Banana Pseudostem Fiber and Pechay Seeds

as an Alternative Plantable Eco Bag

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Senior High School Department
Sorsogon National High School

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In STEM Research Capstone

By

Lim, Rainel G.
Bolanos, Jabel C.
Cea, Khalev T.

June, 2022
 Table of Content

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………..iii

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………...1

Background…………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………………………………………..5

Purpose of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Research Questions……………………………………………………………………………………………...6

Nature of the Study ……………………………………………………………………………………………...6

Significance of the Stiudy……………………………………………………………………………………...7

Definition of terms……………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Scope and Delimitation………………………………………………………………………………………...8

Scientific Literature……………...………………………………………………………………………………9

Research Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Methodology……………………………………………………………………………………………………...12
Design of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Research Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………15
Research and Discussion…………………………………………………………………………………….15
Conclusion………………………………...……………………………………………………………………….19
Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………………………….20
Reference…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20
APPENDICES
Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………………………22
Appendix B……………………………………………………………………………………………………….26
Appendix C………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
Appendix D………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
Appendix E………………………………………………………………………………………………………...31
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This research was supported by the Sorsogon National High School and the Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers. We thank our friends, colleagues, and
classmates who contributed knowledge and experience to the proposed study.

The proponents are grateful to all of those with whom we have had the pleasure to
work during this and other related projects. We would especially like to give great
gratitude to Mr. Rex Jobert Llaneta. As our research teacher, he has provided us extensive
assistance and professional guidance and taught us a great deal about both our proposed
study and research in general.

Most importantly, the researchers want to express their gratitude to everyone who
motivated them to do this study. To everyone with their unwavering support and
encouragement during the study. This academic and scientific endeavor is committed to
the environment and people, with the goal of reducing waste and negative impacts on the
environment and those who live there.

R.G.L

J.B.

K.I.C.
Introduction

Plastic bag has become widespread since its introduction in the 1970s, with ⅘ bags
used in grocery stores being plastic (Roach, 2003). Because plastic bags are less prone to
tearing, are easier to carry, and are far more useful in bad weather, they have become an
important part of our daily lives. These are the benefits of using plastic bags. However,
there are also drawbacks to using them. These drawbacks include serious cases that led to
its prohibition.

Waste paper is the second most-produced solid waste in the Philippines,

contributing nineteen percent of the total municipal solid waste production. The waste
paper contributes to nineteen percent (19%) of the total municipal solid waste in the
Philippines. It is the second most-produced solid waste, next to kitchen waste.

In today’s generation, humans are starting to make an alternative way in solving

plastic and paper waste problem. Using eco-friendly materials in alternatives to plastic bag
like eco bag to help reduce wastes.

Plastics and paper are the binding forces that help our information age to proceed
further and conquer new frontiers. However, both these essential goods are sourced from
non-renewable sources such as petroleum and forest trees. There is an urgent need to find
alternatives to plastic polymers since they are non-biodegradable as well, which persist in
the environment for ages. Paper consumption was expected to go down steadily with the
onset of the electronic age, but it is nowhere near reduction. Further, the conventional
method of making paper is highly polluting, which uses numerous chemicals for treating
the wood fibers to form pulp, and in the process of getting papers of acceptable properties.

According to Saraexim (2016) Reusable shopping bags are better than plastic or
paper bags. These bags are used to prevent environmental pollution. Materials, used to
produce these bags, do not harm the quality of our surroundings. These bags are generally
made of materials such as jute, cloth, and recycled plastics, canvas or organic cotton. These
reusable bags are hygienic and easily washable. These products can be used for various
purposes.

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 But in this study, we use banana stem because we found out that banana fiber is a
natural bast fiber which has wide range of uses in handicraft product developments such as
mat, rope and twines, but only 10% of its pseudo stem is being used for making products
and remaining waste is used as fertilizer. (Vigneswaran et al., 2015)

Banana plant (scientific name: Musa acuminate) not only gives the delicious fruit
but it also provides textile fiber, the banana 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. These fibers are obtained after the fruit is harvested and fall in the
group of bast fibers. After the fruit production, the trunk of the banana plant is thrown as
agricultural waste to a great extent. These pseudostems can be effectively utilized in
production of the banana fibers as, annually; about 1.5 million tons of dry banana fibers can
be produced from the outer sheath of pseudostem. Such waste provides obtainable sources
of fibres, which leads to the reduction of other natural and synthetic fibres’ production that
requires extra energy, fertilizer and chemical. Banana fibres are good absorbent, highly
breathable, quickly dry with high tensile strength, biodegradable and have no negative
effect on environment. Biomass (pseudostem) waste, a rich source of natural fibers the
pseudostem can be profitably utilized for numerous applications and preparation of
various products.

In this study, we hoped to produce a plantable Eco bag that uses banana fibers and
Pak choi (Pechay) seeds. The plantable bag is a biodegradable eco-paper bag made with
extracted banana pseudostem fibers that is embedded with Pak choi (Pechay) seeds. No
trees will be harmed for this bag since we are using the banana pseudostem. When the bag
is planted on soil or in a pot, the seeds grow and the paper composts away. All that is left
behind is flowers, herbs or vegetables, and no waste.

The purpose of this study was to produce a plantable eco bag and compare it to an
ordinary paper bag, in terms of biodegradability and durability. The plantable bag is
expected to contribute to reforestation, which improves the overall health of soil and
animal habitats and to help to beautify the environment and serve as another creative way
to reduce waste and reuse the used bag. The seeds of the plant that were used in the

2
plantable paper is typically embedded with Pak choi (Pechay) seeds but other seed types
such as herbs and veggies are also available.

