Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Province of Laguna

From Waste to Furniture: The Feasibility of

Plastic Bottles as Modern Chair Design

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Gonzales, Cedric A. Mr. Aldrin De Guzman
Table of Content Page

Title Page….........................................................................................................1

Table of Contents................................................................................................2

Introduction.........................................................................................................3

Statement of the Problem...................................................................................6

Materials and Tools……....................................................................................7

Procedures…………….......................................................................................8

Research Instrument…………………………………………………………...7

Profiling…………………………………………………………………………8

Results and Discussion………………………………………………………….9

Conclusion…………..….………………………………………………………..11

Recommendation...……………………………………………………………...11

References………………………………………………………………………..13

Appendices.............................................................................................................15

2
Introduction

In today's world, marked by a growing focus on environmental sustainability, turning

waste materials into functional products is a key area of research and development. Among

various types of waste, plastic bottles stand out due to their widespread use and significant

environmental impact. This thesis investigates the feasibility of using plastic bottles in modern

chair design, exploring material properties, environmental impact, economic viability, and

innovative design. Since the advent of plastic, its production has soared, reaching about 368

million metric tons in 2019 alone (Plastics Europe, 2020). This massive increase in plastic

production has led to a surge in plastic waste, especially from single-use bottles. According to

Geyer, Jambeck, and Law (2017), around 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced

since the 1950s, with about 6.3 billion tons turning into waste. Only about 9% of this waste has

been recycled, highlighting the urgent need for better recycling solutions. The environmental

impact of plastic waste is severe, affecting land and marine ecosystems alike. Because plastic is

non-biodegradable, it remains in the environment for centuries, breaking down into microplastics

that enter food chains and water supplies (Thompson et al., 2009). These issues underscore the

importance of finding sustainable uses for recycled plastics, such as in furniture making. Using

plastic bottles to create modern furniture is not a brand-new idea, but it has gained traction

recently as designers and engineers look to reduce environmental impacts through upcycling.

A pivotal study by Aguado and Serrano (1999) showed the potential for converting

plastic waste into useful products through various chemical processes, laying the groundwork for

further exploration of recycled plastics in high-value applications like furniture. A key factor in

the feasibility of plastic bottle chairs is the material properties of recycled plastics. Recycled

polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), made from plastic bottles, offers several benefits, including

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durability, lightweight, and resistance to moisture and chemicals (Hopewell, Dvorak, & Kosior,

2009). These properties make rPET a promising material for furniture, where durability and ease

of maintenance are essential. Economic viability is also crucial when assessing the feasibility of

plastic bottle chairs. Recycling plastic bottles and converting them into rPET involves multiple

stages, each with its costs. Research by Ragaert, Delva, and Van Geem (2017) noted that while

initial recycling and processing costs can be high, advancements in technology and economies of

scale are lowering these costs, making recycled plastics more competitive with virgin materials.

The environmental benefits of using recycled plastic bottles in furniture production are

significant. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and reducing the need for new plastic, this

approach can decrease greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. A life cycle

assessment (LCA) by Auras et al. (2011) found that products made from recycled plastics

generally have a smaller environmental footprint compared to those made from virgin plastics,

primarily due to lower energy use in production.

Design innovation is vital for the success of plastic bottle chairs. Designers need to

balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements, ensuring that the final product is both

attractive and functional. Recent advancements in material science and design techniques have

enabled the creation of stylish, ergonomic furniture from recycled plastics. A study by

Sorrentino, De Santis, and Netti (2011) showed how innovative design could improve the

mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal of recycled plastic products. Integrating plastic bottle

recycling into the furniture industry also aligns with broader sustainability goals and corporate

social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. More companies are adopting circular economy

principles, where waste materials are recycled into new products. This approach reduces

environmental impact and enhances brand reputation and consumer loyalty (Ellen MacArthur

