AN EXMPERIMENTAL RESEARCH: FOOD WASTE BIOPLASTICS AS AN ALTERNATIVE

TO CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC

Perez, Krystel Gem C., Avecilla, Jomarie, Bartolome, Janine Kyla C., Francisco, John Joriz L., Lureca,
Joiemeelyn F., Perez, Jamaica F., and Tañazana, Christian James L. and Ms. Guirao, Renee M.

Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite Senior High School

City of Dasmarinas, Cavite

ABSTRACT

Plastic has many uses and benefits to society and humanity, but it threatens the environment due to its
harmful effects. The problem leads to discovery of bioplastic which in theory, may be used as an alternative to
conventional plastic while having biodegradability as its edge. The study is conducted in Emilio Aguinaldo College
of Cavite during the academic year 2019-2020 and is focused on its main objective - to determine if bioplastics can
be used as an alternative to common plastic. The researchers conducted an experiment which includes different
processes: the extraction of starch from waste of potato and sweet potato, the mixture of chemicals together with
the gathered starch and the production of the bioplastic through utilization of heat. This paper summarizes the
recorded data on the durability and biodegradability rate of bioplastic from the observational checklist created by
the researchers that answers the objectives - Is there a significant difference in the strength of synthetic and
bioplastic? Which of the bioplastics made from food waste decompose faster than conventional plastic? Which of
the food waste bioplastics greatly resemble the characteristics of the conventional plastic or exhibit greater
properties? Further detailed and improved researches about this topic and introduction and production of this
bioplastics to the market are important for the society and the environment.

Keywords: Plastic, Environment, Bioplastic, Alternative, Conventional, Biodegradability, Durability

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Synthetic plastics endure for a lot of years and are made up of non-renewable petroleum which at

the same time releases toxic components that is harmful to the environment and humans. In 2012, the
worldwide production of these plastics reached 288 million tons (Hardcastle, 2014). In relation to this,

Emadian, Onay, and Demirel (2016) stated that because of the nonbiodegradability of regular plastics, it

poses a threat to the biodiversity.

The innovators are continuously looking for solutions in replacing petroleum plastics. The twins

Jeff and Dane Anderson use free resources and organic waste in a simple process of composting and turning

it into biodegradable plastics that are edible for fish and bacteria. Presently, only two percent of the

worldwide plastics are being replaced by bioplastics (Haas, 2019).

Bioplastic is better when it comes to economic benefits, but one that can be compared to

conventional plastic is hard to manufacture. According to Arikan and Ozsoy (2015), bioplastics are more

expensive than the typical plastics. Widespread use of biodegradable plastics will be highly dependent upon

new discoveries of better, stronger, and more efficient alternatives and its manufacturing costs.

Food wastes are readily available and can be an alternative to the nonrenewable petroleum that

nonbiodegradable plastics use. With the development of bioplastics made from food wastes, conventional

plastics can be reduced, thus, learning the effectiveness of these bioplastics is a must.

This paper aimed to identify which type of bioplastics made from food waste could be compared

to conventional plastic. In addition to that, there is a better chance to discover and rediscover bioplastics in

the country.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to know if food waste bioplastics could be an alternative to conventional plastic.

1. Is there a significant difference in the strength of synthetic and bioplastic?

2. Which of the bioplastics made from food waste decompose faster than conventional plastic?

3. Which of the food waste bioplastics greatly resemble the characteristics of the conventional

plastic or exhibit greater properties?

Hypothesis

Alternative Hypothesis

Bioplastics made from food waste could be an alternative to conventional plastic.

Null Hypothesis

Bioplastics made from food waste could not be an alternative to conventional plastic.

Scope and Delimitation

This study was focused on food waste bioplastics and whether they can or cannot be used as an

alternative to conventional bioplastics. It aimed to help reduce the surplus of conventional plastics and its

toxic effects to the environment. The study was conducted in Emilio Aguinaldo College in Dasmariñas,

Cavite during the Academic year of 2019 to 2020. The subject of the experiment was only limited to food

wastes which were used and produced as bioplastics, and later compared to regular plastic.

