SCRIPT FOR RESEARCH DEFENSE

Title: Development of Eco-Friendly Paper Bags Utilizing Used Paper, Saluyot, and Coconut Coir

I. Opening Statement

Good [morning/afternoon], esteemed panelists, judges, and guests.

I am Cliford Joe B. Guinumon, the researcher behind this study, and today, I am honored to present our
innovation titled “Development of Eco-Friendly Paper Bags Utilizing Used Paper, Saluyot, and Coconut
Coir.”

This research was conducted as part of the 2024 Division Science and Technology Fair under the Science
Innovation Expo program.

II. Introduction

The inspiration for this study stems from a major environmental challenge—paper waste and plastic
pollution. Despite the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), improper disposal of
waste continues to contribute to environmental degradation.

This study aims to address this issue by creating an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags using recycled
paper, saluyot mucilage, and coconut coir—materials that are sustainable and abundant in our locality.

The innovation focuses on:

1. Sustainability – Promoting the use of natural and recycled materials.

2. Waste Management – Reducing paper waste and minimizing landfill accumulation.

3. Market Potential – Providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics.

The eco-friendly paper bags in this study incorporate:

Used paper as the base material.

Saluyot mucilage as a natural adhesive due to its viscosity.

Coconut coir fibers for added strength and durability.

These features allow the paper bags to be biodegradable, reusable, and structurally durable, making
them suitable for everyday use.

IV. Methodology

The study followed these key steps:

1. Preparation of Raw Materials:

Used paper was shredded, soaked, and pulped.

Saluyot mucilage was extracted by boiling the leaves.

Coconut coir was shredded, softened, and blended.

2. Blending Process:
Three treatments were prepared:

Treatment 1: Commercial paper bag (control).

Treatment 2: Pulp paper + saluyot mucilage + liquid coir.

Treatment 3: Pulp paper + saluyot mucilage + liquid coir with fiber.

3. Testing and Evaluation:

Absorption Capacity – Tested by soaking sheets in water for 30 minutes.

Fire Resistance – Measured time to ignition when exposed to flame.

Durability (Tear Strength) – Tested by loading weights until tearing.

Tensile Strength – Measured maximum load before tearing.

4. Assembly of Paper Bags:

Dried sheets were cut, folded, glued, and reinforced to create the final paper bags.
 V. Results and Discussion

Let me present the highlights of our results:

Absorption Capacity:

Treatment 1 absorbed 84 ml, while Treatments 2 and 3 absorbed 52 ml and 58 ml, respectively.

Treatment 2 showed the least absorption, making it more water-resistant.

Fire Resistance:

Treatment 3 had the highest resistance (8 seconds) compared to Treatment 1 (5.2 seconds).

Tensile Strength:

Treatment 2 demonstrated the greatest tensile strength (1917.5 g), outperforming the commercial
paper bag (1180 g).

Durability (Tear Strength):

Treatment 3 had the highest tear strength (4203 g), making it the most durable.
 VI. Statistical Analysis

Using ANOVA Testing, the results indicated a significant difference (P-value = 0.019) across treatments,
proving that the performance of the treatments is distinct and effective for specific purposes.

VII. Conclusion

In summary:

1. Treatment 1 (commercial paper bag) was weakest overall.

2. Treatment 2 was the strongest and most suitable for load-bearing applications, such as
grocery bags.

3. Treatment 3 excelled in fire resistance and durability, ideal for tough environments and
insulation purposes.

This study demonstrates that eco-friendly paper bags using natural and recycled materials can be a
sustainable alternative to plastics.

VIII. Implications and Recommendations

1. Environmental Impact:

Promotes waste recycling and reduces reliance on plastics.

Supports local industries by utilizing agricultural by-products.

3. Future Applications:

Develop variations of these paper bags for different market needs, including waterproofing solutions or
decorative designs.

IX. Acknowledgments

This research would not have been possible without the support of:

Balligui High School administration and faculty.

My mentors, Mrs. Irene A. Guliquey and Mr. Winston A. Tanglod.

Friends, family, and respondents who contributed time and effort to this study.

X. Closing Statement

Thank you for your attention and consideration. I look forward to your questions and feedback.
Together, let us work towards a greener and more sustainable future.

