Coconut Husk and Banana Stem Fiber As An Alternative Source in Making An Organic Paper Bag
Coconut Husk and Banana Stem Fiber As An Alternative Source in Making An Organic Paper Bag
Oroquieta City
Researchers
Juliana Paler
Gloryzann Aclao
Allyssa Mae Basco
Edriel Jun Cabiara
Charlyn Paula L. Gimoros
Princess Kyla M. Ledesma
Graciela Satur
Ereca Jade Tubio
June 2022
Table of Contents
Contents Page
Title Page
List of Tables iv
List of Figures v
Abstract vi
I. Introduction 1
Background of the Study 1
Objectives 3
Significance of the Study 3
Scope and Delimitations 4
Conceptual and Operational Definition of Terms 5
Review of Related Literature 6
II. Methodology 8
Research Locale and Duration 8
Collection of Samples 9
Preparation of Coconut Husk 9
Preparation of Banana Stem Fiber 9
Production of Organic Paper from Banana Stem Fiber and 10
Coconut Husk
Drying of Organic Paper 10
Forming the Paper into an Organic Paper Bag 11
Testing the Quality of the Organic Paper Bag 11
Conduct Respondents’ Acceptability 12
Waste Disposal 13
Data Analysis 13
Flow of Experimental Procedure 15
III. Results and Discussion 16
IV. Conclusions and Recommendations 21
Acknowledgement 23
Research Contract 24
Researcher’s Profile 25
Bibliography 29
Appendices 31
Materials 31
List of Grocery Products 32
Durability 32
Walk Test 32
Logbook 33
Documentation 42
List of Tables
Content Page
Paper Bag
Table 3 Walk Test Result of Coconut Husk and Banana Stem Fiber 17
as Paper Bag
Content Page
Oroquieta City
This study aimed to produce a handcrafted paper bag using natural fibers
from banana (Musa acuminata) stem fiber and coconut (Cocos nucifera) husk.
Specifically, this study aimed to determine the quality of the produced an organic
paper bag in terms of its durability, walk test, and respondents’ acceptability.
Moreover, in the production of COCONANA organic paper bag, the researchers
adapted and utilized the methods from Enguito (2022), while Creation Lover
(2018)'s approach was adapted in forming the COCONANA organic paper bag.
Paper Bag Org. (n.d.)' method was applied to assess its durability, while the walk
test was adopted from Diringer (2016). The findings revealed that COCONANA
organic paper bag, with measurement of 13.5"x3.25"x8.25", can accommodate
and withstand up to 4.92 kilograms of weight and can sustain a 50-meter walk
without being damaged. Furthermore, the COCONANA organic paper bag was
extremely liked by the respondents (8.85) in terms of its appearance and texture
as shown in the survey. Thus, fibers from banana stem and husks from coconuts
can be a good source of high-quality paper bags.
CHAPTER I
Introduction
hundreds of marine species are the most evident effects of plastic trash. Plastic
garbage is mistaken for food by marine species such as seabirds, whales, fish,
and turtles. The majority of the organisms starve to death as their guts fill with
plastic substances. On the other hand, the leading solution to this issue is using
paper bag. Which have some advantages over plastic bags. Paper bag is more
sustainable, easier to recycle and biodegradable, these can be used for purposes
like composting (Abdul, n.d.). Due to the high composability of the paper bags, it
Moreover, paper bags can be made either with virgin or recycled fibers to
meet customers’ demands. It is commonly used as shopping carrier bags and for
packaging of some consumer goods. It gains importance as these bags are 100%
reusable, recyclable and biodegradable and at the same time environment friendly
and pose less threat to wildlife. It requires less energy for paper bags to be recycled
than plastic bags. It had come a long way since their beginnings in the mid-
eighteenth century when some paper bag manufacturers started developing paper
Additionally, banana plant (Musa acuminata) not only gives the delicious
fruit but it also provides textile fiber. It grows easily as it sets out young shoots and
is most commonly found in `hot tropical climates. All varieties of banana plants
have fibers in abundance (Vigneswaran et al., 2015). Banana is a major fruit crop
of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world grown on about 8.8 million
On the other hand, coconut (Cocos nucifera) is an important fruit tree in the
world, providing food for millions of people, especially in the tropical and
subtropical regions and with its many uses it is often called the “tree of life”
could be naturally made. Made up of the hair like strands located between the
coconut’s husk. While added to paper it lends a vibrant fibrous appearance and
Enlighten with these facts gathered, this study used banana stem fiber and
coconut husk were used. Both of these plants were used in making handicraft
products. These plants were made as an organic paper bag that will be used for
Objectives
This study aimed to produce an organic paper bag using coconut (Cocos
nucifera) husk and banana (Musa acuminata) stem fiber. Specifically, this study
aimed to:
1. determine the quality of the produced COCONANA organic paper bag using
coconut (Cocos nucifera) husk and banana (Musa acuminata) stem fiber in terms
of:
a. durability
b. walk test
a. durability
b. walk test
a. appearance
b. texture
information for future studies on banana stem fiber and coconut husk, as well as
source of additional revenue. They may benefit through selling the product and
introducing it to the market, which will help their business grow and thrive.