Significance of the Study

The study could be a huge contribution to the following:

Plastic Producing Companies. These companies could utilize the contents of this research in order

for them to discover and produce more environmental-friendly plastic materials that will be as efficient to

the people in society, and at the same time, helpful to the biodiversity.

Government. The government could utilize the findings of this research to find cost-effective

bioplastics. With its discovery, the production of the conventional non-biodegradable plastics in the country

might be reduced.

Future Researchers. Future researchers could use the contents of this research as their future

references and as a review of related study.

Definition of Terms
 For a reader to have a clear and better understanding of the study, provided are terminologies which

emphasize details tackled in this research:

Bioplastic – are plastic materials made from renewable resources.

Synthetic Plastic – are plastics made from carbon-based materials such as coal, and petroleum.

Petroleum – is a non-renewable resource usually used in making synthetic plastic.

Review of Related Literatures and Studies

Local Literatures

Marine environment is affected by the plastics and it is unhealthy for marine creatures. According

to Abreo (2018), Philippines is one of the top contributors of plastics in marine environment, so building

new ideas about the issue is a huge help for the global community. Insufficient knowledge about the issue

will be a failure to recognize its effects. The idea of research about marine plastic is significant because the

country relies on marine environment.

Synthetic plastics that release toxic chemicals and poison the biodiversity are slowly being replaced

by bioplastics. According to Ducusin (2018), Department of Science and Technology-Industrial

Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has formulated a biodegradable polymer that can

biodegrade faster than petro-chemical based plastics. Its drawback, however, is that its quality is inferior to

conventional plastic, it cannot replace all plastics, especially single-use ones, and it is more costly.

Foreign Literatures

Keil (2016) has defined bioplastics as flexible plastic materials made up of chemical compounds

gathered from or blended by microorganisms, for example, microscopic organisms or by hereditarily altered

plants. In contrast to conventional plastics, which are derived from oil, bioplastics are acquired from

sustainable assets, and they are biodegradable.

 As stated by Grabianowski (2018), cited by Shah, bioplasticsare advantageous because of its

biodegradability, but many bioplastics would not reduce at all if placed in a landfill with other garbage,

however, they would not result in fossil fuel emissions. Bioplastic reduces non-biodegradable waste, which

destroys the environment because they are substances that cannot be decomposed by natural agents.

Local Studies

In a study conducted by Girao, Inciong, Jacinto, Magbuhat, and Sayson (n.d.) about a bioplastic

made from cassava, they found out that within a week, there had been significant changes in the bioplastic

they have buried under the soil, proving it to be biodegradable. The experiment they have conducted proved

that it is possible to create efficient bioplastics from food, specifically cassava, starch.

The outcomes of a study conducted by Ozoa, Batad, Dumagan, and Escartin (2013) demonstrated

that research facility made plastic was better than commercial and oxo-biodegradable plastics with regards

to thickness, but it was the weakest and most warmth – delicate.

Foreign Studies

Given that mass generation of Food Waste (FW) is unavoidable, the ecological weights emerging

from waste transfer ought to be alleviated. Modifications of different FW organizations (e.g., cellulose,

starch, chitin, and caprolactone) for PHA-inferred items were additionally considered. (Tsang et al., 2019)

According to Song, Murphy, Narayan, and Davies (2009), actualizing powerful organic medicines

for the creating scope of biodegradable bioplastics requires the help of clear affirmation and naming plans.

Biodegradable plastics that pass the pertinent compostability wgauges will biodegrade well in industrial

composting systems. Broad open consciousness of bioplastic polymers and viable foundation for stringent

control of confirmation, accumulation, partition and treating the soil will be critical to getting these

advantages in full.
Theoretical Framework

Plastics are materials used every day for different purposes. Its shape can be deformed or changed.