Background

Our information age can progress and expand because of the binding properties of
plastics and paper. But the sources for both of these necessities—petroleum and forest
trees—are not renewable. Plastic polymers must be replaced immediately because they are
not biodegradable and persist for a very long time in the environment.

The Philippines came in third place globally in terms of producing plastic garbage,
behind China and Indonesia, according to a study by Jambeck et al. (2015). In 2015, the
Philippines produced an estimated 2.7 million metric tons of plastic garbage.

Plastic is an artificial material that is difficult to break down. Plastic decomposes

very slowly in the natural environment; it takes between 200 and 400 years to breakdown,
which reduces the landfill's capacity to dispose of waste. When waste plastic is burned,
dioxin is also produced during the burning process in addition to a lot of black smoke. If
they are left to the elements, they could pose a number of environmental risks, such as
hindering the development of agriculture, in addition to obstructing people's ability to see.

The paper industry in the Philippines also plays an important role in the
industrialization program of the country, contributing to the growth of the economy and
providing employment opportunities to thousands of workers. Unfortunately, it also
contributes to the waste generation in the country. The traditional technique of producing
paper is very polluting, since it involves the use of several chemicals in the treatment of
wood fibers to generate pulp and the production of suitable sheets. Most of the paper mills
in the country use waste paper and cardboard products in making pulp. The re-pulping
process generates solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes.

3
 Due to these issues, a consideration to use an eco-friendly material becomes more
serious priority nowadays. An alternative of this material can be obtained through
utilization of banana pseudostem.

Philippines is one of the largest producers of banana in the world. Also, banana is
the fourth largest commodity that is being produced in the Philippines next to paddy rice,
coconuts and native pig meat. In recent years the Philippines has been in the top five
banana exporters in the world, and the top ten in production, exporting around 3.5 million
tonnes of bananas annually. The Philippines consists of 7,640 islands, about 200 of which
are inhabited. In 2018, 84% of bananas (and 99% of the Cavendish cultivars) were
produced on the island of Mindanao, with Davao region, Northern Mindanao and
Soccskargen as the top three regions. With the large scale of banana that is being harvested
means that there a lot of banana stems that can be used to produce banana fiber and help
local banana farmers for their livelihood.

The production of banana provides delicious foods and good quality textile fibre. But
in most cases, after harvest of the fruits in banana plantations, the stems are wasted and
billion tons of stems and leaves are thrown away annually. Such waste provides obtainable
sources of fibres, which leads to the reduction of other natural and synthetic fibres’
production.

The ultimate goal of the whole research was to successfully produce a plantable eco
bag by fully utilizing the banana pseudostem and Pak choi (Pechay) seeds. The objectives of
this research were to study and compare the plantable bag to an ordinary paper bag and
determine which is better in terms of biodegradability and durability. The research and
experiment include fiber extraction, observation and comparison of bags in terms of
biodegradability and durability, investigation of the proposed bag in terms of its
dimensions, and banana sheets production trial. The researchers intend to have a safe
alternative when discarding your used bag. This bag can add beauty and charm to the
environment. Plantable paper bag can be a creative way to reduce waste and repurpose
used products. The seeds of the plant that were used in the plantable paper is typically

4
embedded with Pak choi (Pechay) seeds but other seed types such as herbs and veggies are
also available.

Statement of the Problem

The study is directed towards its main objective of developing a plantable eco bag
made from banana pseudostem and pechay seeds. Specifically, the researchers sought to
find out if plantable Eco bags are much better than paper bag, in terms of biodegradability,
durability, contribution in productivity, and a way to reduce waste.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study was to produce a plantable eco bag made from extracted
banana pseudostem fibers, embedded with Pak choi (Pechay) seeds. The bag is to be
compared to an ordinary paper bag, in terms of biodegradability and durability. The
plantable bag is expected to serve as another creative way to reduce waste and reuse the
used bag and somehow contribute to reforestation. Significantly this study sought to
answer the following questions:

Research Questions

1. What are the properties of the plantable eco-bag in terms of:

a. 1st property dimension
b. Mass
c. Color
d. Tensile strength
2. What is the difference between the proposed plantable eco-bags and the comercially
used eco-bag which is wood-pulp paper bag in terms of:
a. Durability
b. biodegradability

5
3. Is there a significant difference between the proposed plantable eco-bags and the
comercially used eco-bag which is wood-pulp paper bag in terms of:
a. Durability
b. biodegradability

4. Is there a significant effects of plantable Eco-bag in terms of:

a. Reducing waste

b. Productivity

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using your bag?

Nature of the Study

The Experimental Research method was used in the study. Experimental research is
a scientific approach to research, where one or more independent variables are
manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect on the
latter. Biodegradability test and durability test were performed unto the bags. Further, the
researchers used a mixed methodical approach in this study to attain data on the said tests.

Significance of the Study

1. General Public. The advantage of seed paper is that it provides more people with
vegetable seeds to grow at home. Because most food travels long distances to reach your
local market, this helps to reduce emissions. Growing food at home eliminates the need for
travel.

