MUSA BALBISIANA STEM FIBER; ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS

AN ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL IN MAKING PAPER BAGS

A Research Study Presented to

the faculty of
Senior High School
MALANDAG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements in
Practical Research II

Submitted by:

Cathy P. Mosne
Aprillyn E. Dolor
Ladie Jane C. Serilo
Angel Lei I. Montenid
Kaye Merthelle V. Laput
Jan Laurence A. Solamo

JANUARY 2023
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents...............................................................................i

List Of Tables....................................................................................ii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Background of the study.....................................................................

2

Statement of the
Problem....................................................................3

Scope and
delimitation........................................................................4

Significance of the
study......................................................................5

CHAPTER II

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature and

Studies............................................................7

Hypothesis..........................................................................................8

Conceptual framework........................................................................9

Definition of Terms............................................................................10

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design..............................................................................11

Research Materials...........................................................................12

Data Gathering Procedure................................................................13

Statistical Treatment.........................................................................14

References.......................................................................................15
 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Background of The Study

The world gradually feels suffocated. Its temperature

continues to increase, that’s simply because of pollution and we humans
are obligated to help our mother nature heal, for us to live with serenity.
Every day almost 48 million plastic bags are used throughout the
Philippines, adding up to more than 17 billion years. Though there are 3r’s
systems and different activities to eliminate plastic, it is still not enough to
counter this plastic waste, according to Phy.org (2019).

Musa balbasiana and biodegradable could help us lessen

water and land pollution. This study aims to prove that through banana stem
the researcher can create a paper bag plus its formulation is child friendly.
Banana stem fiber is one of the best ways in reducing water and land
pollution, has no negative impact on our health as well. This will maintain
the environment healthy. Its fiber is durable as polyester and will
decompose for at least 2-3 days. Paper bags are not only recyclable
material that would be going to waste, but they also eliminate the need for
single-use plastic bags that have proven harmful to the environment. It
takes centuries for plastic bags to break down in nature, burning those
releases poisonous chemicals, and in the ocean, trash harms several
species. That is why the researchers come up with the idea of their bags
because these are the best alternatives to plastic bags.
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to measure the effectiveness of banana stems in

making a paper bag. Furthermore, this research aims to address the gap of
knowledge which are the following:

1. Is the banana stem effective as the main ingredient in making paper

bags?
2. What is the maximum weight that the paper bag can hold?
3. Is there any significant difference between the result of the control
group and the experiment group?

Scope and Delimitation

The research is limited and focuses on the use of ‘’Banana stem as

an alternative material in making a paper bag with the help of (NaCl)
Sodium hydroxide. The researcher of the study ensures that there are no
other materials except for the two mentioned above to set boundaries.

Significance of the study

This study will be of great significance to various institutions,
organizations, and future researchers. Moreover, this research is of great
benefit to farmers, the environment, and future researchers.

Farmers. It can generate income for them, without investing any money.

Environment. Helps us refrain from using plastic bags and for that, we can
lessen land and water pollution.

Future Researchers. They can get credible data that could guide them in
doing their future research.
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents our review of related literature and

studies which were relevant to the present study. It also includes
the Hypotheses and Conceptual framework.

According to Ganan et al (2004), a technology turning banana

waste into paper is gearing up to go commercial. And it has several
distinct market advantages a commercially viable cost structure,
superior product, and positive environmental benefits. While the
study of Thykeson (1995), stressed that the total cost of
manufacturing banana paper is as high as Rs 200 per kg, a
manufacturer often has a profit margin of Rs 200-220 per kg, with
handmade paper selling at Rs 400-420 per kg. And the study of
Lam et al (2001), banana paper-making seems to be the only
avenue for utilizing sustainable resources most appropriately. If all
the banana plants were harvested and their fiber extracted from the
trunk, around 2.1 lakh tonnes of the fiber would be available per
annum, yielding 1,65 lakh tonnes of handmade paper.

The underutilized renewable food biomass of banana products

has enormous promise. Based on Tin. H.S.et.at, (2004), in Journal
of Food Sciences and Technology. The banana (Musaceae), one of
the most significant fruit crops in the world, is widely grown in
tropical regions for the food sector. Its massive by-products, which
are made from recycled agricultural waste, are a great source of
extremely important raw materials for other sectors. This avoids an
eventual loss of a vast amount of untapped biomass and
environmental problems. This article goes into great detail about
how banana by-products such as peels, leaves, pseudostems,
stalks, and inflorescence are now being used in a variety of food
and non-food applications as thickeners, coloring agents, and
flavoring agents.