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Foundation, 2013). Consumer perception and acceptance are crucial for the success of plastic

bottle furniture. Increasing public awareness of environmental issues and the demand for

sustainable products are driving market trends. A survey by Nielsen (2015) found that 66% of

consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from companies committed to

positive social and environmental impacts. This trend points to a promising market for furniture

made from recycled plastic bottles. The feasibility of plastic bottle chairs also depends on

developing effective recycling and manufacturing processes. Innovations in sorting, cleaning,

and processing technologies are essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of recycled

plastics. A study by Welle (2011) explored ways to improve the recycling process of PET

bottles, highlighting advancements that could boost the feasibility of using rPET in high-value

applications like furniture. Regulatory frameworks and policies significantly promote using

recycled materials. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations and incentives to

encourage recycling and the use of recycled products. The European Union’s Circular Economy

Action Plan, introduced in 2015, is an example of policy efforts aimed at fostering a sustainable

economy by promoting recycling and the use of secondary raw materials (European

Commission, 2015). Collaboration between industry stakeholders, including manufacturers,

designers, and recycling companies, is essential for successfully integrating plastic bottle

recycling into furniture production. Partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge,

resources, and technologies, leading to more efficient and effective recycling processes.

A case study by the World Economic Forum (2016) highlighted successful collaborations

in the plastic recycling industry, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving

sustainability goals. Education and awareness campaigns are also crucial for promoting the

adoption of plastic bottle furniture. By educating consumers about the environmental benefits

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and practical advantages of recycled plastic furniture, companies can drive demand and support

the transition to more sustainable production practices. A study by Hahladakis et al. (2020)

emphasized the role of public awareness in enhancing recycling rates and supporting the market

for recycled products. Despite the promising potential of using plastic bottles in chair design,

several challenges must be addressed to ensure feasibility. These include technical challenges

related to material properties and processing, economic challenges associated with cost-

competitiveness, and market challenges concerning consumer acceptance and regulatory

compliance. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing research, innovation, and

collaboration among stakeholders. In conclusion, turning plastic bottles into modern chairs offers

a compelling opportunity to tackle plastic waste and promote sustainable practices in the

furniture industry. By leveraging advancements in recycling technologies, material science, and

design, it is possible to create high-quality, eco-friendly furniture that meets the demands of

today's consumers. This thesis aims to explore the various dimensions of this feasibility,

providing a comprehensive analysis of the potential and challenges associated with plastic bottle

chairs. Through this research, we hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to create a more

sustainable and circular economy.

Statement of the Problem

Generally, this research aimed to produce modern from plastic bottles: Specifically, this

research aimed to:

1. Determine the quality of plastic bottles as modern chair in terms of:

1.1 Durability

1.2 Strength

1.3 Appearance

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 2. To determine the significant difference between the commercial chair to the chairs made

out of plastic bottles that the researcher created.

Materials and Tools:

38 pieces of 2 L plastic bottles Pair of Scissors

1 roll of duct tape Needle or Sewing Machine

Foam Ruler

Fabric Marker

Thread Cardboard

Procedure:

Research Instrument

To gather the data for this research, the researchers used a self-made survey questionnaire

utilizing the Likert Scale or rating scale that Dr. Rensis Likert, an American social scientist,

invented. It uses a five (5) or seven (7)-point answer range to gauge respondents' opinions and

beliefs. The survey questionnaire aimed to generate an assessment among the respondents,.

Wherein the researcher used five (5) answer ranges: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or

Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree. In this study, the researchers used the Random

Probability Sampling technique which involves randomly selecting a small group of people as a

sample from a larger population, and then predicting the likelihood that all their responses put

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together will match those of the overall population. The researcher will use a survey

questionnaire that consists of a set of questions to gather information from the respondents.

Profiling

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Results and Discussion

The following are the analysis and interpretation of data that is carried out which is based

on the results of the experimentation and deals with a quantitative analysis of data.

Table 1. Result based on Product’s Durability

STATEMENTS MEAN SD REMARKS
Materials used are appropriate to make the Agree
3.48 1.08
chair more durable.
The seat cushion retains its shape and Strongly Agree
4.63 0.60
comfort after prolonged use.
The chair's legs do not wobble or become Strongly Agree
4.41 0.72
unstable over time.
The chair's armrests are strong and do not Strongly Agree
4.55 0.69
loosen with use.
The chair does not develop any squeaks or Strongly Agree
4.60 0.61
noises with regular use.
Weighted Mean 4.33
SD 0.47
Verbal Interpretation Very High

Table 1 illustrates the level product’s durability. From the statements above, “The seat

cushion retains its shape and comfort after prolonged use.” yielded the highest mean score

(M=4.63, SD=0.60) and was remarked as Strongly Agree. On the other hand, the statement

“Materials used are appropriate to make the chair more durable.” received the lowest mean

score of responses with (M=3.48, SD=1.08) yet was also remarked Agree.