2. Farmers. Vegetable production is a crucial component of farm diversification

methods and offers a promising economic opportunity for reducing rural poverty and
unemployment in developing countries. Vegetables are the most cost-effective source of
vitamins and minerals for human health. Pak choi (Pechay) is considered a high value and
a highly demanded leaf vegetable in the Philippines, so our choice of using its seed is the

6
best decision. In addition, this kind of vegetable is not heavy since it’s just a leaf vegetable.
Also, paper bags are the best storage choice for vegetables as they absorb excess moisture
rather than encouraging it as plastic produce bags can do

3. Supermarkets. Some individuals prefer to shop for veggies at supermarkets

rather than farmers' markets. Buying food in a grocery store rather than a farmers' market
is usually more disciplined and comfortable.

4. Economy. This study can also help in the global economy by providing consumers
with banana pseudo-stem fiber seed bag they can use that are not harmful to the
environment unlike its plastic bags and wood-pulp bags. The Philippines is the third largest
contributor with an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic entering the
ocean every year. Waste paper is the second most-produced solid waste in the Philippines,
contributing nineteen percent of the total municipal solid waste production.

5. Waste Management. The proposed study can to contribute to the waste

management by significantly decreasing the amount of plastic bags and wood-pulp paper
bags usage. The world is currently suffering environmental dilemmas such as global
warming, flash floods, and etc. One of the causes of these problem is the misbehavior of the
people towards waste management. This study will be a means to help protect and
preserve our environment by reducing plastic waste.

6. Environmentalists. This study is in line with environmentalists' goal of

protecting and preserving the environment, and it can ultimately help and contribute to
that goal. Furthermore, the findings of this study can assist environmentalists in raising
public awareness.

7. Future Researchers. This study will prove beneficial as it may serve as a basis
for other studies that tackle the topic of banana pseudostem fibers and other alternatives
to plastic and paper bags.

Definition of Terms

7
Banana Pseudostem - a part of the banana plant that looks like a trunk, which consists of a
soft central core and tightly wrapped up to 25 leaf sheaths.

Eco Bag - a brand name for a bag for carrying items you buy that can be used multiple times
and are not harmful to the environment, for example because it is made of natural
materials

Scope and Delimitations

This study have only focus on only one variable, and this variable is the plantable eco-bags,
wherein any other parts of the banana tree except for the pseudo-stem fiber are not
included. This study did not discuss any types of waste management and any health hazard
caused by the solid waste and instead focused in the production of eco bags. This study did
also not include the creation of the ordinary bag (paper bag) and will only focus in
comparing differences between the plantable eco-bag and the ordinary bag (paper bag).
Lastly, the marketing price of the said of the plantable eco-bag have not been determined
in this study.

Scientific Literature

As our our Mother Earth is currently facing a lot of environmental concerns, our
proposed study aims to contribute for the reduction of these concerns. To be specific, our
proposed study is to contribute to reforestration since our proposed study is a plantable
eco bag made from banana pseudostem fiber and pechay seeds. Since our proposed study
contributes to the reforestration, we talk about the improvement of the overall health of
soil and animal habitats. What makes this proposed study relevant is that it is comparable
to an ordinary paper bag used in shopping and packaging consumer goods. Furthermore,
our proposed study aims to prove its betterness to the ordinary paper bag.

Bananas are grown in 135 nations and territories in the tropics and subtropics.
Farmers cultivate bananas for household consumption or local markets (Bergh, Picq, &
Vézina, 2013). Bananas are the second most-produced fruit after citrus. It contributes 16%
of the world's fruit production. Every year, roughly 6 million tons of bananas are grown in

8
the Philippines. Export bananas, which account for roughly a third of total production, are
largely grown by Filipino companies and multinationals. This only goes to illustrate how
many banana trees there are in the Philippines, therefore the banana pseudo-stem
ingredient in our proposed bag shouldn't be a concern in this country.

Banana is one of the most significant fruit crops grown in Bangladesh, according to
Mohiuddin, Saha, Hossian, and Ferdoushi (2013). In Bangladesh, the pseudo stem has been
abandoned and is a hazardous waste, although it was once utilized to manufacture a variety
of products in other countries. The study demonstrated the use of bananas, not only as a
food but also as a source of recreation through banana pseudostem. They came to the
conclusion that the study data they acquired would be extremely useful to farmers,
entrepreneurs, planners, scientists, and the Bangladesh government in taking appropriate
actions for the benefit of their country.

We have chosen a part of the banana plant as one ingredient to make of proposed
bag. Banana plants are rated as one of the most beneficial plants in the world. Almost every
part of this plant can be used, including the fruit, peel, leaf, pseudo-stem, stalk, and
inflorescence (flower). The pseudo-stem fiber from the banana plant that we used to build
our bag is similar to pineapple leaf, sisal, and other stiff fibers, albeit it is a little more
elastic. Banana pseudo-stem fiber is mostly used in the production of specialized and high-
quality sanitary items such as baby pampers, textiles, and papers.

Banana fiber comes mainly from the pseudostem and peduncle. These fibers may be
used to make paper, cardboard, tea bags, and other products. Because pseudostem has a
large quantity of cellulose, its strength as a fiber is an advantage for it to be a key product
for creating rope. Furthermore, cellulose includes an indigestible or insoluble component,
making it difficult to digest (Preethl, 2013). This feature is what we needed in making our
proposed bag since the tensile strength is one of the properties that we will use to compare
our bag to the ordinary paper bag.