To the banana and coconut tree planters. A new product, banana stem
fiber and coconut husk paper bags, will be introduced to the market, which will
boost the banana and coconut industries. As a result, the banana and coconut tree
To the Paper bag Manufacturers. This product will serve as a new way of
producing a paper bag. It will give them a new idea of making a paper bag out from
foundation for further research on banana stem fiber and coconut husk, along with
This study was conducted throughout the school year, 2021-2022. And was
conducted at P-1 Lower Lamac, Oroquieta City. The researchers collected 1.5 kg
conducted the following test: durability and walk test. This study aims to produce
For better understanding of the terms used in this study, the following
1. Banana stem fiber – is also known in its scientific name Musa acuminata.
It is made from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly durable
(Vivian Hendriksz, 2017). In this study, the banana stem fiber will be also
the rough exterior shells of the coconut (Malcolm Tatum, 2021). In this
3. Durability– the quality of being able to last a long time without becoming
testing technique adapted from The Paper Bag.org (n.d.) that is used to
4. Paper bag – a bag made from paper, for holding purchases (Collins
Dictionary, 2021). In this study, this refers to the product that will be made
simple exercise (PHAUK, n.d.). In this study, it refers to the steps that a
bag can endure in a period of time, it was adapted and modified from
Diringer (2016).
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Global paper consumption has quadrupled since the 1960s. As a result, this
became a major factor in the forestry industry, with nearly half of all commercially
cut trees around the world resulting solely in paper products such as paper bags.
However, many of these paper bag uses are wasteful or unnecessary, and some
are linked to human rights violations, forest destruction, pollution, and climate
per year, which is equivalent to cutting down 14 million trees (Earth911, 2021). It
costs more to make paper bags than it does to make plastic bags. This is a waste
Paper bags are bags made of paper and the raw material is wood, most
commonly kraft paper. It is frequently used as shopping carrier bags and in the
A study conducted by the team of Jan EG Van Dam (2004) entitled "Lignin
on the coconut husk" state that the husk of coconut husk contains approximately
30% coir fibres and 70% pith - both fibre and pith are extremely high in lignin and
phenolic content and its possible to make a paper. In addition, coconut husk, also
known as coconut fiber or coconut coir, is a natural fiber derived from the outer
husk of the coconut that is used in items such as floor mats, doormats, brushes,
and mattresses. Coir is the fibrous material found between a coconut's hard
internal shell and its outer coat. The coconut husk is composed of 30% fiber and
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70% pith, with high lignin and phenolic content (Panyakaew and Fotios, 2011). Due
to the high lignin content, coconut fiber is very elastic, durable, and resistant to
On the other hand, according to Wandera (n.d.) banana stems have the
desired fibre length, high lignin and cellulose content compared to other
alternatives like sisal, water hyacinth and papyrus. These are what counts in
making a strong yet easy to fold paper. The tests used in the study conducted by
Khan et al. (2014) was adapted by Sakar (2012) revealed that their produced paper
could hold up to 1100 grams, had a standard moisture retention capacity of 7%,
and could withstand an average of 138 folds. Banana fibre is a natural fibre with
high strength, which can be blended easily with cotton fibre or synthetic fibre to
Methodology
This study was conducted throughout the entire school year 2021-2022
with two locations. The production of COCONANA organic paper bag was done
at Gimoros’s Residence, P-1, Lower Lamac, Oroquieta City. The testing of the
Collection of Samples
The banana stem fibers were collected at Purok 1, Dagatan, San Vicente
Alto and the coconut husks were collected at Canubay, Oroquieta City with equal
quantities, which is 250 kilograms. The caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) was
bought from an online store. The other materials used in the whole study were
purchased from local stores within the city. Some of the materials were from the
researchers. Due to Covid -19 protocol, the members asked help from their parents
The researchers adopted and modified the methods from Phadnis et. al.