In the study of Uraiwan. P., (2009) in Environmental

Engineering Association of Thailand Proceedings one of the
rhizomatous plants, bananas are now produced in 129 nations
worldwide. It is the fourth-most significant food crop in the world.
Banana tree parts are used for a variety of purposes, from food to
paper pulp, from fruits to leaves to stems. The oldest records of the
usage of the banana stem as a source of fiber date back to the 13 th
century. However, it lost some of its appeals as cotton and silk and
other practical fibers were widely accessible. New fibers were
created as the fiber industry advanced to boost production
efficiency to better meet consumer demand, including the creation
of synthetic fibers. Banana by-products: under-utilized renewable
food biomass with great potential Birdie Scott Padam, Hoe Seng
Tin, Fook Yee Chye, Mohd Ismail Abdullah Journal of Food science
and technology 51, 3527-3545, 2014 Banana (Musaceae) is one of
the world’s most important fruit crops that is widely cultivated in
tropical countries for its valuable application in the food industry. Its
enormous by-products are an excellent source of highly valuable
raw materials for other industries by recycling agricultural waste.
This prevents the ultimate loss of a huge amount of untapped
biomass and environmental issues. This review discusses
extensively the breakthrough in the utilization of banana by-
products such as peels, leaves, pseudostem, stalk, and
inflorescences in various food and non-food applications serving as
a thickening agent, coloring and flavor, alternative sources for
macro and micronutrients, nutraceuticals, livestock feed, natural
fibers, and sources of natural bioactive compounds and bio-
fertilizers. Future prProspectslenges are the important key factors
discussed in association with the sustainability and feasibility of
utilizing these by-products. All available by-products must be turned
into highly commercial outputs to sustain this renewable resource
and provide additional income to small scan small-scale industries
without compromising their qualitheirand safety in competing with
other commercial products.

According to Prechtl (2013), the Pseudo stem and peduncle

are the majosourcesce of five bananasbananaa. These fibers can
be used as raw natural for making paper cardboard tea bags, etc.
Poonam and Gupta (1991), also stated that other agricultural
residues such as banana stems possess characteristics theories
suitable for papermaking. Banana stem is an easily available raw
material as a source of making paper pulp for the production of
various types of papers. The process of making pulp is
economically violable. The ligniseparatoror cellulose with the help of
chemical treatment. While a study by McLeod (1995), he stated that
in the production of paper through the bananstatehe em, the kraft
pulp process is preferred. It is the oldest and very famous process
to prepare a pulp. When the paper was manufactured through the
kraft process, the paper obtained was much stronger than any
paper previously manufactured.

Banglajol.info Usefulness of Banana (Musa Paradisiaca)

Wastes in Manufacturing of Bio-products according to Mohiuddin.
A., et.al. (2014) Banana ( Musa Paradisiaca) is one of the most
important gigantic and oldest cultivated fruit crops grown almost
everywhere in Bangladesh. Presently, the banana pseudostem is
hazardous waste in Bangladesh whilst it has been used in several
countries to develop important bio-products such as fiber to make
yarn, fabric, and appear, as well as fertilizer, fish feed, bio-
chemicals, paper, handicrafts, pickles, candy, etc.,c. looking at this
perspective, entrepreneurs in Bangladesh should take this golden
opportunity and do the handful for such kind of business. The land
of our country is suitable for banana production. Its fruits are a
healthy diet demandable in local markets as well as free waste
could be utilized to produce bio-products that will contribute directly
to our national economy. Thus, farmers or entrepreneurs should
cultivate more banana trees in unproductive lands of coastal and
hilly areas for extra income from the useless wastes and ensure an
eco-friendly environment. Women can also be employed in the
production of different bio-products from banana wastes and thus,
they can contribute to their livelihood improvement. In conclusion,
this review on banana waste utilization will be of help to the
farmers, entrepreneurs, planners, scientists as well as the
Bangladesh government to take proper initiatives in the economic
improvement of Bangladesh.

Banglajol.info review of the usefulness of Banana (Musa

paradisiaca) Wastes in Bioproduct Manufacturing. Based on the
study of Ferdoushi. A., et.al. 12 (1) (2014) The banana, Musa
Paradisiaca, is one of the most significant, ancient, and widely
planted fruit crops in Bangladesh. The Banana pseudostem is
currently considered hazardous waste in Bangladesh, despite the
fact it has been in another nation to create significant bio-products
such as fiber used to make yarn, fabric apparel, fertilizer, fish feed,
bio-chemicals, paper, handicrafts, pickles, and candy, among
others. From this angle, Bangladeshi business people should seize
the excellent chance and take the necessary steps to establish this
kind of enterprise. Our nation’s land is excellent for growing
bananas

