Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Leaves Fiber as Bioplastic Production

Apiado, Allysa Jane C.

Dela Cruz, Jessie Jr. G.
Furigay, Marian B.
Guiquing, Aui Xyzy G.
Lamusao, Jude-Gabriel B.
Lee, Ethan Iñigo L.
Ritarita, Kian Czeck A.
Villamor, Andrea Mikaela Isabel C.
Researchers

SUBMITTED TO :

Vanessa Joy Dayag-Vecaldo, PhD

Tuguegarao City Science Highschool

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
April 2024
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains all of the important things including the background of the study, statement
of the objectives, the significance of the study, scope & delimitations, and definition of terms.

A. Background Of The Study

Most plastics produced globally are getting higher rates. Although it is very beneficial
and accessible, it contributes a lot to pollution that causes societal issues. According to Our
World in Data (Hannah Ritchie, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser, 2023) global plastic
production has doubled since the beginning of the century to 400 million per year starting last
2021. On the other hand, it remains a goal to reach 700 million by decreasing the rate of plastic
per year. According to Statista (Bruna Alves, 2024) unlike other materials, plastic takes 1000
years to dissolve, that is why it can lead to many major problems in countries. Two of the major
ecosystems that are affected are marine and coastal ecosystems. The allied countries or NATO
are implementing The Alliance of Challenges of Modern Society and conducted water waste
management projects. In terms of global ranking, the Philippines is one of the most polluted
country with Chad, a country in Central Africa (IQ Air, 2024). Chad’s air quality has declined
because of unchecked waste, excessive car usage, expansion and the burning of charcoal for
energy.

For the Philippines’ pollution rate, the country suffers with poor ventilation due to
factories and vehicles releasing carbon dioxide. For the Philippines’ pollution rate, the country
suffers with poor ventilation due to factories and vehicles releasing carbon. Because of the
impeccable issue it resolved to more plastic wastes usage through the years because of the lack
of awareness towards the statement. And in the present years now the government is trying to
restore cleanliness and reduce plastic usage. The Philippines is the third-ranking contributor to
plastic pollution in the world, with at least 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste generated
every year (United Nations Environment Programme, Braganza, 2017).
 Cagayan Province faces significant challenges with plastic pollution. Plastic waste harms
the environment and poses health risks. The Pinacanauan River is a prime example, where plastic
contamination threatens water quality and marine life. The government is taking steps to raise
awareness and prevent people from swimming in the river to protect the environment and
endangered species. This problem extends beyond the Pinacanauan River, with plastic littering
beaches in Buguey and Gonzaga municipalities. Cagayan River itself ranks among the top 20
plastic waste carriers in the Philippines, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

In the Cagayan Province, at least 2,200 kilos of plastics were collected from the
riverbanks of Pinacanauan River (Inquirer, 2023). This much plastic in the river can cause
diseases and harm marine lives as well as people in Cagayan. This is the main reason why the
government is safe and to protect endangered species. Therefore, Cagayan River is also included
in the list of the top 20 plastic waste carriers in the Philippines as of 2020. In addition to that in
Buguey and Gonzaga, many plastics are scattered on their beaches.

B. Objectives

The primary objective of this research study is to create bioplastic bags using pineapple leaf
fibers as the main ingredient. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:
1. Is there a significant difference between using pineapple leaf fiber as the main ingredient in
bioplastic production and commonly used ingredients in bioplastic production?
2. Is there a significant difference between the PINYAbag and the commercial eco-bags in terms
of:
a. Water Resistance
b. Malleability
c. Ductility
3. Is there a significant relationship between the PINYAbag’s water resistance, malleability, and
ductility when made according to the amount of leaf fibers?
a. 100 grams
b. 200 grams
c. 300 grams

C. Significance Of The Study

Department of Agriculture and Farmers. It will benefit the Department of Agriculture (DA),
especially the farmers because of the unwanted fiber of pineapples that will be recycled. After
this research, agriculturists and growers of pineapple can help those farmers by starting to make
use of these fibers to make more money or as an extra income as well to lessen the usage of
plastic. In addition to that, DA will benefit by obtaining a newly developed product that is made
up of pineapple leaf fiber.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The DENR will also benefit because it
would lessen the pollutants present in the environment. Studies show that a person can reduce
plastics by using reusable items instead of single-use plastic bottles, containers, and packaging.
The newly found replacement, bioplastic from pineapple is a good material to replace plastic
bags.

Environment. This study will reduce the amount of plastic that is not properly disposed of and is
affecting the environment in various ways.

Businesses and Future Businesses. Businesses can use PINYAbag as a product and can utilize
its notable features such as it being eco-friendly, reusable, and sustainable as a way to market.

Future Researchers. The outcome of this study may serve as their base in future research
projects. This study will also help them since it might be a medium for the development of green
revolution technology which is to reduce plastic pollution. It may also serve as a source of
information or even resources regarding methodology and related studies.