The researchers combined the 250 grams and 1.5 L of water in a pot and put it to
boil. When the water boils 75 grams of caustic soda was then put. After 1 hour, the
mixture was then taken and cooled down. The fibers were then washed thoroughly
In the preparation of banana fibers, the banana stem fibers, were cut it into
small pieces. The researchers then washed it thoroughly before boiling. In a pot,
the researchers then measured the 1.5 L of water combining with the 250 grams
cut banana stem and let it boil. The researchers then prepared 75 grams of caustic
soda. When the water boils, the 75 grams of caustic soda was then added to the
boiling water. After 1 hour the mixture was then taken out of heat and cooled. Next,
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fiber was then drained and washed thoroughly to eliminate the caustic soda
residue. Finally, the fibers were then blended to get the desired pulp.
Production of Organic Paper from Banana Stem Fiber and Coconut Husk
In the making of paper pulp from scratch paper, the researchers made a
paper pulp combining the blended 20 grams of shredded recycled papers and 1.5
L of water. The researchers repeated the process until the desired mixture was
reached.
To make the starch mixture, the researchers mixed 1/2 cup of cornstarch
together with 1 1/2 cup of water. The researchers boiled another 2 cups of water,
followed with mixing the starch mixture done earlier. Then boiled until reaching the
desired consistency. A tub was used for pouring the blended banana peel, coconut
pulp, waste paper pulp, and starch mixture. After that, we then completely
Following that, the researchers put water on the tub for the molding of the
organic paper. The researchers dipped the mold and deckle into the tub and
poured 5 cups of the mixture unto the mold and deckle. The researchers then
raised the mold and deckle and spread the mixture using the researchers' hands.
The researchers set the mold upside down on the table with a cloth. The
researchers used dry sponges in soaking up the excess water and we're pressed
The paper already separated and progressively removed from the mold.
Before being exposed to the sun's heat, the finished product was placed on a clean
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and safe surface and allowed to dry for at least 30 minutes t. The papers were then
flattened by being loaded with heavy items. All remaining paper was treated in the
same way. The papers were prepared for the next step.
The researchers adopted and modified the method from Creation Lover
Fold the produced organic paper according to the said side. First, fold 1
inch at the left side to stick the left side. Next applied white glue to the folded side.
After that, fold 3 inch in the bottom. The inward-flaring creases should pop open,
forming square edge. Inside you should see a triangle of folded paper on either
side. The researchers fold the top and bottom sides of the open, square-shaped
bottom completely down. The steps were done to all remaining papers. The
COCONANA organic paper bags were then prepared for the next step which is the
To assess the quality of the produced paper bag, which is created from
banana stem fiber and coconut husk, the researcher used the Bursting Strength
created from banana stem fiber and coconut husk, the researcher used the
In the Durability test, the researchers load the bag with grocery items with
an approximate weight of 4kg.The test was limited on the bag’s capability to carry
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groceries. The researchers measure the groceries capable the bag can hold. In
Durability, the researchers used the method adapted and modified from Diringer
(2016).
After that the COCONANA organic paper bag undergoes the Walk Test.
The paper bag was loaded 4 kilograms of groceries. The researchers then find a
(approximately 87.5 feet) was measured in the space. Then, it was measured with
the assistance of a chalk measure available at home. Then, cycled back and forth
from one mark to the other, making a total of 50 meter, which is stated as the
minimum distance in the house bill. The walk cycle was considered complete after
the bag is set down a second time (50 meters). Total distance using meters was
then recorded. After the total distance of 50 meters, if the bag hasn’t shown any
damage yet, the test ended and the results was then analyzed. This test was also
be performed three times in order to get the average number of uses that the
National High School were chosen to participate in the survey. The researchers
ensured that all COVID-19 safety protocols were followed at all times.
asked to examine the COCONANA organic paper bag in terms of its appearance
and texture using the 9-point hedonic scale; where; nine (9) is the highest rating
(extremely liked) and one (1) is the lowest rating (extremely disliked). Table 1
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shows the score or rating that the respondents could give and its corresponding
Waste Disposal
The area where the researchers conducted the study was cleaned. The
tools and other materials used in the whole process was washed carefully and
drained with hot water especially the things contacted with caustic soda. All the
things were returned to where it was originally placed. The waste materials were
Data Analysis
The data gathered from the tests conducted in this study were analyzed
means or average values, which were then used to describe, interpret, and explain
The data obtained from the durability test was analyzed by computing the
mean obtained from each test. However, the durability of the organic paper bag
depends on the size, in this study the paper was 8.25” x 3.25” x 13.5” (L x W x H).
