Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III
Schools Division of Nueva Ecija
CABIAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Utilization of Banana (Musa acuminata) Pseudo-stem as a Potential Material

in Paper Bag Production

Sharmaine M. Balingit

Jocelyn T. Suba

Jan Mikaela L. Palomaria

Precious Ellaine C. Samson

Rochelle Antonette D. Bartolome

Joshua Andrei B. Lumanog

Researchers

Mrs. Nelilyn B. Glodo

Research II Adviser

May 2022
 Table of Contents

Title Page …………………………………………………………………………….i

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………….ii

Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………..iii

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………….iv

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

Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………..2

Hypotheses …………………………………………………………………3

Scopes and Delimitation …………………………………………………3

Significance of the Study ………………………………………………..4

Material and Methodology ……………………………………………………….5

Materials …………………………………………………………………….5

Procedure …………………………………………………………………..5

Testing ………………………………………………………………………6

Results and Discussion ………………………………………………………….8

Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………..14

Recommendation ……………………………………………………………......14

ⅱ
Students Profile ……………………………………………………………………15

Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………..16

Appendices …………………………………………………………………………18

ⅱ
 Acknowledgement

The research would never have been a great accomplishment without the

people who had contributed in making this research possible. The researchers

would like to express their deepest gratitude and warm appreciation to the

following:

To their teachers, especially to Ms. Nelilyn Glodo, their adviser on

Research II, for the patience in checking and reviewing the research papers, for

the suggestions for the betterment of this paper, for the priceless knowledge, and

for dedicating herself as the researchers’ adviser. Thank you.

To their beloved parents and friends, who have always been there for

them in terms of financial, physical and moral support. They were the ones who

poured encouragement on them so that they would give their all on this research

paper.

And above all, endless gratitude is extended to the Almighty God, for the

blessings and answered prayers, for always keeping them safe and healthy,

guiding them to overcome all the challenges and hindrances in life, for his

unconditional love, guidance, inspiration, strength, and wisdom, with him, all the

things are possible, to God be all the glory. Thank you so much.

ⅲ
 Abstract

This research aims to produce a high-quality bag made of banana (Musa

acuminata) pseudo-stem, test its durability and compare its characteristics with

the commercially available paper bag. After the process of making the bag made

of banana (M. acuminata) pseudo-stem, its quality was tested in terms of weight

capacity. At the same time, its physical appearance was observed in terms of

texture and thickness. Weight capacity will be tested by gradually increasing the

amount of the rice placed inside the commercially available paper bag and the

bag made of banana (M. acuminata) pseudo-stem by a half kilogram per trial.

The process will determine whether the bag made of banana (M.

acuminata) pseudo-stem can be used as an alternative to the commercially

available paper bags on market. This product is made of banana pseudo-stem

which is considered an agricultural waste because it has no significant economic

value. This will help lessen the waste caused by the pseudostem that goes into

our environment’s rivers and forest.

ⅳ
 Introduction

Musa acuminata, commonly known as banana, belongs to the family of

Musaceae. It is the most fundamental fruit-bearing tree in the world. (Arafat et al,

2018). Banana (musa) is an annual crop that produces one bunch of bananas

per plant. Though banana is mostly consumed in tropical regions, it is also well

known in other parts of the world for their flavorful taste, availability, and nutrition

it provides. (Britannica Encyclopedia, 2020).

If the fruit was produced, its pseudo-stem and everything is considered

agricultural waste, for it is unusable for the next harvest. As expressed in “Bio-

waste the executives: Banana Fiber Usage for Item Advancement” After the

banana is reaped, practically 60% of its biomass including the pseudo-stem will

leave plentiful waste in the biological system streams. (Ranawanaa et al, 2020).

The Philippines produces approximately 2.3 million metric tons of banana

peduncles each year, which are either composted or disposed of (AgriBusiness,

2020).

The pseudo-stem is the trunk-like part of the banana. It is composed of

overlapping leaf sheaths. It has a natural fiber that is mainly composed of thick-

walled cell tissue, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin that making it incredibly

durable. Pseudo-stem fiber is similar to pineapple leaf fiber and other stiff fibers,

but it is slightly more elastic. It is used in making high-quality sanitary products

and papers.

