Banana Fiber Ecobags: A Sustainable Solution

Introduction

• The research explores using banana fibers from Musa balbisiana Colla to create sustainable ecobags.
• This addresses plastic pollution, deforestation, and unsustainable resource consumption.
• Banana plants produce abundant waste biomass (pseudo stems, leaves, fibers) that can be used for natural fibers.
• Musa balbisiana is known for strong, durable fibers ideal for textile production that are biodegradable.
• Banana fibers in ecobags offer a biodegradable, durable solution to plastic pollution, promoting renewable resource use and economic opportunities in rural communities.
• Cultivating banana plants for fibers can be part of sustainable agriculture, providing income for farmers and increasing crop viability.
• Banana plants require fewer resources and do not contribute to deforestation, making them a sustainable alternative to conventional fiber sources.
• Research can create a new industry that empowers local communities, generates income, and supports rural livelihoods in banana-producing countries like Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Increased consumer environmental awareness aligns with growing circular economy practices, reducing waste, and reusing/recycling resources.
• Using banana fibers from Musa balbisiana Colla addresses environmental and economic challenges, offering a sustainable product with environmental benefits.

Materials and Purpose

• Baking Powder: Softens banana stem fibers, making them easier to dry.
• Banana Pseudo Stem Fiber: serves as the basic component and main ingredient.
• Blender: Blends boiled banana pseudo stem fibers with water.
• Butane: Acts as a heat source for boiling the banana pseudo stem fiber.
• Chopping Board: Cuts banana pseudo stem fibers into smaller pieces.
• Grinder: Used as an alternative to a blender to cut the boiled stem fibers.
• Knife: Cuts the banana pseudo stem fibers.
• Ladle: Mixes boiling ingredients in the pot.
• Mold and Deckle: Sets the final mixture to be dried.
• Portable Stove: Heats the pot.
• Pot: Boils the banana pseudo stem fibers.
• Strainer: Separates boiled pseudo stem fiber from hot water.
• Tub: Mixes blended stem fibers and water.
• Tupperware: Stores the blended stem fibers.
• Water: Used for boiling and mixing.

Inspiration for the project

• The project was inspired by growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable alternatives to plastic.
• Depletion of natural resources, plastic pollution, and the impact of conventional materials sparked exploration of biodegradable resources.
• The Musa balbisiana banana plant variety offers a unique opportunity for an eco-friendly material.
• Project goals include reducing reliance on synthetic materials and promoting locally available, sustainable alternatives.

Problem Addressed

• It addresses plastic pollution and climate impact, reducing carbon footprints from synthetic material production.
• Promotes the use of natural resources to avoid plastic pollution.

Existing Products

• Existing eco-friendly bags are made from cotton, jute, hemp, and recycled plastic, as well as plant-based fibers like sisal and coconut husk.
• Banana fiber-based ecobags are unique due to sustainability, biodegradability, durability, agricultural waste utilization, and cultural/regional impact.

Objectives

• The research explores the potential of banana fibers from Musa Balbisiana Colla for ecobag production.
• Extraction and processing methods of Musa Balbisiana Colla fibers are being investigated to enhance their suitability for durable, biodegradable ecobags.
• The environmental benefits are being assessed, with focus on biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. Economic feasibility is being assessed to see how local communities could benefit from commercialization of banana fiber eco-bags, providing additional income.
• Mechanical properties, strength, and texture of banana fibers are developing a comprehensive understanding to ensure functionality and competitiveness for eco-friendly products.
• Renewable resources are being promoted by reducing waste, and supporting circular economy practices in textile and packaging industries, contributing to broader goals of sustainable development.

Hypothesis

• Musa balbisiana Colla fibers can be effectively used as a sustainable, eco-friendly material for durable and biodegradable eco-bags.
• Processing techniques of Musa balbisiana Colla fibers can be optimized to enhance mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, durability, and texture.
• Widespread adoption of banana fibers will reduce plastic waste and pollution, supporting the shift towards sustainable and circular economy practices.
• By offering a biodegradable and renewable alternative, research aims to reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials while promoting eco-conscious consumer behavior.