Not only is our proposed bag constructed from a plant component, but it is also
plantable. Plantable seed paper is paper that is implanted with any kind of seeds so that it
can be planted after it has fulfilled its original function. Plantable seed paper is also

9
environmentally friendly since it is manufactured from recycled paper waste that has been
pulped, implanted with pollinator-friendly wildflower, vegetable, or herb seeds, pressed,
and printed into zero-waste alternatives to virgin paper products (Virgin paper is made
from virgin trees that originate from old-growth forests that are over 450 years old and
rich in biodiversity.), and compostable, so when it's planted, it doesn't leave any garbage
behind, just plants. You may help to beautify the environment while also giving a friend or
family member a present they will like by reusing and planting your paper instead of
tossing it away. Your planted paper may be a present that goes on giving if you add a small
message on the back explaining that the paper contains seeds and provide advice on how to
plant it.

Since its introduction in the 1970s, the plastic bag has become widespread, with ⅘
bags used in grocery stores being plastic (Roach, 2003). Because plastic bags are less prone
to tearing, are easier to carry, and are far more useful in bad weather, they have become an
important part of our daily lives. These are the benefits of using plastic bags. However,
there are also drawbacks to using them. These drawbacks include serious cases that led to
its prohibition.

According to Saraexim (2016) Reusable shopping bags are better than plastic or
paper bags. These bags are used to prevent environmental pollution. Materials, used to
produce these bags, do not harm the quality of our surroundings. These bags are generally
made of materials such as jute, cloth, and recycled plastics, canvas or organic cotton. These
reusable bags are hygienic and easily washable. These products can be used for various
purposes. This study is related to our proposed study since our bag is also reusable and can
be used for various purposes.

We have chosen pechay seed as an ingredient instead of other seeds to make our
proposed bag plantable because it is one of Asia's oldest green veggies. Pechay is vital to
the Philippine economy as well as the Filipino people's nutrition. Pechay is also an excellent
first plant for new gardeners. They thrive in tropical climates and never fail to provide
ambitious gardeners with a big feeling of satisfaction after each bountiful harvest.
Temperatures of 18–20 °C are ideal for pechay growth and development. Pechay grows

10
best on wet, well-drained loamy soils with plenty of organic matter. It struggles to thrive in
acidic soil. The optimal pH range for soil is 5.5 to 6.5, and it should never go below 4.5.
(East West, 2017).

Pechay is a cool-season leafy, shallow-rooted crop that can withstand higher

temperatures if provided enough moisture. It is a biannual plant that is grown as an annual
and grows to be around 15-30cm tall in the vegetative stage. The leaves are oval, spirally
organized, and widely dispersed. The petioles have grown in size and are creating a
subcylindrical bundle. A raceme of pale yellow flowers forms the inflorescence. The leaves,
petiole, stem, and roots make up the plant's body.

Vitamins and minerals are the most significant health advantages of pechay. It also
contains calcium for stronger bones, phosphorus for bone formation, digestion, excretion,
and hormonal balance, potassium for muscle control, blood pressure regulation, and
hypertension prevention, iron for carrying oxygen in the blood, magnesium for body
detoxification, zinc for improving the immune system against infection and even cancer,
vitamin A for promoting growth, reproduction, and vision improvement, vitamin C for
glowing skin, and vitamin B-6 folate for better mental health (Blackstew23,2013). The raw
leaves have a nutritional value of 20 kcal/kg, with 3.2 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of
dietary fiber, 0.2 grams of fat, 1.2 grams of protein, 27 milligrams of vitamin C, and 9
milligrams of salt per 100 grams (Jimenezet, al., 2016).

Research Hypothesis

Null: Plantable Eco bags are not better than paper bag, in terms of biodegradability
and durability, cannot contribute in productivity, and is not a way to reduce waste

Alternative: Plantable Eco bags are much better than paper bag, in terms of
biodegradability and durability, contributes in productivity, and can be a way to reduce
waste.

11
Methodology

1. Extraction of Banana Pseudo Stem Fiber

In order to extract the Pseudo Stem Fiber in the banana plant waste, the researchers
have conducted several steps. First, the banana pseudo stem was extracted from banana
waste through cutting it. Second, the uneccesary parts of the banana plant were removed in
order to get desired variable which is the pseudo stem. Third, the pseudo stem have been
cutted into small pieces which would turn it into a cubes. Fourth, the researcher boiled a
water in a big cauldron, after the water was boiled, the pseudo stem fiber had been added
to it. Fifth, 25 ml of sodium hydroxide have been added to and mixed with the boiled
banana plant. Sixth, before proceeding in straining the pseudo-stem of the banana plant, let
it stay for 20 minutes in the boiled water, after 20 minutes the researchers have strained
the pseudo stem. Seventh, the strained pseudo-stem of the banana plant was poured with
warm water. Eighth, the psuedo stem have been put in the blender and poured it with
water and was blended. Ninth, after blending, the pseudo-stem of the banana plant was
poured into a container that has a water inside it. Lastly, the pseudo-stem of the banana
plant was strained using a deckle to get the fiber on it.

2. Applying pseudo-stem fiber and seeds in creating a plantable Eco-bag

In order to create a plantable eco-bag, pseudostem fibers have been used in order to create the
eco-bag and Pak Choi (Pechay) seeds have also been added to the pseudo-stem fiber before it dries.

Once the pseudostem fiber with added Pak Choi (Pechay) seeds dry, it had become paper, and then
after the researchers started making the paper bag prototype.