1
 As stated in the study "Pulp Extraction and Paper Production from Banana

Pseudostem and its Characterization", the utilization of pseudo-stem fiber to

produce paper is an efficient factor in reducing biomass in society. It minimizes

deforestation and prevents environmental concerns associated with the paper-

making industry.

Many other studies prove/confirms that pseudo-stem fiber is a great

alternative for wood fibers in papermaking. It is also proven that pseudo-stem-

based paper is stronger and more durable than conventional paper.

This study aims to test if the bag made of banana (Musa acuminata)

pseudo-stem can be used as a paper bag. It is compared to a commercially

available paper bag to identify which is more durable, strong, and cost-effective.

They are going to test the durability of the paper bag available in the market and

the paper bag from the pseudo-stem of the banana. Their goal is to produce a

better-quality product while also contributing to the cleaning and conservation of

the environment.

Statement of the Problem

1. Can the banana pseudo-stem be used as a paper bag?

2. Is there a significant difference between the banana pseudo-stem paper bag

and the commercially paper bag in terms of:

a. durability;

2
 b. affordability; and

c. physical appearance (texture and thickness)?

Hypotheses

1. The bag made of banana pseudo-stem cannot be used as a paper bag.

2. There is no significant difference between bags made of the banana pseudo-

stem and commercially available paper bags in terms of: durability, physical

appearance (thickness and texture), and affordability.

Scopes and Delimitations

This study will use the pseudo-stem of a banana tree to produce a kind of

paper that will be used to make a paper bag that can be used as a shopping

carrier bag and for packaging some consumer goods. The purpose of this study

is to compare the durability of this paper bag made of banana pseudo-stem from

the commercially available paper bag by experimenting with the quality of both

papers in terms of durability, texture, and thickness. This study also contains all

the procedures on how to make the paper bag made of banana pseudo-stem.

However, only limited copies of paper can be produced, because this study does

not use any machinery that is required to produce a good-quality paper in a short

time. The study does not include comparisons of papers made from different

3
varieties of bananas. The study does not also include different varieties of

bananas other than Musa acuminata.

Significance of the Study

The goal of this study is to utilize banana (Musa acuminata) pseudo-stem

as a material to produce a high-quality and durable paper bag. It also aims to

help lessen the amount of agricultural waste that creates a negative impact on

rivers and forests caused by the banana tree that already bore fruit. Nowadays,

most markets implement the use of paper bags instead of plastic bags to reduce

the negative environmental impact of plastics. Paper bags are easy to tear

therefore, the researchers’ decided to create a more durable and high-quality bag

made of banana pseudo-stem.

4
 Methodology

Materials

The things needed in making the paper bag out of banana pseudo-stem

are the following: 21.38kg banana trunks, Butcher’s knife, one (1) wooden

chopping board, a large rectangular basin, 10L tap water, 16-quart pot, two (2)

strainers, 1.5L blender, small basin, 12x6.5 inches silkscreen, four (4) medium

clothes, two (2) dishwashing sponges, glue gun, eight (8) pieces glue sticks,

digital weighing scale, and a laboratory thermometer. Uncooked rice and a

measuring cup will be needed in testing the durability, twelve (12) inches in

length and 6.5 inches in width commercially available paper bag for comparison.

Procedure

Preparation for Banana Pseudo-stem Fiber

The 21.38kg Banana trunk/pseudo-stem is chopped into smaller pieces,

approximately 2 by 1 inch, and washed in running water. After washing, the

chopped pseudo-stem is cooked in water at 100°C for three (3) hours until soft.

Then, the pseudo-stem is removed from the large pan, rinsed with running water,

and transferred to a large container. Afterward, 0.40kg pseudo-stem with 220 mL

water is added to the blender and grinded in 30,000 rpm (revolutions per minute)

for thirty (30) seconds to form a paste-like texture.