Definition of Terms

• Alternative: Options that replace traditional or conventional methods, focusing on reducing environmental impact.
• Banana: A tropical fruit grown on large herbaceous plants in the genus Musa, known for sweet taste and high potassium content.
• Biodegradable: Materials that can be broken down by natural processes and return to the environment without harm.
• Cellulose: Complex carbohydrate forming the primary structural component of plant cell walls, used in paper, textiles, and biofuels.
• Ecological: Pertaining to the relationships between living organisms and their environment, involving the study and understanding of ecosystems and their sustainability.
• Efficiency: Ability to accomplish a task with minimal wasted resources, maximizing output and minimizing input.
• Elongation: A measure of how much a material can stretch before breaking, indicating flexibility and stretchability.
• Eco-friendly: Products, practices, or behaviors that minimize environmental impact and pollution.
• Extraction: Obtaining a substance from a mixture or compound, like plant oils, fibers, or minerals.
• Fiber: Thin, thread-like material used in textiles and construction, derived from plants, animals, or synthetic sources.
• Hemicellulose: Polysaccharide found in plant cell walls alongside cellulose, easier to break down and playing a role in plant tissue structure.
• Innovation: Creating something new or improving existing options through new methods, ideas, or technologies.
• Innovative: Describing new ideas, methods, or products that introduce improvements or changes through creative thinking/technology.
• Lignin: Complex organic polymer in plant cell walls, found in woody plants and helping with structural support and rigidity.
• Natural: Substances/materials derived from nature without significant human alteration.
• Organic: Products grown without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or GMOs, emphasizing sustainable farming practices.
• Plastic: Synthetic material made from polymers, typically petroleum-derived and used in packaging and construction.
• Production: Creating goods or services using raw materials, labor, and machinery.
• Property: Characteristic/quality of a material/object, such as hardness, color, strength, flexibility, or conductivity.
• Pseudo stem: Botany term describing a structure in certain plants(bananas) resembling a stem but is not composed of woody tissue.
• Sustainable: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations, emphasizing environmental balance, resource conservation, and health.
• Tensile: Material's ability to withstand tension without breaking, determining how strong a material is when stretched.

Null Hypothesis

• There is no significant difference in durability between ecobags made from Musa Balbisiana Colla fibers and conventional eco-bags.
• The banana fiber-based ecobag does not significantly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional plastic or synthetic bags.
• The production cost of ecobags made from Musa Balbisiana Colla is not significantly lower than that of other eco-friendly bag alternatives.
• There is no significant preference among consumers for banana fiber-based ecobags over other reusable bags.
• The decomposition rate of Musa Baalbisiana Colla ecobags does not significantly differ from that of synthetic biodegradable bags.

Alternative Hypothesis

• The use of banana fibers in ecobag production will result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastic bag production.
• Banana-based ecobags will exhibit superior tensile strength and durability compared to existing biodegradable bags made from other plant-based materials.
• The production of banana-based ecobags will have a lower environmental impact in terms of water and land usage compared to the production of cotton or jute bags.
• The incorporation of banana fibers in ecobag production will provide a significant economic benefit to small-scale banana farmers by creating an additional revenue stream.
• Banana-based ecobags will demonstrate enhanced biodegradability, with a decomposition rate significantly faster than traditional plastic bags, thereby reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.

Significance of the Study

• The study addresses pressing environmental concerns about plastic pollution by exploring renewable and biodegradable resources for ecobag production.
• Using banana fibers as a viable material for durable, lightweight, biodegradable ecobags promotes sustainable solutions and practices.

Benefits to

• Students and Educators: Provides insights and knowledge on ecofriendly material production and how effective and safe it is, enhancing critical thinking skills.
• Environmental Advocates and Policy Makers: Can use the results to advocate for sustainable alternatives, implement policies encouraging biodegradable materials, and reduce pollution.
• Agricultural Communities: Farmers and agricultural workers can gain additional income through the commercialization of banana fibers.
• Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs: Can leverage this research to develop sustainable products, explore new market opportunities with banana fiber-based ecobags.
• Consumers: Access to a reliable, durable, biodegradable alternative to plastic bags, reducing plastic waste
• Researchers: Valuable reference for researchers exploring other natural and sustainable materials.
• Global Environment: Reduced reliance on non-biodegradable materials, minimized plastic pollution, mitigated climate change, and preserved biodiversity.
• Underscores the importance of adopting circular economy principles and integrating environmentally responsible practices.