In Flow Theory of Plasticity, it is said that the amount of strain is expressed in amount of stress and the

components in the current state of material. Meaning, the amount of stretched part is equivalent to the

amount of exerted force and depends on the component of the material. (Prager, 2004)

Conceptual Framework

Potato

Food Waste
(Peels) Food Waste Bioplastics Observational Conventional
Experiment (Extraction of
Sweet Potato (Potato and Sweet Potato Checklist Plastic
Starch, Creation of Plastic)
Bioplastic)

Chemicals (Glycerin, Vinegar)

Durability Biodegradability
Test Test

This study utilized the concept map shown above to gain results necessary for the study. The food

wastes (sweet potato and potato peels), together with chemicals (glycerin and vinegar), were used to

perform the experiment that includes the extraction of starch, combining of mixtures, heating, and drying

to produce bioplastic. The produced bioplastics has gone through a series of tests that specifically measured

the durability and biodegradability of the plastics, which were compared to conventional plastic to

determine if there was a bioplastic that could be an alternative to it.

Synthesis

The risk of increasing the damage to our environment by non-biodegradable wastes are getting

higher. According to Abreo (2018), generating new ideas is a great help to address the issue of plastics in

marine environment. Song, Murphy, Narayan, and Davies (2009), highlighted the need to separate plastics

according to their ability to decompose, and DOST-ITD discovered a biodegradable polymer, while and

Girao, Inciong, Jacinto, Magbuhat, and Sayson (n.d.) were able to utilize cassava starch in creating a water-

soluble bioplastic. Keil (2016) stated that bioplastics are plastics made of chemical compounds derived
from microorganisms, instead of petroleum, and this type of plastics will be advantageous, as it reduces the

ever-growing numbers of non-biodegradable wastes (Grabianowski, 2018). Tsang et al. (2019) emphasized

the potential of using food scraps as the alternative material to make plastics. Knowing the effectivity of

bioplastics is needed so that the production of conventional plastic made from petroleum that takes years

to decompose can be reduced. In addition to that, bioplastics can be made from food wastes, which will

also be able to help in minimizing plastic pollution.

 METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Experimental design is an approach to a detailed plan experiments in development so that results

can be objective and reliable, it also discovers the relationship between two variables that is studied and

after finishing an experimental study, the variable being studied is either supported or not. (Babbie, 1998).

The purpose of this experimental study was to explore how different food wastes could be an alternative to

conventional plastics; the components of food wastes could be a material for bioplastics. In this study the

researchers tested the strength of bioplastic from food waste using experimental procedures to determine

which of them resemble the conventional plastics the most.

Sampling Technique

The researchers decided to use Sequential Sampling Technique. According to Kaplan (2014),

Sequential Sampling is originally made to be used in testing the quality of a product and it is also considered

as a non-probability sampling technique. Using this technique in the study, the researchers were able to

verify which among the food wastes is most effective as an alternative to conventional plastics. The number

of food wastes in the study was not fixed because the researchers performed a series of experiment using

different food wastes, then they tested the products to determine if one of them is effective or not. If none

of them is effective, the researcher must not reject the null hypothesis.

Research Locale

The experiment was conducted in Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Chemistry laboratory during

the academic year 2019-2020. The researchers chose the locale as this is the most convenient place to

conduct the study.

Sources of Data

The researchers chose different food wastes such as potato peels and sweet potato peels as test

subjects. The chosen food wastes are known for being starchy, which is the needed quality to produce

bioplastic.

Research Instrument

This study maximized the use of observation type of tests. Marshall and Rossman (1989, p.79),

defined observation as an organized description of happenings, demeanor, and artifacts of a setting, thus

deeming it appropriate for the research conducted. The researchers observed the durability and

biodegradability of the bioplastics produced from food waste and compared it to the quality of the

conventional plastic made from petroleum. The researchers have decided to create their own research

observational checklist.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers went to food eateries to gather food wastes for the experiment, then acquired

chemicals such as vinegar and glycerin which were necessary for producing bioplastics in the laboratory.

The production of bioplastic was divided into two parts, the extraction of starch and the creation of the

actual plastic. To extract the starch, the food waste was placed in a container with water and left for five

minutes; then, the water was decanted from the starch. To make the plastic, a tablespoon of food waste

starch, a teaspoon of vinegar and glycerin, and a quarter of a cup of water were mixed well and placed

under fire. When bubbles appeared on the mixture, it was poured on a flat container to dry for two days.

The researchers devised an observation checklist that tested the endurance and biodegradability of the

plastics. The researchers formulated questions in the observational checklist that tested the quality of the

plastic, specifically the durability and biodegradability, thus making it valid, reliable, and appropriate for

the study. Using those questions, the researchers came up with valid and reliable data from the checklist.
Thereafter, the researchers tested the durability and decomposition of the bioplastic produced in the

laboratory through tests listed in the observation checklist.