5
Paper bag Production

The paste-like fiber of the pseudo-stem is placed in a large rectangular

container filled with water. The fiber is scattered thoroughly until there are no

more clumps. Then it is filtered using a 12x6.5 silkscreen and flattened with a

sponge to remove the excess water. The flattened product is transferred to a

used cloth, dried under the sun for thirty (30) minutes, and air-dried for six (6)

hours. After the papermaking, two (2) glue sticks and a glue gun are used to

construct the paper bag size of twelve (12) inches in length and 6.5 inches in

width.

Testing

Durability Test

They used kilograms of rice as a material to test the durability of the paper

bag made of banana pseudo-stem.

Continuous addition of half a kilogram of rice will be performed every thirty

(30) minutes, then is observed every five (5) minutes if there are changes in the

paper bag to test the durability of both the paper bag made of banana pseudo-

stem and the paper bag available on the market.

Observing the Physical Appearance

6
 The texture of the paper bag made of banana pseudo-stem and

commercially available paper bag was determined using their sense of touch.

The thickness is then measured in millimeters using a caliper.

Testing of Affordability

Comparing the average price of the commercially available paper bag (per

piece) and the cost of the material used in the bag made of banana pseudo-stem

(per piece) will be done to determine which of the two papers is more affordable.

7
 Results and Discussion

In this study, rice was used as a material to compare the bag made of

banana (Musa acuminata) pseudo-stem and the commercially available paper

bag in terms of durability. Weight capacity refers to how much weight a product

can hold. Results were shown below.

Table 1. Weight capacity of the bag made of banana pseudo-stem

Mass of rice 5min 10min 15min 20min 25min 30min Average

mean

1kg 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1.5kg 5 5 5 5 4 3 4.5

2kg 5 5 5 4 3 2 4

Table 1 presents the weight capacity of the bag made of banana pseudo-

stem. It refers to how much weight a product can hold. The results reveal that

throughout a 30-minute period, the bag made of banana pseudo-stem shows

good condition performance for carrying rice weighing 1 kilogram; the bag

8
appears to be undamaged (5). The bag shows a slight reactivity after hanging for

another 25 minutes with 1.5 kilograms of rice in it, classified as 4 (slightly torn)

since it merely crumpled, and after another 5 minutes of observation, it formed

only a small hole (3). Reaching the bag's volume capacity, which is 2 kilograms,

it is again observed hanging for 30 minutes. It began to exhibit signs of damage

in the first 20 minutes (4), and as time progressed, it began to develop small

holes (3), eventually revealing much larger holes (2).

Mass of rice 5min 10min 15min 20min 25min 30min Average

mean

1kg 5 5 5 4 3 2 4

1.5kg 5 5 5 4 3 1 3.83

2kg 5 5 5 4 2 1 3.66

Table 2. Weight capacity of the commercially available paper bag

Table 2 shows the result of the weight capacity testing of the commercially

available paper bag compared to a paper bag made out of banana pseudo-stem

and it reveals that in the first 5 to 15 minutes of all given kilograms, it was still

undamaged (5), but when the time lasted for 20 minutes, the commercially

available paper bag had some damage, which is classified as slightly torn (4).

Compared to the paper bag made of banana pseudo-stem in Table 1, it was only

damaged at 2 kilograms and the 1 and 1.5 kilograms were still in good condition.

The commercially available bag was already damaged at 25 minutes when it was

9
hanging at the weight of 1 and 1.5 kilograms, has larger torn(3), but at 2

kilograms, holes can be seen, so it was identified as 2. The capacity of the

commercially available bag with the contents weighing 1.5 and 2 kilograms was

reached when it was set in 30 minutes, and it was completely damaged and

labeled as 1.

Legend

1 Completely torn, Has large holes

2 Holes can be seen

3 Larger Torn(s), Has small holes

4 Slightly torn

5 Not torn (in good condition)

Statistical Treatment using T-Test

Table 3. T-test on a bag made of banana pseudo-stem vs. commercially

available paper bag in terms of durability

df α t-computed t-critical p-value interpretatio

2 0.05 2.20 2.13 0.04 significant

For these tests, degree of freedom (df) are used to determine if a certain null

hypothesis can be rejected based on the total number of variable and samples

within the experiment. The calculated t value exceeds the critical t value

10
(2.20>2.13) and the alpha is larger than the p-value (0.05>0.04) so the means

significantly differ. Therefore, this shows that the null hypothesis is not true.