In making the paper bag, many steps will be followed. First, fold the sheet horizontally from both
sides and glue the edges together. Leave the adhesive to dry before moving on to the next step.
Second, fold the bottom edge of the paper up to 1/4 of its original size.
Third, bring the right side and the left side of the part of the paper that is folded up ¼ of the paper’s

12
original size before to the bottom edge. Fourth, open the paper that is folded in the bottom edge of the
paper and flatten both sides in which two triangles will be created. Fifth, fold the bottom edge of the
paper a little beyond the middle(going up). Then, fold the bottom edge of the paper which is temporarily
folded up also a little beyond the middle(going down). Finally, glue the bottom part of the paper where
two separated parts can be seen. The part of the bag take the force of the things to be put inside.

For better understanding, these steps will be discussed again, but in a procedural framework.

3. Comparing and testing both controlled group and the prototype.

1. Soil burial test

In order to conduct this test and then conclude results, researchers produced banana
pseudo-stem seed paper bag was compared with the commercially wood-pulp brown
paper bag in terms of biodegradability and then conducted a soil burial test. In doing the
soil burial test, steps were to be followed. First, dig 1.5 meters of soil two times to bury our
prototype (banana pseudo-stem paper -bag) and the controlled group (wood-pulp paper
bag) separately. Next , the banana pseudo-stem paper bag and the wood pulp paper were
putted in their respective dug soil and then cover the dug holes with soil. Lastly, the both
bags were checked day by day in one month to observe what changes are happening with
our prototype (banana pseudo-stem paper bag) and the controlled group (wood-pulp
paper bag) and also to observe their effects on soil quality.

2. Durability Test

The produced banana pseudo-stem seed paper bag was also compared with the
commercially wood-pulp brown paper bag in terms of durability through conducting the
durability test. In doing this test, the researchers have prepare multiple bottles for each
bag. After that, they put a one bottle first, and when these bags have the strength to carry it,
the researchers added another bottle again and again until one of them gives up or show a
sign of being close to be teared because of force.

Procedural Framework

13
Design of the Study

The study follows an EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN under mixed method to

determine if plantable eco-bags are much better than paper bag, in terms of
biodegradability and durability and contribute in productivity, improving soil and water
quality, and a way to reduce waste.

For the experiment, the study will conduct two distinct tests. The first test is a
biodegradability test that will use a soil burial test in which both bags will be buried
separately in the soil and checked after a given amount of time. The second test will be a
durability test, which will establish which bag is more robust by placing water bottles
inside both bags to see which has a tougher surface. In each test, the researcher will
additionally keep track of the extraneous variable.

The researchers compared the findings of conducted experiments on which bag has a
faster time of decomposition and which bag has a harder surface to decide which of the
plantable and ordinary bags is much better in each test. Data was collected in the
biodegradability test every 15-20 days by observing and documenting the bags and in the
durability test by monitoring how quickly the two bags were ripped apart by placing a
water bottle inside of them. The collected data were then evaluated using analysis variance
to decide which bag was best.

Research Analysis

14
 The researchers were able to answer the questions posed in the statement of the
problem by observing and conducting tests, including soil burial and durability testing. The
researchers conducted a soil burial test to determine the biodegradability of both the
plantable and regular paper bags. The researchers also put the bags through a durability
test to check if they were strong enough to carry goods and to see which bag was more
durable and could hold more items. The result in each test will be recorded in the data
table that will serve as a guide to the researchers to answer their questions in the
statement of the problem.

Results and Discussion

In this chapter, the researchers present, analyze, and interpret the data gathered in the
study that answer the questions in the problems stated in this study. The data presented
were obtained through experimentation.

The researchers have found the properties of the plantable eco-bag in terms of property
dimension, mass color, and tensile strength. The researchers conducted 2 different trials in
line with the statement of the problem to find out if there is a significant difference
between the proposed plantable eco-bag and the commercially used eco-bag in terms of
durability and biodegradability. In doing the durability test, the researchers used not more
than 5 bottles to find out the maximum capacity of both bags. Both bags were also
compared through how they were torn. In the biodegradability test, the researchers did the
soil burial test, where both bags were buried separately at the same depth and monitored
for the same amount of time.

1. What are the properties of the plantable eco-bag in terms of its dimensions namely:
a. Mass
b. Color
c. Tensile strength
Table 1. Properties of the plantable eco-bag

Properties Dimensions Mass Color Tensile strength

15
 Length Thicknes
Width s
Plantable bag 11.5 6.5 2 inches 1 gram Brown 4 bottles of water
inches inches (500ml per bottle)

The properties of the plantable eco-bag are shown in Table 1, which includes the 1st
property dimension, mass, color, and tensile strength. According to the data above, the
plantable bag is 11.5 inches long, 6.5 inches wide and 2 inches thick, with a mass of 1 gram
and has a brown color, and can withstand and stores 4 bottles of water (500ml per bottle)
without breaking. After doing a durability test we concluded that the maximum capacity of
the plantable bag is about 4 bottles of water (500 ml per bottle) without breaking. But as
we try to forcedly insert a 350ml bottle of water; it caused the bag to be torn apart.

