongoing research and innovation, we can further enhance the performance
and scalability of banana stem fiber as an eco-bag, paving the way for a greener future
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5.3 RECOMMENDATION
Production of banana eco bag from banana pseudo stem yielded positive results.
To further improve the study, the researchers also recommend the following:
1. Slice the banana pseudo stem into thinner pieces so that it easy to be crushed
in the blender.
2. Dry it directly under the sun or above the roof so that it will not consume
3. Use big wooden frame to make bigger bags. The bigger the bag, the better.
4. The strainer's hole needs to be tightly sealed so that only the blended banana
stem fiber will stay in the sieve once the extra water has been drained.
soda.
6. Much better to sew it rather than glue it to determine the durability of the
product
7. Last but most importantly, you must have an enough knowledge on how to
design an eco-bag.
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REFERENCES
Balda, S., Sharma, A., Capalash, N. et al. Banana fibre: a natural and sustainable
bioresource for eco-friendly applications. Clean Techn Environ Policy 23, 1389–1401
(2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-021-02041-y
Banana By-products: an under- utilized renewable food biomass with great potential.
Mohapatra, D., Mishra, S., & Sutar, N. (2010). Banana and its by-product utilisation:
An overview.
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ResearchGate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230650431_Banana_and_its_
by-product_utilisation_An_overview
More than 17 billion plastic shopping bags used in the Philippines each year: Survey.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-survey-shows-shocking-plastic-
waste
https://www.health.com/bananas-8413931
https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/environmental-health-topics/eht/
sodiumhydroxide.html#:~:text=Sodium%20hydroxide%20is%20sometimes
%20called,strong%20acids%20and%20with%20water.
https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82204
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana
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APPENDICES
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APPENDIX A
DOCUMENTATION
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APPENDIX 2
CURRICULUM VITAE
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Sibugay
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Civil Status: Single
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Mother’s Name: Agnes S. Del Rosario
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SOPHIA MARIE C. PANES
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DAVID V. ROJO
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