Thus, there is a significant difference between the bag made of banana

pseudo-stem and the commercially available paper bag in terms of durability.

Table 4. Comparison on the affordability made of banana pseudo-stem and the

commercially available paper bag

Type of Paper Bag Production Cost per Piece

Bag made of Banana Pseudo- Php 10.00

stem

Commercially Available Paper bag Php 3.00

In terms of affordability, the production cost of the commercially available

paper bag is cheaper than the production cost of the bag made of banana

pseudo-stem by Php 7.00 However, if mass production will be done, it will be

less expensive because the materials used to make the bag will be purchased in

bulk. Since the banana can only bear one (1) bunch of banana per plant, the bag

made of banana (M. acuminata) pseudo-stem can help lessen the agricultural

waste caused by the banana plant.

Statistical Treatment using T-Test

11
Table 5. T-test on the bag made of banana pseudo-stem vs. commercially

available paper bag in terms of affordability

Df α t-computed t-critical p-value interpretatio

4 0.05 2.84 2.13 0.01 significant

For these tests, degree of freedom (df) are used to determine if a certain null

hypothesis can be rejected based on the total number of variables and samples

within the experiment. The calculated t value exceeds the critical t value

(2.84>2.13) and the alpha is larger than the p-value (0.05>0.01) so the means

significantly differ. Therefore, this shows that the null hypothesis is not true.

Thus, there is a significant difference between the bag made of banana

pseudo-stem and the commercially available paper bag in terms of affordability.

Table 6. Comparison of the thickness and texture of the bag made of banana

pseudo-stem and the commercially available paper bag

Type of paper bag Thickness Texture

(millimeters)

Paper bag made of 1mm Fibrous

banana pseudo-stem
Commercially 0.08mm Smooth
available paper bag

12
 In terms of thickness, the width of the paper bag made from banana

(M. acuminata) pseudo-stem is 1 millimeter; the commercially available paper

bag is 0.08 millimeters. Therefore, the paper bag made from banana (M.

acuminata) pseudo-stem is thicker than the commercially available paper bag.

In terms of texture, the surface of the paper bag made of banana

(M. acuminata) pseudo-stem is fibrous; the commercially available paper bag has

a smooth surface.

Size of the Bag made of banana pseudo-stem

16.5cm

30.5cm

11 cm

Fig. 1. Front and side view

14.5cm

9cm

13
 Fig. 2. Bottom view

Conclusion

The trash from the banana fiber extraction operation can be used to make

paper bags, which will help to reduce pollution. The banana pseudo-stem is the

cheapest and readily available raw material as a source for making alternative

paper bags. The primary goal of this research was to determine whether this

byproduct is a great alternative to commercially available paper bags. The

process of making paper bags using banana pseudo-stems is both economical

and viable. The sun is used to dry handmade paper bag. The energy was derived

from nature, and it was profitable from an economic aspect. The durability and

quality of the paper produced in this process were marketable. It is concluded

that paper bags made from banana pseudo-stem are recommended for use

rather than commercially available paper bags because of their durability and

quality.

Recommendations

14
Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following

recommendations were given:

1. Small and flat seeds like chili and petchay seeds can be added to the

paper bag so that they can be planted when the paper bag was disposed of.

2. Further quality testing is recommended such as its water resistance.

3. Add bleaching agents to whiten the paper bag.

Researchers’ Profile

15
 Bibliography

Arafat, K., Nayeem, J., Quadery, A., Quaiyyum, M., & Jahan, M. S. (2018).

Handmade paper from waste banana fibre. Bangladesh Journal of

Scientific and Industrial Research, 53(2), 83–88. Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v53i2.36668

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, October

29). banana. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/plant/banana-plant

Priyadarshana,R.W.I.B., Kaliyadasa, P.E., Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K. &

Senarathna, K.G.C. (2020.) Biowaste Management: Banana Fiber

Utilization for Product Development, Journal of Natural Fibers. Retrieved

from

16
 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/citedby/10.1080/15440478.2020.1776665?

scroll=top&needAccess=true

AgriBusiness (2020, July 15). Banana peduncle turns into valuable products.