2. Is there a significant difference between the proposed plantable eco-bags and the
commercially used eco-bag which is wood-pulp paper bag in terms of:
a. Durability
b. Biodegradability
Table 2. Biodegradability and Durability

Biodegradability Durability
Plantable eco-bags Not fully decomposed after It can hold 5 bottles but
33 days (still under does not easily torn apart.
observation) (4 bottles of 500 ml and 1
bottle of 350 ml)
Ordinary bags Decomposed after 33 days It can hold 5 bottles but
of observation easily torn apart. (4 bottles
of 500 ml and 1 bottle of
350 ml)

16
 The biodegradability and durability of both plantable and ordinary bags are shown
in Table 2. According to the table above, two types of tests were conducted: namely the soil
burial test to establish biodegradability and the durability test to determine how durable
the two bags are. For the soil burial test, the researchers buried both bags individually to a
depth of 12 inches and monitored them for 33 days, during which time they were taken up
three times to examine if there were any signs of decomposition or changes in their
features. The plantable bag has exhibited no signs of decomposition after 33 days and is
still under observation, whereas the ordinary bag (paper bag) has already decomposed
after 33 days because the researchers dug out nothing but soil inside it in its allocated
location. During the whole course of the experiment period, the plantable bag still hasn’t
decomposed, thus making the researchers conclude that the ordinary bag (paper bag) is
significantly better in plantable bag in terms of biodegradability.
The durability test is the second type of test; the mechanism of this durability test
is that water bottles will be forced into both bags to see how many bottles can fit and how
long the bags can endure the forced insertion of water bottles into two different bags. After
conducting the test, the researchers discovered that both bags have a maximum capacity of
4 bottles of water (500ml per bottle), but when the fifth water bottle (350ml) was inserted,
both bags were torn apart. The plantable bag managed to keep together longer after being
torn apart while inserting the fifth bottle, however the standard bag (paper bag) was
immediately torn apart after the fifth bottle was inserted. Since the plantable bag resisted
being ripped apart for longer than the ordinary bag, the researchers concluded that the
plantable bag is significantly better than the ordinary bag in terms of durability.

3. Is there significant effects of plantable Eco-bag in terms of:

a. Reducing waste
b. Productivity
Table 3. Reducing waste and Productivity

Reducing waste Productivity

Plantable Eco-bag *Lessen banana plant waste Plantable after usage
*Reducing solid waste

17
 Table 3 shows how plantable bags help reduce solid waste and increase
productivity. According to the table above, the plantable bag helps reduce waste and
increase productivity. In terms of waste reduction, the plantable bag can reduce banana
plant waste by using it as the main ingredient of the eco-bag that will help in cleaning up
the banana plant waste. It may also assist in minimizing solid waste by using plantable bags
as an alternative to paper bags, which will help reduce the amount of solid trash created, as
well as the usage of lumber to make paper. The researchers concluded that the plantable
bag has significant effects in terms of trash reduction since it can assist minimize waste.
It can also boost productivity because it can be planted after use, which will help
with mental health, focus, and concentration. When one's mind is focused on the immediate
chores and details of gardening, negative thoughts and feelings can be reduced, and mood
can be improved. It may also be beneficial in terms of providing comfort, food, and stress
management. The researchers concluded that the plantable bag had significant effects in
terms of production.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of your bag?

Table 4. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
Plantable Eco-bag *More durable than *It took longer to
ordinary bag decompose
*Reduce Banana plant *It is not that flexible
waste compare to ordinary bag
*Plantable after usage

The advantages and disadvantages of the plantable bag are shown in Table 4.
According to the table above, we have acquired data that the plantable bag has pros and
cons after conducting soil burial tests and durability tests. The plantable bag proved to be
more durable than the ordinary bag (paper bag) during the durability test. Since it will be
the main ingredient of the plantable bag, it can also be used to reduce banana plant waste.

18
Lastly, it encourage us to plant because of its characteristics that can be plantable after
being used which gives us gives benefits such as providing us a certain vegetable like
pechay or other types of seeds that can be plant in garden and it also gives us a health
benefits because planting can elevate stress and improve mood.

However, after the soil burial test, the plantable bag revealed its flaws because it
showed no signs of decomposition throughout the experiment, unlike the ordinary bag,
which had already decomposed after 33 days. The researchers also discovered that the
plantable bag is not as flexible as ordinary bags, which can be folded into several pieces or
coiled without breaking.

Conclusion
The banana pseudostem fiber and pechay seeds can clearly be used as an alternative
plantable eco bag, based on the results above. It has slightly superior features than an
ordinary bag, but its biodegradability is significantly less than the ordinary bag's since it
has longer decomposition time than the latter. The plantable bag can also hold heavy items
because its durability is strong enough to bear force, and it does not break even when wet,
unlike paper bags, which readily shatters when wet. The plantable part was not also tested
because the time frame was not enough to test if it can grow a fully matured pechay and
therefore, was not included in testing it. However, the pechay seeds grew on the sheets
after being wet for days since they couldn't dry because it continued to rain for days,
causing the seeds to sprout.
We couldn't assess the decomposition time of the plantable bag due to the lack of time
during the entire course of the soil burial test. The assessment of the decomposition time
would have helped us gather data on how many weeks or months it takes to degrade.
The study has shown that the pseudostem fiber and pechay seeds can be used as an
alternative plantable eco-bag. The plantable bag can be used to transport things and
contribute in lessening the banana plant waste because of its feature, the psuedostem fiber,
which was used to create the product. After it was used and can no longer be used to carry
and transport things, the bag can still be used in planting - just choose a part that has a
seeds and plant it.

