PACKbuligan

PACKbuligan: An Alternative Biodegradable “Packaging Peanut”
Summary
This research proposal explores the viability of using naked corn cobs as a
sustainable alternative to traditional packaging peanuts, which are typically
composed of non-biodegradable materials such as expanded polystyrene foam.
The study outlines a methodology for creating biodegradable packaging peanuts
using corn cobs, cornstarch, baking soda, glycerol, and water. Results indicate
that naked corn cob packaging peanuts exhibit favorable physical properties,
including suitable dimensions, density, and resistance to compression, with
promising biodegradability characteristics. This proposal highlights the potential
of these peanuts for eco-friendly packaging solutions, emphasizing their capacity
for shock absorption during transit. However, it acknowledges the need for
further research to optimize production processes, ensure consistency, and
evaluate long-term environmental impacts. Recommendations include exploring
ingredient variations, refining manufacturing techniques, and increasing
awareness among businesses and consumers about the benefits of
biodegradable packaging materials. Overall, this proposal underscores the
importance of pursuing sustainable alternatives in packaging to mitigate
environmental degradation and calls for collaborative efforts between
researchers, businesses, and policymakers to facilitate their adoption.
Beneficiaries
The development of biodegradable packaging peanuts crafted from corn
cobs presents a multifaceted benefit to various stakeholders.

 For the agricultural sector, particularly corn farmers, this innovation
unlocks new market opportunities for corn cobs, a previously underutilized
byproduct often discarded after harvest. This not only increases farmer
income but also enhances the sustainability of corn production by creating
a valuable use for what was once considered waste.
 On a community-wide level, these biodegradable peanuts offer a
compelling solution to the growing problem of landfill waste. By providing
a sustainable alternative to traditional, non-biodegradable packing
materials, they contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Furthermore, this innovation fosters a culture of environmental
responsibility within the community, potentially inspiring further
development of eco-friendly solutions.
 For online sellers, the research on corn cob packaging peanuts holds
significant promise. These biodegradable alternatives offer a cost-effective
and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional packing
peanuts, ensuring the safe delivery of fragile items while minimizing
environmental impact.
Proposed Solution to the Problem
Using naked corn cobs as biodegradable packaging peanuts offers several
significant advantages due to their eco-friendly properties. First, it greatly
contributes to environmental sustainability. Unlike traditional packaging
materials such as styrofoam, which can take centuries to decompose and
contribute to pollution, corn cob packaging biodegrades quickly and naturally.
This means it breaks down into harmless organic matter, reducing waste
accumulation and minimizing environmental harm. By choosing corn cob

packaging, businesses can play a crucial role in conserving natural resources and
protecting ecosystems for future generations.
Furthermore, corn cob packaging helps reduce the carbon footprint
associated with packaging production. Unlike petroleum-based packaging
materials, which rely on fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions,
corn cob packaging utilizes renewable resources. Corn plants absorb carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere during growth, helping to offset emissions.
Additionally, the manufacturing process for corn cob packaging typically requires
less energy and generates fewer emissions compared to conventional packaging
production methods. This makes corn cob packaging a more sustainable option
for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Moreover, corn cob packaging offers versatility and functionality. It
provides excellent cushioning and protection for fragile items during shipping
and storage, ensuring products arrive safely at their destinations. Corn cob
packaging peanuts can conform to the shape of the product, offering
customizable protection that meets the specific needs of different items.
Additionally, corn cob packaging is non-toxic and safe for handling, making it
suitable for use with food products and other sensitive items. This versatility
makes corn cob packaging suitable for a wide range of industries and
applications, from e-commerce to food packaging.
From a financial perspective, corn cob packaging can also offer cost
savings over time. While the initial production costs may vary, businesses can
benefit from reduced disposal costs and potential savings from using eco-friendly
materials. Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable
products, and offering biodegradable packaging made from natural materials like
corn cobs can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.

In conclusion, using naked corn cobs as biodegradable packaging peanuts
presents numerous advantages, including environmental sustainability, reduced
carbon footprint, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. By embracing eco-friendly
packaging solutions, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact
but also meet the growing demand for sustainable products in the marketplace.
Methods/Details
Materials
 Corn cob
 Cornstarch
 Baking soda
 Glycerol/Glycerine
 Water
 Mold
 Stirrer
 Bowl
 Measuring spoons
 Microwave
Process
1. Collect and grind dried naked corn cobs into small pieces.
2. Mix dry ingredients first: 1 tbsp cornstarch, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½
tsp corn cob powder.
3. Add 1 tsp of glycerol/glycerine into the cornstarch mixture, and ½
tsp tap water.
4. Mix them together until watery consistency.