Retrieved from https://businessdiary.com.ph/9033/banana-peduncle-

turns-valuable-products/

Taleat, A., Akanfe, F., Gbadamosi, T. (2021, January 01). Pulp Extraction and

paper production from banana pseudostem and its characterization.

Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355381957_Pulp_Extraction_a

nd_paper_production_from_banana_pseudostem_and_its_characterizati

on

17
 Appendices

Appendix A - Data Log Book

APPENDIX 1

SCRATCHES AND PLANNERS

APPENDIX 2

18
 VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Appendix B – Materials and Procedure

Materials

Commercially
Rice Grains Glue Stick Glue Gun
available paper
bag

Cloth Banana Butcher’s Knife Wooden

Pseudostem Chopping
Board

19
 Rectangular Circular
Large Pan Strainer
Container Basin

Silkscreen Tap Water Sponge

Procedure

1. 6 Feet sized banana pseudostem

20
 2. Wash the chopped banana pseudostem

3. Boil the chopped pseudostem

4. Wash the boiled chopped banana pseudostem

21
5. Making the paste mixture using a blender

6. Flattening of the banana pseudostem

22
8. Paper bag making process

23
 9. Testing of the durability

Appendix C – Research Plan

Rationale

Banana paper bags are environmentally friendly bags. The banana trees

produce fruit only once per year, then they are cut down, and that will leave an

abundant waste in the form of leaves and tree trunks. Making the recycled

banana paper bag helps to reduce the waste from banana trunks and lessen the

pollution in the ecosystem's rivers and forests.

The researchers will focus on comparing the durability of banana paper

bags. This research will help reduce natural waste in the environment.

Statement of the Problem

1. Is there a significant difference between the banana pseudostem paper

bag and the commercially available paper bag in terms of:

a. durability; and

b. affordability?

24
 Hypothesis

1. Ho: The paper bag made of banana pseudostem rots fast.

Ha: The paper bag made of banana pseudostem does not rot fast.

2. Ho: There is no significant difference between paper bags made of the

banana pseudostem and commercially available paper bags in terms of:

a. durability; and

b. affordability.

Ha: There is a significant difference between paper bags made of the

banana pseudostem and commercially available paper bags in terms of:

a. durability; and

b. affordability.

Engineering Goals

This study aims to know if the banana pseudostem-based paper bag can

be an alternative to a commercially available paper bag.

Procedure

To make the paper bag out of banana pseudostem. Gather the trunks of

banana trees and remove the outer layer of the trunk. Peel the banana trunk to

part the layers. Smash the pseudostem layers to soften them, then cut them into

small pieces of approximately 2 inches. Put water in a pot then put it on a stove.

Turn on the stove and wait for the water to boil. Once it boils, add the small

pieces of the banana pseudostem and wait until it softens. Next, add the sodium

25
bicarbonate (baking soda) as an alternative for sodium hydroxide to help dissolve

most of the unwanted materials of the banana pseudostem. Once the texture

turns soft, remove the banana pseudostem from the water and drain it using a

strainer then, rinse with running water. Next, put the banana pseudostem in the

blender to turn the texture paste-like. Once the paste-like texture is achieved

remove it from the blender and put it in a small container. Place the paste-like

banana pseudostem in a large container with water then scatter until there are no

more clumps. Filter the water using a screen then use a sponge to flatten and

absorb the water. Transfer the flattened product to a cloth and let it dry in the

sun. Make a bag out of the banana pseudostem-based paper product.

Put rice in the paper bag made of the banana pseudostem and

commercially available paper bag until one of them breaks to test its durability.

Risk and Safety

When collecting, cutting the trunk of a banana tree/pseudostem, ask an

adult to supervise/assist you in cutting the banana tree. Before participating in

the activity, use appropriate safety equipment. Be careful of the tree's resin. Use

a blender with caution.

Data Analysis

We'll keep adding rice until we figure out which of the two will be damaged

first and which will be the strongest.

