BACKGROUND OF T-WPS Office
BACKGROUND OF T-WPS Office
BACKGROUND OF T-WPS Office
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.
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).
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.
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?