Banana by-products: an under-utilized renewable food

biomass with great potential, according to Padam. B. S. et.al.
(2014) banana (Musaceae) is one of the world’s most important fruit
crops that is widely cultivated in tropical countries for its valuable
applications in the food industry. Its enormous by-products are an
excellent source of highly valuable raw materials for other industries
by recycling agricultural waste. This prevents the ultimate loss of a
huge amount of untapped biomass and environmental issues. This
review discusses extensive breakthroughs in the utilization of
banana by-products such as peels, leaves, pseudostem, stalk, and
inflorescence in various food and non-food applications serving as
thickening agents, coloring, and flavor, alternative sources for
macro and micronutrients, nutraceuticals, livestock feed, natural
fibers, and sources of natural bioactive compounds and bio-
fertilizers. Prospects and challenges are the important key factors
discussed in association with the sustainability and feasibility of
utilizing these by-products. All available by-products must be turned
into highly commercial outputtotsettlele resources and provide
additional income to small-scale farming industries without
compromising their quality and safety in competing with other
commercial products.

Study on the impact of various packing materials on the shelf

life of banana (Musa Paradisiaca L.) cv., researchgate.net. this
study was carried out to determine the impact of various packaging
materials on the shelf life of bananas (Musa sp. L.) according to
Prasad. R., et.al. (2015). Harichal in many situations. From 2008 to
2009, a laboratory experiment was set up at VIdya-Vihar, Rae-
Bareli Road, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, a school for
Bioscience and Biotechnology, Departmentappliedd Plant Science
(Horticulture), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Wooden boxes, plastic
bags, ply sheets, and open-air served as the packaging materials
and the control. Packaging preserved the thickness, firmness, dry
matter, and consistency of the peel and pulp.

According to Huzaisham. N. A. et.al., (2020). Dried ground

banana peels were then extracted by maceration method and later
were incorporated into thermoplastic starch (TPS) with eight
different concentrations of BP. Experimental tests were conducted
to characterize and evaluate and mechanical and physical
properties of the biodegradable plastic. In terms of density and
porosity, bioplastic of 40 wt.%BP exhibited the highest density and
lowest porosity of 1.136 g/cm3 and 0.097% respectively.
Furthermore, bioplastic of 10 wt%BP withstands the highest tear
resistance up to 66.388 N/mm. in terms of biodegradability, banana
peel-based biodegradable plastic degraded much faster with an
average percentage of weight loss of 65.1% than that of the
commercial biodegradable plastic with only average percentage of
weight loss of 29.5% within the period of eight weeks.

Sharma. P., et.al. (2021) further added that banana fiver is

particularly interesting among these as it is one of the most
consumed fruits globally, producing 115.7 million tons annually in
2018, and is grown in 130 countries, making banana waste
accessible locally methods. Banana plant parts including fruit, fruit
peel, flower buds, leaves, and pseudo-stem (banana trunk) are
used for a variety of industrial applications. The majority of the
banana waste biomass is pseudo-stem which produces high-quality
fiber with potential industrial uses in the production of sanitary pads,
textiles, pulp and paper, food, and reinforced composite materials
for use in aerospace, construction, and vehicles. The banana fiber
was recently used by the Philippine Department of Sciences and
Technology to create masks that can reduce the use of single
plastic. This review describes several fiber extraction techniques,
banana fiber’s biochemical and mechanical characteristics, and
applications.

In the study of Sigh.V., et.al. (2020) as a safer option to

synthetic fibers, natural fibers are being revitalized and employed in
a range of applications. Banana plants have traditionally been a rich
source of fiber used to make fine textiles. Banana fiber fabrics have
the potential to be green clothing with economic success in the
creation of rural job opportunities. Since consumers have become
more conscious of the importance of sustainable products, banana
fibers are being utilized more frequently in clothing, paper, shoes,
handbags, and home furnishings.

A natural and sustainable biosource of environmentally

beneficial applications is banana fiber according to Sharma. P.,
et.al. (2021), Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy
abstract due to their biodegradability, renewability, lightweight
nature, and superior biochemical and strength capabilities, natural
fibers of plant and animal origin have undergone extensive
research over the past 20 years and now gaining relevance over
synthetic counterparts. Natural fibers derived from plants, including
 banana, coir, sisal, jute, kenaf, and many others, have been
investigated for use in industry.

Hypotheses

Null hypothesis:

Musa balbisiana is not effective as the main ingredient in

making a paper bag.

Alternative hypothesis:

Musa balbisiana is effective as the Main Ingredient in making

paper bags.