26
Appendix D – Curriculum Vitae

Name: Sharmaine M. Balingit

Address: San Vicente, Cabiao, Nueva ecija

Contact no.: 09953537532

Email: balingitsharmaine2810@gmail.com

Education:

June 2019 to present – Cabiao National High School

June 2018 to March 2019 – Victorino Mapa High School

June 2013 to March 2018 – Padre Burgos Elementary School

June 2012 to March 2013 - San Vicente Elementary School

Honors and Awards:

With Honor (Kinder) 8th Honor (Grade 6)

1st Honor (Grade 1) 3rd Honor (Grade 7)

27
1st Honor (Grade 4) With Honor (Grade 8)

6th Honor (Grade 5) With High Honor (Grade 9)

4th place pagsulat ng balitang agham division level (Grade 5)

2nd place pagsulat ng balitang agham division level (Grade 7)

Skills and Interest: Anything related to arts, mathematics, writing stories,

exploring new things

Name: Jocelyn T. Suba

Address: Sta. Ines Cabiao Nueva Ecija

Contact no. : 09654339944

Email: jocelynteesuba@gmail.com

Education:

June 2018 to present - Cabiao National High School

June 2012 to June 2018 - Cabiao Central School

Honors and Awards:

5th Honor (Kinder) With Honor (Grade 5)

6th Honor (Grade 1) With Honor (Grade 6)

8th Honor (Grade 2) With Honor (Grade 7)

7th Honor (Grade 3) With Honor (Grade 8)

With Honor (Grade 4) With Honor (Grade 9)

28
Skills and Interest: Volleyball and Photography

Name: Jan Mikaela L. Palomaria

Address: San Carlos Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Contact no. : 09975112246

Email: mikaplmr@gmail.com

Education:

June 2018 to present - Cabiao National High School

June 2012 to June 18 - Little Child Jesus Christian Academy.

Honors and Awards:

With Honors (Grade 1)

With Honors (Grade 2)

1st Honor (Grade 3)

1st Honor (Grade 4)

3rd Honor (Grade 5)

29
With Honors (Grade 6)

With honors (Grade 7)

With Honors (Grade 8 )

With Honors (Grade 9)

Skills and Interest: Can work under pressure; Reading

Name: Precious Ellaine C. Samson

Address: San Vicente, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Contact no. : 09659003604

Email: preciousellainecambesamson@gmail.com

Education:

June 2018 to present - Cabiao National High School

June 2012 to June 2018 - San Vicente Elementary School

Honors and Awards:

Outstanding (Kinder) With Honors (Grade 7)

3rd Honor (Grade 1) With Honors (Grade 8)

10th Honor (Grade 2) With Honors (Grade 9)

6th Honor (Grade 3)

3rd Honor (Grade 4)

30
3rd Honor (Grade 5)

3rd Honor (Grade 6)

Skills and Interest: Fast Learner and Making Money

Name: Rochelle Antonette D. Bartolome

Address: San Fernando Norte, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Contact no. : 09515904392

Email: rochelleantonette26@gmail.com

Education:

June 2018 to present - Cabiao National High School

June 2012 to June 2018 - San Fernando Norte Elementary School

Honors and Awards:

1st Honor (Kinder) With Honor (Grade 7)

1st Honor (Grade 1) With Honor (Grade 8)

8th Honor (Grade 2) With Honor (Grade 9)

None (Grade 3)

With Honor (Grade 4)

31
With Honor (Grade 5)

With High Honor (Grade 6)

Skills and Interest: Fast Learner and Psychology

Name: Joshua Andrei B. Lumanog

Address: Concepcion, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Contact no. : 09206314136

Email: lumanogjoshuaandreib@gmail.com

Education:

June 2018 to present - Cabiao National High School

June 2012 to June 2018 - Concepcion Elementary School

Honors and Awards:

4th honor (Kinder) With Honors (Grade 7)

2nd honor (Grade 1) With Honors (Grade 8)

3rd honor (Grade 2) With Honors (Grade 9)

3rd honor (Grade 3)

3rd honor (Grade 4)

32
3rd honor (Grade 5)

4th honor (Grade 6)

Skills and Interest: Making Art and Writing; Psychology, Music, Watching Movies,

Reading

33