19
 To sum it up, the banana pseudostem fiber and pechay seeds can be an alternative
plantable eco-bag, but it does not decompose faster than ordinary bags. However, its
features are slightly better and contribute in reducing waste and increasing productivity.
Thus, pseudostem fiber and pechay seeds can be an alternative plantable eco-bag.

Recommendation
The researchers recommend that instead of using sodium hydroxide to help the
psuedostem fiber to stick together, just use lye water to save up some money or as an
alternative if you can’t find any sodium hydroxide. Also, after the banana plant is cut down,
be sure to leave it hanging for 3-7 days so that it can soften and be easier to cook.
Furthermore, the researchers recommend focusing on addressing the
biodegradability and the flexibility of the plantable bag to further help in developing the
product. The use other long term seeds is also recommended as an alternative to using
short term seeds. On top of that, the efficacy of the pseudostem fiber as a fertilizer to the
seeds should also be tested.

References

P. P. Parayno, Ph. D., and M. G. M. Busmente, “Environmental Studies Institute - WADEF.”

[Link]
nes.Work_Results.pdf

L. Enviliance ASIA by EnviX, “Philippines, plastic pollution issues: Enviliance Asia,” Enviliacne ASIA.
[Link]
C. Nur, I. D. Djati, and D. Widiawati, “An alternative of eco-friendly material from banana peduncle
waste,” 2019.
[Link]
FRIENDLY_MATERIAL_FROM_BANANA_PEDUNCLE_WASTE
P. Tenerife Jr., A. De La Cruz, A. C. Arce, A. Pabularcon, K. M. Ortega, R. L. Rafallo, “Design and
Development of Banana Fiber Decorticator with Wringer,” 2019. [Link]
content/uploads/papers/v8i1s4/[Link]
“Our Work in The Philippines,” Banana Link, 04-Jun-2021.]
[Link]

20
Neenu Poonia, Nisha Arya, and Pooja “Banana fiber: A review,” 2020
[Link]
origsite=gscholar&cbl=2032132
R. Vinoth K. S. Gokulnath K. J. Barathkumar K. Ahildarshan E. Gokulprakash “A Study of Banana
Fiber: A Review,”2018
[Link]
Review_IJSRDV6.pdf
A. Subagyo and A. Chafidz, “Banana pseudo-stem fiber: Preparation, characteristics, and
applications,”
2018.[Link]
Stem_Fiber_Preparation_Characteristics_and_Applications
Andreas, “Top 10 largest banana producing countries,” Mappr, 17-Mar-2022.
[Link]
B. Paperworks, “What makes seed paper eco-friendly,” Botanical PaperWorks, 02-Dec-
2020.[Link]

A. Nacua, C. Macer, and A. B. Pascual, “Urban farming using upcycling technique of Brassica rapa L.
Cv (Pechay Tagalog) in Ermita, Manila, Philippines- crimson publishers,” 2019.
[Link]

21
 APPENDICES
Appendix A

Curriculum Vitae

Rainel G. Lim
Anonas St., SPPVS Bibincahan, Sorsogon City
Mobile: +639472390308
Email: limrainel@[Link]

I. PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname : Lim
First name : Rainel
Middle Name : Guarda
Date of Birth : December 24, 2003
Citizenship : Filipino
Postal and Residential Address : Anonas St., SPPVS
Bibincahan, Sorsogon City
Cellular Number : 09472390308

II. ACADEMIC DETAILS

A. Primary Education
School : THE LEWIS COLLEGE
Address : 479 Magsaysay St., Cogon, Sorsogon City
Year : 2010-2016
B. Secondary Education
School : OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA SEMINARY

22
 Address : Bibinchan, Sorsogon City
Year : 2016-2020
School : SORSOGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Address : Magsaysay St., Almendras-Cogon, Sorsogon City
Year : 2020-2022

Appendix A

Curriculum Vitae

Jabel C. Bolaños
Block 12, Lot 3, Rosville Subdivision Bibincahan, Sorsogon City
Mobile: +639294375005
Email: thejabelcb@[Link]

III. PERSONAL DETAILS

Surname : Bolaños
First name : Jabel
Middle Name : Conde
Date of Birth : March 11, 2004
Citizenship : Filipino
Postal and Residential Address : Block 12, Lot 3, Rosville
Subdivision Sorsogon City
Bibincahan,
Cellular Number : 09294375005

IV. ACADEMIC DETAILS

C. Primary Education
School : Sorsogon Pilot Elementary School
Address : De Vera St, Sorsogon City, 4700 Sorsogon
Year : 2015-2016
D. Secondary Education
School : OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA SEMINARY
Address : Bibinchan, Sorsogon City

23
 Year : 2016-2020
School : SORSOGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Address : Magsaysay St., Almendras-Cogon, Sorsogon City
Year : 2020-2022

Appendix A

Curriculum Vitae

Khalev Isaiah T. Cea

809 Madan - an Bibincahan Sorsogon City
Mobile: +639294375005
Email: ceakhalev@[Link]

V. PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname : Cea
First name : Khalev Isaiah
Middle Name : Torres
Date of Birth : February 19, 2004
Citizenship : Filipino
Postal and Residential Address : 809 Madan - an Bibincahan
Sorsogon City
Cellular Number : 09104949638

VI. ACADEMIC DETAILS

E. Primary Education
School : Sorsogon Pilot Elementary School
Address : De Vera St, Sorsogon City, 4700 Sorsogon
Year : 2015-2016
F. Secondary Education
School : Sorsogon National High School
Address : Bibinchan, Sorsogon City

24
 Year : 2016-2020
School : SORSOGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Address : Magsaysay St., Almendras-Cogon, Sorsogon City
Year : 2020-2022

Appendix B

Research Instruments

In order to collect the data that will help the researchers to answer the research
problem and subsequent questions, the researchers conducted tests and observation on
which will help determine its features in terms of biodegradability and durability. The
researchers have also done a descriptive analysis to determine if the proposed product will
have an effect in reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Both bags were subjected to a soil burial test to establish their biodegradability,
including how long they would take to disintegrate and which bag would decay faster. After
determining the decomposition time, the researchers performed a durability test to
evaluate how sturdy the two bags are. The durability of both bags was determined by
placing water bottles inside the both bags, and then followed by an analysis description if
the proposed product took an effect on reducing waste and increase productivity after data
was collected on both tests.