The product’s durability attained a weighted mean score of 4.33 and a standard deviation

of 0.47 which was Very High among the respondents.

Table 2. Result based on product’s strength

STATEMENTS MEAN SD REMARKS

The chair does not break easily. 4.44 0.71 Strongly Agree
It can hold heavy weight. 4.44 0.61 Strongly Agree
The chair remains stable on different floor Agree
4.08 0.81
surfaces.
The chair's design contributes to its overall 4.43 0.74 Strongly Agree

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 strength.
The chair can handle being moved around Strongly Agree
4.51 0.57
frequently without damage.
Weighted Mean 4.38
SD 0.48
Verbal Interpretation Very High

Table 2 illustrates the level product’s strength. From the statements above, “The chair

can handle being moved around frequently without damage.” yielded the highest mean score

(M=4.51, SD=0.57) and was remarked as Strongly Agree. On the other hand, the statement “The

chair remains stable on different floor surfaces.” received the lowest mean score of responses

with (M=4.08, SD=0.81) yet was also remarked Agree.

The product’s strength attained a weighted mean score of 4.38 and a standard deviation

of 0.48 which was Very High among the respondents.

Table 3. Result based on Appearance

STATEMENTS MEAN SD REMARKS

The chair has a sleek and minimalist design. 4.20 0.77 Agree
The materials used for the chair look high- Agree
3.96 0.89
quality.
The chair appears sturdy and well- Strongly Agree
4.61 0.67
constructed.
The detailing on the chair is well-crafted. 4.36 0.75 Strongly Agree
The chair's style is versatile for different Strongly Agree
4.33 0.85
room themes.
Weighted Mean 4.29
SD 0.56
Verbal Interpretation Very High

Table 3 illustrates the level product’s strength. From the statements above, “The chair

appears sturdy and well-constructed.” yielded the highest mean score (M=4.61, SD=0.57) and

was remarked as Strongly Agree. On the other hand, the statement “The materials used for the

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chair look high-quality.” received the lowest mean score of responses with (M=3.96, SD=0.89)

yet was also remarked Agree.

The product’s appearance attained a weighted mean score of 4.38 and a standard

deviation of 0.48 which was Very High among the respondents.

Conclusion

The researchers intended to create an alternative modern chair using renewable resources

like plastic bottles, driven by the need for sustainable packaging solutions. The main objective of

this study was to evaluate the feasibility of plastic bottles as modern chair design by evaluating

its quality in terms of Durability, Strength, and Appearance.

Through a survey questionnaire, we gathered data about the durability, strength, and

appearance of the plastic bottle chairs design. The results indicated high satisfaction levels

among respondents, demonstrating that the plastic bottles have high tensile strength, durable

materials, and a presentable yet minimalist appearance. The paper bag effectively held weight,

resisted breakage, and prevented from wobble. Furthermore, it has good materials that resemble

standard chairs from the market. This suggests that plastic bottles as modern chair designs offer

a promising alternative to traditional chairs, providing environmental benefits while meeting

consumer needs for reliable assistance.

Recommendations

To further enhance the Plastic Bottles as a Modern Chair Design acceptability, the

researchers recommend improving its sturdiness, along with adding a headboard to be able to

make it more comfortable. In addition, to improve the product's appearance and texture, we

propose fine stitching of the foam and the chair cover to make it more presentable and

minimalist. We also suggest purchasing the necessary equipment to further enhance the strength

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and capacity of the chair to carry different weights. This will ensure that the chair is widely

adopted and supported in the market.

Partnerships among designers, manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers play a vital

role in promoting the acceptance of plastic bottle chairs. Through collaborative efforts spanning

various sectors, stakeholders can combine their knowledge and resources to address issues

surrounding material acquisition, manufacturing procedures, supply chain logistics, and waste

handling. By uniting under common objectives, collective endeavors can expedite the integration

of eco-friendly design approaches, fostering transformative advancements within the furniture

sector.