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The data obtained from durability test was analyzed as to how many cycles
the bag survived the Walk Test. This was to determine the durability of the said
paper bag. The result was reported in average value by computing the mean of
Moreover, the data collected from the respondents’ acceptability test was
analyzed by getting the mean of the scores obtained for each property; (1)
appearance and (2) texture. These were then analyzed based on the description
Production of
Drying of Organic Paper Preparation of
Organic from Banana Banana Stem Fiber
Paper Stem Fiber and
Coconut Husk
Forming the
paper into an Testing the
Organic Paper Quality of the Waste Disposal
Bag Paper
Data Analysis
COCONANA organic paper bag. The said product was successfully made at P-1
Lower Lamac, Oroquieta City, and was tested at P-2 Talic Oroquieta City. To
evaluate the quality of the COCONANA organic paper bag, the researchers
conducted the following tests: durability, walk test, and respondents’ acceptability.
This chapter presents the results of the said tests, along with the advantages of
Durability
The durability test was derived from the European standard test. This standard
quality carrier bags. The quality certification system for paper bags is based on this
As shown in the table above, indicating the COCONANA organic paper bag
can accommodate approximately 4.92 kg. After the loading of grocery products,
the COCONANA organic paper bag did not show any signs of damage. Having the
17
COCONANA organic paper bag retain its form, subsequently implies that the paper
bag can accommodate more than the (4.92 kg) accounted weight of grocery
from 2-25 lb. That is 0.907- 11.3398 in kg. Idealistically, COCONANA organic
paper bag is capable of competing against commercial paper bag since the
COCONANA organic paper bag retained its form another test was subjected to
Walk Test
In this study, the walk test derives from the study of (Diringer, 2018) where
COCONANA organic paper bag is capable of withstanding the total weight of 4.92
kilograms of grocery products this test was conducted. Table 2 shows the results
As shown above, the COCONANA organic paper bag was able to withstand
the 50-meter walk test. Also, the product was able to retain its form and this can
be viewed in the appendix page, where the picture of the COCONANA organic
paper bag retaining its form is presented. With this result, the researchers can
determine that the said product can be reused in terms of loading it with a weight
Respondents’ Acceptability
Occidental National High School (MONHS). Ten (10) respondents were picked and
were asked to participate in the survey by rating the product following the hedonic
scale in terms of appearance and texture of the COCONANA organic paper bag
elegant the constructed COCONANA organic paper bag. Table 4 shows the results
of appearance.
Respondents Appearance
1 9.0
2 8.5
3 9.0
4 9.0
5 8.0
6 9.0
7 9.0
8 9.0
9 9.0
10 9.0
Average 8.85
Remarks LIKED EXTREMELY
19
As shown in the table, the texture of the COCONANA organic paper bag
gained an average rating of 8.85 from the respondents. This implies that they
On the other hand, texture refers to the visual or tactile surface characteristics
to the softness or roughness of the COCONANA organic paper bag. Table 5 shows
the results of the survey conducted, which indicates the respondents’ acceptability
terms of texture.
Respondents Appearance
1 9.0
2 8.5
3 9.0
4 9.0
5 8.0
6 9.0
7 9.0
8 9.0
9 9.0
10 9.0
Average 8.85
Remarks LIKE EXTREMELY
As shown in the table, the texture of the COCONANA organic paper bag
gained an average rating of 8.85 from the respondents. This implies that they
organic paper bag, the overall respondents extremely liked the COCONANA
organic paper bag. To conclude, banana stem fiber and coconut husk have the
Summary of Findings
This study was conducted to produce COCONANA organic paper bag out
of natural fibers from banana (Musa acuminata) stem and coconut (Cocos
nucifera) husk. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the quality of the organic
The generated organic paper bag was manufactured from the natural fibers
The researchers modified the method adopted from the paper bag.org (n.d.) to
determine the durability test of the COCONANA paper bag, which involved using
actual grocery products. According to the test results, three of the COCONANA
paper bags were competent to hold 4 kg in the first trial, 5 1/2 kg in the second
trial, and 5 1/4 kg in the third trial and can withstand an average of 4.92 kilograms
without being damage. The durability test showcases how sturdy and grim the
COCONANA paper bag is. This implies that the COCONANA paper bag has a
larger capacity and durability. Meanwhile, the walk test also adopted and modified
from Diringer (2016). The results of the testing imply each produced paper bag
meters individually. It did not show any signs of damages of the produced paper
bag while the grocery products were also in good terms. As a result, the
Conclusions
Based on the results obtained in this study, the following conclusions were
1. The organic paper bag present its durability without being deteriorated as
2. The study furthermore showed that the organic paper bag can maintain
its form up to 10 walk cycles at the very least gripping 4.29 kilogram of grocery
products.