End of Presentation
Possible Questions and Answers for the Research Defense

General Questions About the Study

1. What motivated you to conduct this study?

The increasing environmental problems caused by paper waste and single-use plastics motivated me to
explore sustainable solutions. This research aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative by repurposing
waste materials like used paper, saluyot mucilage, and coconut coir to produce durable paper bags.

2. What is the primary objective of your research?

The main objective is to develop eco-friendly paper bags using recycled paper, saluyot mucilage, and
coconut coir as raw materials. It also aims to test their strength, absorption, fire resistance, and
durability to determine their potential use as sustainable packaging materials.

3. How does your study contribute to environmental conservation?

This study promotes the reuse of waste materials, reduces paper waste in landfills, and provides an
alternative to plastic bags. It also encourages sustainable practices by utilizing natural and biodegradable
resources like coconut coir and saluyot.
Methodology Questions

4. Why did you choose saluyot and coconut coir as raw materials?

Saluyot was chosen for its natural mucilage, which acts as a strong adhesive, and coconut coir for its
high cellulose and lignin content, which provides strength and durability. Both materials are abundant,
renewable, and eco-friendly, making them ideal for sustainable production.

5. How were the materials prepared before processing?

Used paper was soaked, shredded, and blended to form a pulp. Saluyot leaves were boiled to extract
mucilage, and coconut coir was softened through boiling and blended into a liquid. These were
combined in different treatments to test the paper bag’s properties.

6. What methods did you use to test the quality of the paper bags?

We evaluated the paper bags based on:

Absorption Capacity: Measured how much water the bag retained after soaking for 30 minutes.

Fire Resistance: Recorded the time it took to catch fire using an alcohol lamp.
Durability (Tear Strength): Tested by adding weights until the sheet tore.

Tensile Strength: Measured load-bearing capacity by adding weights vertically until the sheet broke.

Results and Discussion Questions

7. Which treatment performed best in terms of durability and tensile strength?

Treatment 2 (pulp paper + saluyot mucilage + liquid coir) performed best in tensile strength (1917.5 g),
while Treatment 3 (with fiber) excelled in durability (4203 g) and fire resistance (8 sec).

8. What does the ANOVA test result indicate?

The ANOVA test showed a significant difference (P-value = 0.019) among the treatments, proving that
variations in composition had measurable effects on the properties of the paper sheets.

9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each treatment?

Treatment 1 (Commercial paper): High absorption capacity but low fire resistance and durability.
Treatment 2: Strong tensile strength and balanced performance but slightly weaker in water absorption.

Treatment 3: Excellent fire resistance and durability but moderate tensile strength and absorption.

Sustainability and Practical Applications

10. How can this innovation help address environmental issues?

By recycling used paper and agricultural waste, this project reduces landfill contributions and promotes
eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. It also offers communities a sustainable livelihood by utilizing locally
available materials.

11. What are the potential markets or applications for this product?

The eco-friendly paper bags can be used in groceries, packaging industries, retail shops, and eco-tourism
activities. Their fire-resistant and durable qualities also make them suitable for storing sensitive
materials or documents.

12. How cost-effective is your product compared to commercial paper bags?

Challenges and Improvements

13. What challenges did you encounter during the study?

One challenge was achieving the right consistency for the pulp mixture to ensure durability. Another
was optimizing the drying process, as environmental factors affected the drying time.

14. What improvements can be made to this innovation?

Future studies could test different proportions of materials or integrate other natural fibers for added
strength. Adding water-repellent coatings or dyes for aesthetic appeal could also enhance the product’s
marketability.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The study concludes that recycled paper combined with saluyot mucilage and coconut coir can create
eco-friendly paper bags with varying levels of strength, durability, and fire resistance, making them
viable alternatives to commercial paper bags.

16. What recommendations can you give for further research?

Future research could explore large-scale production methods, test biodegradability rates, and evaluate
cost-effectiveness further. Researchers could also investigate adding antibacterial properties or
waterproof coatings for broader applications.

Final Questions

17. How does this research support the SDGs?

This study supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting recycling and
waste reduction. It also aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing plastic usage and SDG 15 (Life
on Land) by conserving resources through sustainable practices.

18. How can this project benefit local communities?

These sample questions and answers can help the researcher prepare confidently for the defense.