Data Analysis

The researchers utilized T-test, specifically the T-test for Two Independent Samples, as a statistical

method to analyze the gathered data. According to Barrot (2017), T-test for two independent samples is

used to examine the differences between the sets of data of two different groups such as the case of control

group and treatment group. The researchers examined the differences among the gathered data of the

subjects such as the food waste bioplastics and conventional plastic, to compare them to each other. The

researchers used the following formula:

𝑥1 − 𝑥2
𝑡=
𝑠2 𝑠2
√ 1+ 2
𝑛1 𝑛2

Where:
𝑥1 = mean of first sample
𝑥2 = mean of second sample
𝑛1 = sample size (i.e., number of observation) of
first sample
𝑛2 = sample size (i.e., number of observation) of
second sample
𝑠12 = standard deviation of first sample
𝑠22 = standard deviation of second sample
 RESULTS

Interpretation of Data

To know if the null hypothesis should be rejected or not, the researchers used t-test, specifically

two-tailed test to determine the answer. The data presented below showcases the results of the gathered

data of the researchers.

Durability Test Question Question Question Mean Variance Standard

1 2 3 Deviation

Sweet Potato 1.67 1 1.67 1.4467 0.0997556 0.311584

Potato 1.33 1 1 1.11 0.0726 0.269444

Conventional Plastic 5 4 4 4.33 0.2962962 0.544331

Biodegradability Test Question Question Question Mean Variance Standard

1 2 3 Deviation
Sweet Potato 1.33 1.67 1 1.33 0.0748222 0.273537

Potato 2 2.33 1.67 2 0.2178 0.46669

Conventional Plastic 1 1 1.33 1.11 0.0242 0.155563

TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF GATHERED DATA.

The researchers calculated the average of every question from the gathered data and solved for the

mean of the question for every type of plastic. The table also shows the variance and standard deviation for

every type of plastic. The researchers used the t-test formula indicated below to get the differences of the

two samples which are the bioplastic and conventional plastic.

DURABILITY: BIOPLASTIC & CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC

Two Mean Standard Number Significa Degree of T-test Critical

Independent Deviation of nce Level Freedom result Value
Sample Sample
−7.97169 ≤ 2.920
Sweet Potato 1.4467 0.311584 3 0.05 2
7702 ≥ −2.920
 Conventional
4.33 0.544331 3
Plastic

Potato Bioplastic 1.11 0.0726 3

−9.19207 ≤ 2.920
0.05 2
Conventional 6884 ≥ −2.920
4.33 0.544331 3
Plastic
TABLE 2. T-TEST RESULT FOR DURABILITY

The table 2 shows the result for the t-test between the samples based in its durability and solved
separately for the result of the two types of bioplastic. Both of the test results are less than the critical value,
it shows that both tests for bioplastics and conventional plastic, in the durability test, have negative
significant differences.

BIODEGRADABILITY: BIOPLASTIC & CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC

Two Mean Standard Number Significa Degree of T-test Critical

Independent Deviation of nce Level Freedom result Value
Sample Sample

Sweet Potato 1.33 0.273537 3

1.229269 ≤ 2.920
0.05 2
Conventional 031 ≥ −2.920
1.11 0.155563 3
Plastic

Potato Bioplastic 2 0.46669 3

3.133599 ≤ 2.920
0.05 2
Conventional 482 ≥ −2.920
1.11 0.155563 3
Plastic
TABLE 3. T-TEST RESULT FOR BIODEGRADABILITY

Table 3 presents the result for the t-test of the biodegradability and every type of bioplastics are

solved separately. The t-test result for both bioplastics compare to conventional plastic are in between of

the critical value which shows that bioplastic and conventional plastic in terms of biodegradability, have

no significant differences.
 3.7

GRAPH 1. FOOD WASTE BIOPLASTIC AND CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC

The chart shows the difference between the results for durability and biodegradability for every

type of bioplastic. These presents that the durability test and biodegradability test for both bioplastics have

huge differences from each other and comparing them separately shows a more accurate difference in

comparing them by criteria. Also, the it shows that each bioplastic t-test result for certain criteria is close

from each other.

