SCKEZ: THE VIABILITY OF USING COCONUT HUSK (COCOS NUCIFERA),
BANANA PEELS (MUSA SPP.), AND PINEAPPLE LEAVES (ANANAS COMOSUS) AS
A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE PAPER MATERIAL
A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of
Junior High School Department
University of Cebu – Banilad
Cebu City, Philippines
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
RESEARCH 02: Investigatory Project / Capstone
By:
CHRISMON CANE ALCORDO
EADWINE CACAL
ZAYNE ZOIE DE LA PAZ
SARAH HAILEY EBORDA
KENDRICK ZADE SANCHEZ
Related Literature
Waste is a major global issue, and managing it requires a significant fraction of the budget in
every country, which eventually threatens social and economic development. Alternative fiber
sources must be considered to fill the potential deficit of wood fibers to satisfy paper demand
while avoiding environmental issues associated with paper production, such as deforestation.
The raw materials used in paper production are classified into wood, non-wood, and recycled
waste paper. Recently, a high-tech papermaking breakthrough has made non-wood materials
more affordable compared to wood as a raw material for papermaking. Due to their abundance as
a source of low-cost fibers, there is growing interest in employing non-wood raw materials,
particularly agricultural waste, as a sustainable alternative in paper production. This shift not
only addresses the need for cost-effective fibers but also helps reduce environmental impact,
making agricultural waste a promising resource for the future of the paper industry (Lui et al.,
2018).
Furthermore, the use of agricultural waste materials like coconut husks, banana fibers, and
pineapple leaves in paper production offers promising environmental and industrial benefits.
Coconut husks, for example, are rich in lignocellulosic fibers, which provide strong and durable
paper products. Similarly, banana peels contain high cellulose content, which contributes to their
flexibility and tear resistance when used in paper-making. Pineapple leaves, with their long and
sturdy fibers, offer superior tensile strength, making them suitable for specialty papers like
packaging materials. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the unique fiber
structures and chemical compositions of these materials make them viable alternatives to wood
pulp, while also addressing issues related to waste disposal and deforestation (Adejumo &
Adebiyi, 2020).
Overall, incorporating agricultural wastes and residues, such as coconut husks, banana peels,
and pineapple leaves, into paper production provides a viable solution to both reducing waste
and mitigating pollution associated with traditional paper-making processes. These materials
offer an eco-friendly alternative to wood pulp, lessening the strain on forests and helping to
combat deforestation. Beyond environmental preservation, the utilization of these agricultural
by-products in paper production contributes to more sustainable waste management practices,
transforming what would otherwise be discarded into valuable resources. This shift not only
reduces production costs but also decreases the environmental pollution associated with
conventional paper-making. Additionally, the adoption of agricultural waste-based paper aligns
with global efforts to minimize the carbon footprint of industries, promoting a more circular
economy and offering significant environmental benefits (Cabalova et al., 2010).
Related Studies
Many studies have been conducted to find alternative raw materials to wood, specifically
targeting agricultural wastes as alternative resources for the pulp and paper industry due to many
unutilized tons of waste being left and burned. An experiment conducted by Rattanawongkun et
al. (2020) shows that two agricultural wastes—banana stems and pineapple leaves—are suitable
alternative materials for pulp and paper production. For instance, banana stems, which contain
about 55-60% cellulose, demonstrate promising potential as a fiber source, while pineapple
leaves are known for their long fibers, making them ideal for producing strong paper products.
The high cellulose content in these materials after pulping indicates their potential for producing
durable and high-quality paper. The study concludes that the pulps made from these agricultural
wastes fall within the range of typical commercial molded products. Case studies, such as those
conducted by Busmente and Parayno (2006), show that integrating these agricultural residues
into paper production can reduce total paper waste by 25%. However, the success of these
innovations varies, with some regions facing challenges in scaling production due to limitations
in infrastructure and cost efficiency.
Moreover, a study conducted by Jyothibasu, Ravindranath, and Sarma (2015) suggests that
pulping methods significantly impact the quality of coir fibers for paper production. When
examining production techniques, agricultural waste-based paper involves both mechanical and
chemical pulping processes. Mechanical pulping, while less expensive, produces lower-quality
paper, whereas chemical pulping creates higher-quality outputs at a higher cost. Recent
advancements, like enzyme-based pulping, aim to reduce environmental impacts, but initial costs
can be high. The advantages of using agricultural wastes include a significant reduction in raw
material costs and the environmental benefits associated with less wood usage. However, one of
the notable drawbacks is the higher cost of processing non-wood fibers and variations in fiber
quality. Efficiency studies indicate a 30% increase in energy consumption for non-wood
materials, though the long-term advantages of using agricultural wastes for paper production are
significant.
On a global scale, waste management and deforestation remain significant challenges,
particularly in countries like the Philippines, where 47,000 hectares of forests are lost annually to
meet the demand for wood (Busmente & Parayno, 2006). However, using these wastes in paper
production fits the idea of “waste to wealth” and supports Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). By reducing reliance on wood, agricultural waste-based paper supports multiple
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on
Land), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This practice helps reduce the
need for trees, which cuts down on deforestation and lowers carbon emissions. Research shows
that making paper from materials like coconut husks and banana peels not only saves energy and
water but also promotes a circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources. Overall,
integrating agricultural waste into paper production is a smart way to reduce waste and support
eco-friendly practices (Kumari & Rai, 2022).
Conceptual Framework of the Study
REFERENCES
Electronic Sources
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