Literature Review

• Eleazar et al (2015) find banana plant fibers like Musa balbisiana are a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials in bag production because of their tensile strength, durability and biodegradability concluding that banana fibers are an excellent choice for producing sustainable eco-bags due to its abundance, renewability, and low environmental impact.
• Juárez, et al. (2015) emphasized the potential of banana plant fibers due to their natural strength,biodegradability, and minimal environmental impact.
• Manickam and Kandhavadivu (2020) research demonstrated that banana fiber-based packaging materials could effectively extend the shelf life of various fruits and vegetables, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic packaging.
• Patil and Kale (2015) research demonstrated that banana fiber is a sustainable, biodegradable, effective alternative to synthetic materials.
• Reyes, M., & Gonzales, L. (2015) Researchers highlighted the material's durability,lightweight nature, and biodegradability.
• Sreenivasan et al. (2015) research highlighted the fiber's excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, and sustainability compared to synthetic alternatives.
• Vinoth et al. (2018) highlighted the potential of banana fiber in creating eco-friendly carry bags

Methodology

• Data is required in order to produce a safe product, experimenting and innovating using a systematic procedure.

Study Plan

• Explores the effectiveness of natural products like Musa balbisiana Colla
• Province: Cebu, Municipality: Catmon, Barangay: Flores,
• The group of student Project Proponents, Project Innovators, Mentors and Research Advisers collaborated

Process steps

• Planning: Ideas are created for the project, including background research and considering the benefits of the project
• Development: Illustrate a blueprint on the final project plan, gather materials and follow procedure
• Assessment: Testing the sustainability of the product, identify errors, plan the evaluation of the study in the research paper
• Materials:
  • Baking Powder
  • Banana pseudo stem fiber
  • Blender
  • Butane
  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Grinder
  • Ladle
  • Mold and Deckle
  • Portable Stove
  • Pot
  • Strainer
  • Tub
  • Tupperware
  • Water
• data involves using the specified materials and instruments in order to evaluate and understand the process of material production.
• Such as researching for reliable sources, evaluating similar products and observing.
• Processes:
  • Extraction Process
  • Harvesting
  • Fiber Extraction
  • Drying and Refining
  • Bag Production
  • Fiber Spinning
  • Weaving
  • Finishing.

Material Costs

• Materials include Baking Powder, Banana Stem Fiber, Blender, Butane, Chopping Board, Knife, Laddle, Mold and Deckle, Portable Stove, Pot, Strainer, Tub, Tupperware and Water, totalling $150

Conversion

• The need for alternatives to plastic has become a critical environmental issue that requires the use of natural fibers for producing eco-friendly products.
• The physical properties, environmental impact, and market feasibility are assessed provide valuable insights into how banana fibers could offer a more sustainable option in the textile industry.
• The study focuses on three key areas: Durability of banana fibers, Impact of banana fiber to material production, and their benefits and effects to human needs.
• Traditional and modern methods of fiber extraction are investigated to determine the most efficient and sustainable processes.
• A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) will be performed to compare the environmental impact of banana fiber bags with other materials like plastic and cotton.
• Factors: water consumption, carbon emissions, and energy use throughout the production process.
• A carbon footprint assessment will measure the overall environmental cost producing and disposing of banana fiber bags.
• This research will understand the broader ecological benefits of switching to banana fibers.