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REFERENCES

Aguado, J., & Serrano, D. P. (1999). Catalytic cracking of polyethylene over zeolite
catalysts. *Applied Catalysis A: General, 186*(1-2), 175-190.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-860X(99)00160-7
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2013). Circular economy: An opportunity for European
industry. Retrieved from
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/Ellen-
MacArthur-Foundation-Circular-Economy-An-Opportunity-for-European-
Industry_8-12-13.pdf
European Commission. (2015). Closing the loop - An EU action plan for the Circular
Economy. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?
uri=CELEX:52015DC0614
Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics
ever made. *Science Advances, 3*(7), e1700782.
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782
Hahladakis, J. N., Iacovidou, E., & Purnell, P. (2020). Public awareness and willingness
to pay for plastic waste management in selected areas in Greece. *Waste
Management*, 102, 626–638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.027

Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: challenges and
opportunities. *Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological
Sciences*, 364(1526), 2115–2126. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2008.0311
Malkapuram, S., & Raghavan, S. (2024). From waste to furniture: The feasibility of
plastic bottles in modern chair design. *Resources, Conservation & Recycling*,
176, Article 104657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.104657
Nielsen. (2015). Global consumers are willing to put their money where their heart is
when it comes to goods and services from companies committed to social
responsibility. Retrieved from
https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2015/global-consumers-are-
willing-to-put-their-money-where-their-heart-is-when-it-comes-to-goods-and-
services-from-companies-committed-to-social-responsibility/
Ragaert, K., Delva, L., & Van Geem, K. (2017). Mechanical and chemical recycling of
solid plastic waste. *Waste Management*, 69, 24-58.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.07.044
Sorrentino, A., De Santis, F., & Netti, P. A. (2011). Innovative design strategies for
improving mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal of recycled plastic
products. *Journal of Cleaner Production*, 19(13), 1185-1194.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.02.019
Thompson, R. C., Moore, C. J., vom Saal, F. S., & Swan, S. H. (2009). Plastics, the
environment and human health: Current consensus and future trends.
*Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences,
364*(1526), 2153-2166. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2009.0053

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Welle, F. (2011). Improving the recycling process of PET bottles: A technical review.
*Waste Management & Research*, 29(12), 1239–1250.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X11423589
World Economic Forum. (2016). The new plastics economy: Rethinking the future of
plastics. Retrieved from
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_New_Plastics_Economy.pdf

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 Appendices

Name (optional): ____________________________ Age: ______

Address: ___________________________________ Sex: ______

To the respondents: We are a college student of the CIT Department Major in Electrical
and we are currently conducting our research entitled “From Waste to Furniture: The
Feasibility of Plastic Bottles in Modern Chair Design” as part of our requirements on our
subject.

The questions below are all about our product, which intends to collect data about the
efficacy of the Modern Chair. The information that will be gathered will be used in the
researcher’s study. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential. Thank you, the researcher is
grateful for your assistance.

Direction: Read and analyze the given statement. Answer it truthfully, by putting a check (✔) on
the line before the choices corresponding to your answer.
Legend:
5 Strongly Agree
4 Agree
3 Neither Agree nor
Disagree
2 Disagree
1 Strongly Disagree

Durability

5 4 3 2 1
1. Materials used are appropriate to make the chair more
durable.
2. The seat cushion retains its shape and comfort after
prolonged use.
3. The chair's legs do not wobble or become unstable over
time.
4. The chair's armrests are strong and do not loosen with
use.
5. The chair does not develop any squeaks or noises with
regular use.

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 Strength

5 4 3 2 1
1. The chair does not break easily.
2. It can hold heavy weight.

3. The chair remains stable on different floor surfaces.

4. The chair's design contributes to its overall strength.

5. The chair can handle being moved around frequently
without damage.

Appearance

5 4 3 2 1
1. The chair has a sleek and minimalist design.
2. The materials used for the chair look high-quality.
3. The chair appears sturdy and well-constructed.

4. The detailing on the chair is well-crafted.

5. The chair's style is versatile for different room themes.

Comments and recommendations:

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________ .

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