D. Scope and Delimitation

 This study will focus solely on the creation of PINYAbags using the fiber of pineapple
leaves since these are waste materials. Other materials besides the fiber of the leaves, such as
threads and needles, will be used to adhere structural materials better. Variables include but not
limited to Water Resistance, Malleability, Ductility will be measured.

The PINYAbag will be measured and compared to the commonly used plastic that
contributes to the pollution. One of the goals of this study is to make bags that are like-minded
with characteristics like padding, weatherproofing, and compartments to better suit the demands
of users and to be well-suited for specific uses. In addition to that, this study also assures that the
bag can tolerate everyday use as well as to verify if the substitute bag is reasonably priced.

E. Definition of Terms

Bioplastics. This refers to as a substitute for plastics and this organic material can help decrease
the amount of plastic waste.

Degumming. Degumming is the process of removing the fleshy parts and gums from Pineapple
Leaves using soaking or enzymes.

Ductility. It describes its ability to be stretched into a long, thin wire or thread without snapping.

Flexibility. It describes the pliability of an object.

Malleability. The ability of something that can be shaped into something else without breaking.

Pineapple Fiber. It refers to the natural textile fiber extracted from the leaves of the pineapple
plan

CHAPTER 2
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter contains related literature, journals and publications that support the study.

Bioplastics in the Modern World

Bioplastics in the Modern World are having a great impact on the environment, which
served as an important role in our environment.Plastics play an important role in modern life and
in the plastic market base industry and economy. Recently, the consideration of pollution in the
environment with plastics, especially micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been increased. Both
micro-plastics and nano-plastics are the sources for pollutants in the environment.

However, bioplastics provide good quality products and can be a good alternative for the
traditional type of plastics. Food waste is a challenge for sustainable development since it can
increase greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. Food processing and
manufacturing are known to raise food waste. Meanwhile, plastic waste is a big problem in
environmental pollution. This study aims to explore the potential of food waste as bioplastic
material as an environmentally friendly alternative packaging. (IOP Conference Series: Materials
Science and Engineering 980 (1), 012082, 2020)

Bioplastics are divided into two main groups of biodegradable and bio base, or both. The new
bioplastic will reduce environmental impacts like carbon footprint, reduce fossil fuel
consumption, decrease greenhouse gas, and provide a new waste management method based on
recycling (Mozaffari N., 2019, Kholdebarin A., 2019). And it is also a perfect tool for Eco -
Friendly Food Packaging and other stuff as well. The main goal is to achieve global
sustainability (Chen Y., 2014, Kumar Y. Shuka P., 2014)

Properties of Pineapple Leaves

 Hemp leaf fiber that is naturally extracted from pineapple leaves is known as pineapple
leaf fiber. Natural fiber-based composites are the subject of extensive research because of their
unique qualities and eco-friendliness.There are many advantages of natural fibers such as
unlimited supplies and it helps in fertilizing the soil as "Biodegradable Waste".

Pineapple leaves fiber has an ample amount and it is (Mohammad Asim, 2015).
According to a socioeconomic study, it has chemical, physical, and mechanical properties that
can be utilized in industrial aspects as well as environmental aspects such as PINYAbag
(International Journal of Polymer Science, 2015).

Pineapple Leaves, Degumming Process

In the Philippines, pineapple leaf fiber of particular types is commonly used to make everyday
commodities. An attempt has been made to extract and soften pineapple leaf fibre by
decortication of leaves followed by water retting (Nabaneeta Gogoi, 2017). The retting time was
optimized at 7 days. The retted fibres were then degummed and bleached for better processibility
and aesthetic look (Dipshika Hazarika, 2017). Furthermore it focuses on producing
hemicellulose degrading enzymes through the certain solid substrate fermentation and now
resulting to utilization of hemicellulose degrading enzymes through the natural fiber
degumming(Mira chares Subash, Perumalsamy Muthiah,2021).

In a study conducted by Peng, Huang, Tan, Fang, Li it was stated that pineapple leaves are rich
in pineapple leaf fiber but is an agricultural waste. It was also stated that the PALF preparation
includes two steps of manual/mechanical extraction and chemical degumming. Moreover, results
showed that B. Subtilis XW-18 was rich in the degumming-related enzymes which could exert a
degumming action on the fresh pineapple leaves. Peng, Huang, Li, Tan, Fang (2023)
Other waste materials as bioplastic
Some of the food wastes are obtained from the food processing industry such as sludge
waste, cassava peel, banana peel, pineapple peel, durian seed, jackfruit seed, avocado seed, and
chicken feather. The Development of bioplastics from food waste has a double benefit that can
solve two problems indirectly, namely reducing plastic waste and food waste at the same time,
thereby promoting environmental sustainability (MO Ramadhan, MN Handayani, 2020)