 DISCUSSION

Summary of Findings

Surplus of plastic use is alarming, considering the fact that most plastics are non-biodegradable and

release toxic chemicals over time. Bioplastics can be a great alternative for conventional plastics; a study

conducted by Girao, Inciong, Jacinto, Magbuhat, and Sayson (n.d.) proved that it is possible to create

efficient bioplastics from food. Production of bioplastic is a way to reduce plastic pollution. This study

aimed to test the effectiveness of food waste as a component in making bioplastic by comparing it to

conventional plastic.

While utilizing an experimental design, the researchers used sequential sampling for the sources of

data, the food wastes, which were collected from food eateries. To conduct the experiment, the researchers

gathered materials and produced bioplastics manually. Observational checklists with tests formulated by

the researchers were also used, so as to test the durability and biodegradability of the plastics, whose results

were later compared to each other.

The researchers have used t-test for two independent samples, specifically the two-tailed test in

their study. First, they have gathered the average for every observer in each question in the criteria and have

solved for the mean of every type of plastic. They have also solved for the variance and standard deviation

for every type of plastic. Then they have created the table for t-test, which includes the mean, standard

deviation, number of samples, significance level, degree of freedom and the critical value for the rejection

region, to present the results appropriately. Thereafter, they used the formula of the t-test and solved for the

result in determining the significant differences between the two samples, which are bioplastics and

conventional plastic.

After evaluating the quality, the researchers used the t-test formula to gather an accurate data that

they used to come up to a conclusion. With the experiment conducted and data gathered, analyzed, and

computed, the researchers concluded that the bioplastic cannot be an alternative to conventional plastic.
Conclusions

1. Is there a significant difference in the strength of synthetic and bioplastic?

In interpreting T-test results, if the null hypothesis is not rejected, it means that there is no

significant difference between the variables, and if the null hypothesis is rejected, then it means otherwise.

Based on the gathered results, there has been significant difference in the strength of synthetic plastic and

the food waste bioplastic. The null hypothesis is not rejected if t is equal to or greater than -2.920 and equal

to or less than 2.920; the t-test result on the durability of both the potato bioplastic and conventional plastic,

which is equal to −9.192076884, and sweet potato and conventional plastic, that is equal to −7.971697702

showed that it is both less than -2.920, thus the null hypothesis is rejected. There is a significant difference

between the durability of the bioplastics and the conventional plastic, and the t—test result is on the left

tail, signifying that it is a negative difference; meaning, the difference was not in line with the alternative

hypothesis proposed by this study.

2. Which of the bioplastics made from food waste decompose faster than conventional plastic?

The t-test of the sweet potato and conventional plastic’s biodegradability is equal to 1.229269031,

while the potato and conventional plastic’s biodegradability is equal to 3.133599482. The sweet potato

cannot be an alternative to the conventional plastic because according to the t-test results, it falls within the

acceptance region of the null hypothesis, while the potato bioplastic can be an alternative, because it falls

in the rejection region of the null hypothesis.

3. Which of the food waste bioplastics greatly resemble the characteristics of the conventional

plastic or exhibit greater properties?

None of the bioplastics managed to surpass the durability of the conventional plastic, as both were

significantly weaker than the plastic. The sweet potato bioplastic cannot be an alternative to conventional

plastic in terms of biodegradability as it biodegrades at almost the same rate as conventional plastic, while

the potato bioplastic can be an alternative to conventional plastic as it displayed better biodegradation rate.
Recommendations

Accordingly, the researchers recommend the following:

For Plastic Producing Companies. The companies may utilize this study for them to discover and

determine a way of producing an effective eco-friendly plastic which is beneficial for the society and the

environment.

For the Government. The government can utilize the contents of this research and support further

studies that might lead to reduction on the use of the traditional non-biodegradable plastic.

For Future Researchers. This study can be used as a springboard for future researches. This may

serve as their research backbone and be used as a guide for the researchers to come up to a specific objective

of a study. Further study on this case can provide a more solidified data and successful results to fill the

gaps of the researches about this topic.

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