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Calamansi (Citrus x Microcarpa) Peel-Based Bioplastics: Exploring

the Potential of Seed-Infused Materials for Sustainable Agriculture

and Waste Management

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Philippines is one of the most plastic-polluted countries in the world, with estimated
2.7 million plastic waste disposed of every year (AROWANA IMPACT CAPITAL, 2023) and was
third-ranking contributor to plastic pollution in the world. (Jonathan Schachter and Rachel
Karasik, 2017). The country's growing population and economic development have led to an
increasing demand for plastic packaging, which has contributed to the generation of massive
amounts of plastic waste. This has resulted in severe environmental and health problems,
including the clogging of waterways, contamination of soil and water, and the release of toxic
chemicals into the environment.

According to the Municipal Environmental & Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in


Lingig, a significant amount of waste has been accumulating in the area, with an estimated of
over seven dump-trucks of plastic waste collected weekly, highlighting the importance of
effective waste collection and disposal. In particular, the Philippines is facing a significant
challenge in managing plastic waste, particularly in rural areas where waste management
infrastructure is often inadequate or non-existent. As a result, plastic waste accumulates in
landfills, streets, and waterways, posing a significant threat to human health and the
environment. This certain issue is in need for sustainable solutions to waste management,
particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be limited.

One potential solution to the problem of plastic waste is the development of bioplastics,
which are made from renewable sources such as corn starch, vinegar, and Glycerine .
Bioplastics have several advantages over traditional plastics, including their biodegradability,
compostability, and lower carbon footprint.Bioplastics, a potential substitute for traditional
plastics, offer benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, natural decomposition, and
adaptability. Nevertheless, they also have drawbacks like fragility, high water absorption, and
low heat resistance (Anahi Pereira Da Costa et.al, 2023). Bioplastics, made from renewable
resources, are a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional plastics. They
produce less greenhouse gases and are completely biodegradable, making them a more
sustainable choice (Raji Vijayamma et.al, 2022)

In this context, this study aims to explore the potential of seed-infused materials derived
from calamansi peel-based bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Calamansi (Citrus × microcarpa ) is a popular fruit in the Philippines that is widely cultivated and
consumed. According to (Marjun Caguay, 2023), Over 88,200 to 94,500 metric tons (MT) of
Calamansi (Citrus x Microcarpa), ended up being wasted in landfills per year and 6,000–11,000
MT Calamansi Peel (Citrus x Microcarpa) often go back to landfills open-dumped or spread
(RENE ESTREMERA, 2021). The peel of calamansi fruit is a rich source of natural materials,
including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other components. These components are
essential for creating bioplastics that can be fully characterized and tested (Javier Eduardo
López Giraldo et.al 2014). Using calamansi peel in bioplastic production can also lead to the
creation of materials with improved durability and physical properties (Nila Tanyela Berghuis
et.al, 2022). Moreover, adding calamansi peel waste to bioplastics can enhance their
biodegradability and mechanical strength, making them a more environmentally friendly
alternative to traditional plastics. By utilizing calamansi peel waste, researchers can develop
bioplastics that meet the necessary requirements for various applications while minimizing
plastic waste and environmental harm (Nur Diyana Zainol Abidin et. al, 2021).

Using seeds to create bioplastics offers a promising way to develop sustainable


materials. Researchers have found that different seed starches, such as those from tamarind
and Amaranthus cruentus, can be used to create bioplastics with desirable properties like
strength and degradability. For example, bioplastics made from tamarind seed starch mixed with
Arjuna powder showed excellent biodegradability, breaking down by 73% in just 30 days, and
also exhibited impressive tensile strength (M. Chowdhury et.al, 2022). In addition, researchers
have successfully developed biodegradable films using starch from the Amaranthus cruentus
plant, demonstrating the potential for using seed-derived materials in the production of
sustainable bioplastics(Vimal Priya et. al, 2022). Studies have also found that applying
bioplastic coatings to seeds like corn and canola can improve seedling growth, without affecting
the rate of germination(Cesare accinelli et.al, 2018). The development of bioplastics not only
provides a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, but it also has the potential to
positively impact agriculture. By incorporating seed materials into bioplastics, we can achieve a
dual benefit of reducing our environmental footprint while also enhancing agricultural practices.

Overall, this study aims to explore the potential of calamansi peel-based bioplastics as a
sustainable alternative to traditional plastics and contribute to the development of a more
environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to plastic waste management in the
Philippines.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main purpose of the proposed study is to address the use of Bioplastic in terms of
proper waste disposal here in the Municipality of Lingig?. This study will answer the following
questions:

Does making Bioplastics help the problem of our society when it comes to proper disposal?

How can the Seed-Infused Bioplastics enhance agricultural practices?

What potential do Calamansi ( Citrus x Microcarpa) Peel have to sustain durability of


bioplastics?

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