25
 Appendix C

Raw Data and Computation

Table 5. Data table for the data was collected through whole course of experiment in 33
days duration.

Table 5 shows the data collected through whole course of experiment from data collected
— from properties of the plantable bag, soil burial test, durability test, and description
analysis. The data collected were used to answer the research problems and address the
proposed product as an alternative plantable eco-bag.

26
 APPENDIX D

Documentation

1. EXTRACTION OF PSEUDO-STEM FIBER

Sliced banana stem into Banana Cooked

stem cubes
banana stem
cubes being cookedcubes

Blended banana stem Strained blended Successfully distributed

banana stem fiber on the deckle

2. Application of Pechay seeds on the successfully distributed fiber on the deckle

Successfully distributed
fiber on the deckle
27
with
pechay seeds
 Dried banana pseudo-stem fiber
Succesfully made banana pseudo-stem
fiber bag with seeds

3, COMPARING AND TESTING BOTH CONTROLLED GROUP AND THE PROTOTYPE

Soil Burial test

Commercially used eco-bag being Banana pseudo-stem fiber seed bag

buried in the soil being buried in the soil

Commercially used Banana pseudo-stem The banana pseudo-stem fiber

eco-bag with darkened fiber seed bag with seed bag remained in its

color and having a fainted color after 12 buried location, while the

heavier weight after days commercially used eco-bag

28
12 days didn’t after 12 days again.
 Durability Test

Commercially used eco-bag being Banana pseudo-stem fiber seed bag

torn immediately after the 5th being torn but with the need of
bottle was put inside. more human force in putting the 5th
bottle

29
 APPENDIX E

Procedure schematic diagram

EXTRACTION OF PSEUDO-STEM FIBER

THE STANDING BANANA PLANT WILL BE CUT.

THE UNNECESSARY PARTS OF THE BANANA PLANT WILL BE REMOVED OR

CUT FIRST WHERE THE PSEUDO-STEM WILL BE LEFT.

THE PSEUDO-STEM WILL BE CUT INTO SMALL PIECES (SPECIFICALLY INTO CUBES)

ALSO, 25 ML OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE WILL BE ADDED.

BEFORE PROCEEDING IN STRAINING THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE

BANANA PLANT, LET IT STAY FOR 20 MINUTES IN THE BOILED WATER.

THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT THAT IS BOILED WILL BE STAINED

THE STRAINED PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA

PLANT WILL BE POURED WITH WARM WATER.

THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT WILL BE PUT IN A BLENDER.

WATER WILL BE ADDED TO THE BLENDER.

30
THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT WITH ADDED WATER WILL BE BLENDED.
 AFTER BLENDING, THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT WILL BE POURED INTO A CONTAINER.

THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT WILL BE POURED INTO A CONTAINER HAVING WATER.

THE PSEUDO-STEM OF THE BANANA PLANT WILL BE STRAINED USING A DECKLE TO GET THE FIBER ON IT.

APPLYING PSEUDO-STEM FIBER AND SEEDS IN

CREATING A PLANTABLE ECO-BAG

PAK CHOI (PECHAY) SEEDS WILL BE ADDED TO THE PSEUDO-STEM FIBER

THAT IS IN A DECKLE BEFORE IT DRIES.

ONCE THE PSEUDO-STEM FIBER WITH ADDED PAK CHOI (PECHAY) SEEDS DRY,
IT WILL BECOME PAPER, AND IT’S TIME TO START MAKING A PAPER BAG.

THE BAG WILL BE MADE

31
 Comparing and testing both controlled group and
the prototype - SOIL BURIAL TEST

DIGGING 1.5 METERS OF SOIL TWO TIMES TO BURY THE PROTOTYPE (BANANA PSEUDO-
STEM PAPER -BAG) AND THE CONTROLLED GROUP (WOOD-PULP PAPER BAG) SEPARATELY.

PUTTING PROTOTYPE (BANANA PSEUDO-STEM PAPER BAG) AND THE CONTROLLED GROUP
(WOOD-PULP PAPER BAG) IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DUG SOIL.

COVERING THE PROTOTYPE (BANANA PSEUDO-STEM PAPER BAG) AND THE CONTROLLED
GROUP (WOOD-PULP PAPER BAG) WITH SOIL.

Checking day by day in one month to observe what changes are happening with the prototype
(banana pseudo-stem paper bag) and the controlled group (wood-pulp paper bag) and also to
observe their effects on soil quality.

Comparing and testing both controlled group and

the prototype – DURABILITY TEST

FIXING THE BAG

PUTTING THE FIVE PLASTIC

BOTTLES ONE BY ONE

32