5. Pour mixture in mold.
6. Microwave for 30 seconds.
Cost Analysis
Item Quantity Cost
Corn Cobs 1 Sack Available
Glycerine 1 Bottle 150
Cornstarch 2 Packs
Baking Soda 2 Packs 70
Tap Water 1 Pale Available
Illustrations
Non-biodegradable Packaging Peanut
Biodegradable Packaging Peanut

Figures and Charts
- Plastic pollution - Had the largest

is a global issue share of global
affecting various Both the world and plastic waste
ecosystems the Philippines face discarded in the
significant ocean in 2019
- Plastic - Considered the
production has challenges with
plastic pollution, third-largest
increased contributor to
significantly over but the Philippines
has a higher ocean plastic
the years waste
- Plastic pollution proportion of
plastic waste in the - Known for its
in oceans and "sachet
bodies of water is global oceanic
waste and economy" with
projected to widespread use
double by 2030 struggles with low
recycling rates. of single-use
plastic sachets
References
Cabrera, Flávio C. "Eco‐friendly polymer composites: A review of suitable

methods for waste management." Polymer Composites 42, no. 6 (2021):
2653-2677
McCance, Katherine R., Ana Maria Topliceanu, Darlene Echeverria, Shana L.

McAlexander, Margaret R. Blanchard, and Richard A. Venditti. "Fluffy, Fluffier,
and Fluffiest: Creating and Testing Biodegradable Starch Packing
Peanuts." Journal of Chemical Education 100, no. 10 (2023): 4031-4039.
Jesse, T. W., T. C. Ezeji, N. Qureshi, and H. P. Blaschek. "Production of butanol

from starch-based waste packing peanuts and agricultural waste." Journal of
Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology 29, no. 3 (2002): 117-123.
Machado, Caroline Martins, Patrícia Benelli, and Isabel Cristina Tessaro. "Study
of interactions between cassava starch and peanut skin on biodegradable
foams." International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 147 (2020): 1343-
1353.

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PACKbuligan: An Alternative Biodegradable “Packaging Peanut”

sustainable alternative to traditional packaging peanuts, which are typically

composed of non-biodegradable materials such as expanded polystyrene foam.

The study outlines a methodology for creating biodegradable packaging peanuts

including suitable dimensions, density, and resistance to compression, with

promising biodegradability characteristics. This proposal highlights the potential

of these peanuts for eco-friendly packaging solutions, emphasizing their capacity

further research to optimize production processes, ensure consistency, and

evaluate long-term environmental impacts. Recommendations include exploring

ingredient variations, refining manufacturing techniques, and increasing

awareness among businesses and consumers about the benefits of

biodegradable packaging materials. Overall, this proposal underscores the

importance of pursuing sustainable alternatives in packaging to mitigate

environmental degradation and calls for collaborative efforts between

researchers, businesses, and policymakers to facilitate their adoption.

The development of biodegradable packaging peanuts crafted from corn

cobs presents a multifaceted benefit to various stakeholders.

unlocks new market opportunities for corn cobs, a previously underutilized

income but also enhances the sustainability of corn production by creating

a valuable use for what was once considered waste.

 On a community-wide level, these biodegradable peanuts offer a

compelling solution to the growing problem of landfill waste. By providing

a sustainable alternative to traditional, non-biodegradable packing

materials, they contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Furthermore, this innovation fosters a culture of environmental

responsibility within the community, potentially inspiring further

development of eco-friendly solutions.

significant promise. These biodegradable alternatives offer a cost-effective

and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional packing

peanuts, ensuring the safe delivery of fragile items while minimizing

Proposed Solution to the Problem

Using naked corn cobs as biodegradable packaging peanuts offers several

significant advantages due to their eco-friendly properties. First, it greatly

contributes to environmental sustainability. Unlike traditional packaging

materials such as styrofoam, which can take centuries to decompose and

contribute to pollution, corn cob packaging biodegrades quickly and naturally.

accumulation and minimizing environmental harm. By choosing corn cob

protecting ecosystems for future generations.

Furthermore, corn cob packaging helps reduce the carbon footprint

associated with packaging production. Unlike petroleum-based packaging

dioxide from the atmosphere during growth, helping to offset emissions.

less energy and generates fewer emissions compared to conventional packaging

for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Moreover, corn cob packaging offers versatility and functionality. It

packaging peanuts can conform to the shape of the product, offering

customizable protection that meets the specific needs of different items.

applications, from e-commerce to food packaging.

materials. Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable

corn cobs can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.

presents numerous advantages, including environmental sustainability, reduced

carbon footprint, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. By embracing eco-friendly

2. Mix dry ingredients first: 1 tbsp cornstarch, ¼ tsp baking soda, ½

tsp corn cob powder.

3. Add 1 tsp of glycerol/glycerine into the cornstarch mixture, and ½

tsp tap water.

4. Mix them together until watery consistency.

6. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Item Quantity Cost

Corn Cobs 1 Sack Available

Glycerine 1 Bottle 150