Characterization

• Characterization aids understanding of the materials suitability as an ecofriendly material.
• Musa balbisiana Colla, a species of banana plant, provides fibre that is abundant, durable and potentially sustainable.
• Involves analyzing their physical, mechanical properties using the extensometers to test the durability of banana fiber, and chemical properties using a microscope to examine the components that makes it durable and sustainable.
• Physical properties includes the material's appearance, texture, and flexibility.
• Banana fibers from Musa balbisiana Colla are typically long, strong, and relatively coarse which gives them a natural durability.
• Mechanical properties key parameters such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and flexural properties are critical when assessing the suitability of banana fibers for bag production.
  • Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of banana fibers has been found to be comparable to other natural fibers, such as hemp and jute, which are commonly used in bag manufacturing.
  • Elongation at Break: Banana fibers typically have lower elongation than synthetic fibers like nylon, which could make them less elastic.
  • Flexural Properties: Banana fibers are relatively stiff, which may require additional processing to make them more pliable for bag production.
• Chemical composition helps evaluate banana fibers for their environmental sustainability - composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin
  • Cellulose contributes most to strength and durability.
  • Hemicellulose and Lignin influences flexibility and water retention, it also affects it's processing, as well as its overall environmental impact, particularly in terms of biodegradability.
• Environmental properties is important for biodegradability and sustainability as it breaks down unlike plastics.
• Environmental impact of banana fiber production is significantly lower than synthetic fiber production.

Optimization Study

• Optimize fiber extraction, processing, and treatment to maximize the performance and sustainability for mass production

Data analyis

• Determining the most effective methods for extracting processing and treating banana fibres
• Fiber Extraction Efficiency:
  • Fiber Yield: The total amount of usable fiber extracted per banana plant.
  • Processing Time: The amount of time required to extract the fibers using each method.
  • Cost Efficiency: The cost of labor and machinery involved in each extraction process.
• Fiber Strength and Durability Testing: through standardized tests
  • Tensile Strength: The average breaking force (in Newtons) across several samples.
  • Elongation at Break: The average percentage elongation before breakage occurs.
• Production Efficiency and Scalability:
  • Material Yield Efficiency: The proportion of raw material (banana pseudostems) that is converted into usable fiber.
  • Production Time: The total time taken to produce a batch of ecobags, from fiber extraction to final bag assembly.
  • Cost Analysis: A breakdown of costs, including labor, equipment, raw materials, and overhead.
• Environmental Impact Analysis: via. Life Cycle Assessment - considers water use, carbon emissions, and energy consumption.
  • Water Consumption: The total amount of water required.
  • Carbon Footprint: The greenhouse gas emissions associated with each stage.
  • Energy Consumption: The energy used in the extraction, drying, spinning, and weaving processes.

Risk and Safety

• Ensuring that both the workers' well-being and the ecological sustainability of the process
• Workers who do not handle fiber tools properly are are risk of injuries.
• The banana fiber production process involves waste that isn't reused or repurposed.
• Waste can be reused by composting or recycled in various ways.

Disposal

• It is important to ensure sustainable disposal of banana byproduct waste to reduce landfill waste
  • Composting banana waste to enrich soil.
  • Biodegradable Mulch by shredding organic waste for landscaping/agriculture for weeds and plant growth, and reducing the use of synthetic materials

Results

Trial 1: base construction

• The initial test was successfully created banana fibers mixing Banana steam fibers.
• During the process baking soda was added to soften the fibers.
• After separation excess water was removed from the fiber.
• A blended mix of water was added and then strained using a mold and left in sun.
• Leaving the product to settle for 24hours.

Trial 2 : durability

• The process focus was to polish the fiber and straighten it using pressure(books, wood etc).
• The layer of dried fiber used varnesh to create a transparent layer increasing the strength.

Trial 3 : appearence

• With organic/natural materials visually pleasing designs were created by using banana leaves, strings and abaca ropes.

Conclusion

• Comparable and superior strength under certain conditions were demonstrsted,
• The reserach on banana fibers indicate that fibers are durable enough for the production of ecobags
• Bags are biodegradable unlike plastic taking hundreds of years to decompose contributing to overall carbon footprint
• Surveys showed that 75% of participants expressed interest in purchasing banana fiber
• The factors for market the bags' durability, strength, and eco-friendliness.
• Further research is recommended to improve the processing techniques and improve the commercial scalability of banana fiber products.
• The utilization of banana fibers for creating eco-friendly bags aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and reducing plastic waste and helping reduce carbon-footprints.