Conceptual Framework

These are the dependent and independent variables of this

research:

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT

GRAM OF SODIUM VARIABLE

HYDROXIDE MIXED WITH

MUSA BALBISIANA

EXPERIMENTAL GROUP

a. 250g of NaOH for

1kg of banana
psuedostem
b. 500g of NaOH for
2kg of banana
 The element that is dependent
on the results of the
experimental group and control
groups are the paper bag’s
durability, strength,

quality and texture.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Definition of Terms
 These are the following words that the researchers have
encountered during the research process these are conceptually and
operationally defined.

Musa Balbisiana. Conceptually, another variety of bananas is famous in

the Philippines, also known as the caravan. Operationally, the main
ingredient in the making of paper bags.

Biodegradable. Conceptually, refers to the ability of a thing to get

disintegrate (decomposed) by the action of microorganisms such as
bacteria and fungi biological (with or without oxygen) while getting
assimilated into the natural environment. There’s no ecological harm during
the process. Operationally, the capability of organic material to proceed to
the process of decomposition.

Notable. Conceptually, important to deserve attention because of being

very good or interesting. Operationally, used to emphasize how remarkable
something is.

Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate). Conceptually, derived from a

word chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water. It can be melted
and reformed. Operationally, it is a natural chemical that occurs in plants
such as bananas.

Paper Bags. Conceptually, employ an innovative design that recycles

simple materials and can be cheaply and easily assembled. Operationally,
this project provides an alternative to environmentally harmful single-use
plastic bags, along with a business opportunity for the urban poor.

NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide). Conceptually, This chemical compound

consists of sodium Na+ cations and hydroxide OH- anions. Belongs to the
category of inorganic compounds and is usually found in the form of a white
solid at room temperature. Operationally, it is the chemical compound that
will help the Banana stem fiber to become paper.

Formulation. Conceptually, a mixture of ingredients is prepared in a certain

way and used for a specific purpose. Operationally, it is the compound we
mixed with the banana stem for us researchers to create an eco-friendly
bag out of Musa balbisiana For Example, NaHO (Sodium Hydroxide)

Banana Stem Fiber. Conceptually, Also known as Musa fiber is one of the
world’s strongest natural fibers. The pseudo-stem is 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. Operationally, Banana Stem Fiber is the
main ingredient in making paper bags.

Poisonous chemical. Conceptually, toxicity is a measure of the poisoning

strength of chemicals. Chemicals with low toxicity require large closes or
amounts to cause poisoning. Operationally, these are the hazardous
chemicals that the researchers used during the process of disposing of the
waste material.

Durable. Conceptually, staying strong and in good condition over a long

period. Operationally, the strength of the material or substance in a certain
duration.

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
 This Chapter presents the methods used in the conduct of the study.
This includes the research design, research materials, data-gathering
procedure, and statistical treatment

Research design

This research will use a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) is

the simplest design for comparative experiments, as it uses two basic
principles of experimental design: randomized and replication

Research Materials

A. Before

The researcher will prepare the following making the research on the
Banana stem as the main ingredient in making a paper bag:

1. Materials Needed

2. Banana stem

3. Sodium Hydroxide

4. Water

5. Blender/grinder

6. Large Or big frame strainer

B. During
 In the process of making banana stem fiber, the researcher will use
banana stem fiber, sodium hydroxide, water, and a blender. Below is a
step-by-step procedure

Step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: Chop the Banana step into pieces

Step 2: Boil the chopped pieces of banana stem for 15 Minutes.

Step 3: Add 20 ml of sodium hydroxide while boiling

Step 4: After boiling for 15 minutes, strain it and separate the water.

Step 5: Put it in the container filled with water, and use a frame
strainer to separate it.

Step 6: then let the banana stem with NaOH Formula dry

Step 7: Fold the dried banana (paper) To form an eco- Bag

Step 8: Assemble the paper bag with the use of glue

Step 9: Paste each edge and side with glue to strengthen the b

C. After

A. Decompose every waste material such as:

In decomposing banana stem, the researchers will be going to make

it a plant fertilizer.

B. the researchers will neutralize the excess sodium hydroxide by boiling it

with water and burry the boiled water underground.

Process flow
 Diagram

PPrepare Raw Materials

Process the banana stem

Sell and promote it

Assemble into Paper bag
to market

Disposal of waste materials

Statistical Treatment

The gathered data will be presented, analyzed, and interpreted by the

following statistical treatment:

Mean -will be used to determine the maximum time that a paper bag can
hold something and will be used to determine the effectiveness of banana
stem as the main ingredient in making the paper bag.

Independent t-test -which will be used to measure the significant

difference between the control group and experimental group.

To answer research number one, Anova will be used

To answer research problem number two, the mean percentage of different

weights will be used
To answer the significant difference between the result of the control group
and the experimental group, an independent t-test with a p-value of 0.05

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