paper bag is 8.85. This implies that the produced organic paper bag and its overall
quality in terms of appearance and texture was extremely liked by the respondents.
Recommendations
1. Use banana stem fiber and coconut husk in paper plate making or egg tray
making.
2. Use the other different types of banana fibers and determine which of this is
3.Attach a durable and high-quality handle to produced organic paper bag in order
4. Examine and test the produced paper bags quality using various tests such as
moisture retention capacity test, peel strength test, and tearing strength test.
5. Instead of using quantities in measuring the capacity of the bag, use metric
The completion of this research study had come a long way and wouldn’t
be done without the guidance and help from everyone involved whose names may
effort and patience were to make this research study a successful one and many
following people:
First, to the family of the researchers for giving their unconditional love,
their company, their unending support in all aspects especially moral and financial;
To Mrs. Rea Malou C. Saren, our research teacher and adviser, for the
help, support, guidance and encouragement. Thank you for the valuable
To the ate’s and kuya’s, for also guiding the researcher and giving
Above all, the researcher wholeheartedly gave her superior thanks to our
To everyone who believed and showed confidence and trust. Thank you!
CONTRACT
Approved by:
MRS. REA MALOU C. SAREN
Research Adviser
RESEARCHER’S PROFILE
Email Address:
[email protected]
Email Address:
[email protected]
Name: Allysa Mae G. Basco
Email Address:
[email protected]
Motto: Nothing
Email Address:
[email protected]
Name: Charlyn Paula L. Gimoros
Hobbies/Interests: Watching K-
drama, Baking, and Watching Vlogs
Email Address:
[email protected]
Email Address:
[email protected]
Name: Graciela I. Satur
Hobbies/Interests:
Motto:
Contact Number:
Email Address:
Email Address:
[email protected]
[email protected]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Arafat, K.M.Y., Nayeem, J., Quadery, AH., Quaiyyum, M.A., & Sarwan Jahan, M.
(2018, May 27). Handmade paper from waste banana fibre. Retrieved
December 6, 2021 from,
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJSIR/article/view/36668
Augustyn, A. (2020, October 29). Banana. Retrieved November 23, 2021 from,
https://www.britannica.com/plant/banana-plant
Bluecat paper. (n.d.). Coconut husk paper. Retrieved November 9, 2021 from,
https://bluecatpaper.com/coconut-
paper/#:~:text=Coconut%20husk%20Is%20perfect%20For%20papermaki
ng&text=Coir%20is%20a%20by%2Dproduct,well%20as%20strengthening
%20the%20paper.
Vigneswaran, C., Pavithra V., Gayathri V. & Mythili K. (2015). Banana Fiber: Scope
and Value Added Product Development. Retrieved December 3, 2021 from,
https://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM/article/view/6825/3586
APPENDICES
Materials Equipment
✓ Cornstarch ✓ Basin
✓ Empty containers
✓ Sheets of Plywood
✓ Sponge
✓ Ruler
✓ Grocery Products
✓ Timer
✓ Scratch Cartoons
✓ Gloves
Appendix II. List of Grocery Products Used in Testing the Bursting Strength of
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk and Banana (Musa acuminata) Stem Fiber as an
Products Quantity
Angel Kremdensada 2
Alaska Evaporada 1
Angel Condensada 2
RAM Pork and Beans 2
Hunts Pork and Beans 2
Mega Sardines 5
Mega Corned Sardines 2
Family’s Brand Sardines 2
Vinta Sardines 2
Appendix III. List of Grocery Products Used in Testing the Walking Test of
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk and Banana (Musa acuminata) Stem Fiber as an
Products Quantity
Champion 24
Pride (Blue) 12
Pride (Pink) 12
Surf (Pink) 4
Surf (Green) 6
Wings 12
Appendix IV. Research Logbook
Boiling of samples