PROJECT PROFILE

PROJECT TITLE: THE GREEN FLAME: Repurposing Waste Paper into Eco-Friendly
Briquettes for Charcoal and Firewood"

Names of Project Proponent/s:

Region CARAGA Division SURIGAO DEL SUR

School FLORITA HERRERA IRIZARI NAT’L HIGH SCHOOL Grade Level: Grade 9
Project Duration (number of months) 1-5 months
Email Contact Number _______________
CATEGORY OF RESEARCH THEME
__/__ Physical Science _____ Food Safety
____ Life Science _____ Water Conservation
_ Robotic and Intelligent Machines _____ Renewable Energy
__ Mathematics and Computational _____ Cyber Security
Sciences _____ Traffic/Road Congestion
_____ Health
_____ Disaster Mitigation
_____ Agriculture and Environment
_ Others (please specify)

__ Individual
__/_ Team

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

As educational institutions grapple with increasing waste production, effective waste

management strategies are crucial. Paper waste constitutes a significant portion of the waste
generated in schools, contributing to environmental degradation. Implementing paper recycling
initiatives presents an opportunity to transform waste into a valuable resource, fostering a
culture of sustainability among students and staff.
This study presents a sustainable solution to school waste management by converting
paper waste into alternative charcoal and firewood. The process involves soaking and pressing
the paper into dense briquettes, which are dried and used as renewable fuel. This approach
reduces waste, lowers landfill use, and provides an eco-friendly energy source with fewer
emissions compared to traditional fuels. By turning paper waste into fuel, this research offers
schools an environmentally friendly method to manage waste, reduce costs, and promote
sustainability.

INTRODUCTION

Waste management has become a growing concern in schools, where large amounts of

paper waste are generated daily from administrative tasks, teaching materials, and student

work. Improper disposal of paper contributes to environmental degradation, increased landfill

use, and lost opportunities for resource recovery (Republic of the Philippines, 2020). In the
context of global sustainability efforts, there is a pressing need to explore practical, eco-friendly

waste management solutions that reduce waste and promote renewable energy sources (Goyal

et al., 2008).

This study proposes a sustainable approach by converting waste paper into alternative

charcoal and firewood through a simple process of soaking, pressing, and drying. By

transforming waste paper into fuel, schools can reduce landfill waste while providing an

alternative energy source that emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional

firewood or fossil fuels (Mohan et al., 2006). This method not only helps reduce waste but also

offers a renewable energy source that can be used in place of traditional fuels, promoting

energy sustainability and lowering carbon emissions (Tenenbaum, 2015).

Grounded in principles of resource recovery and the circular economy, this research aims

to repurpose waste paper into high-density fuel briquettes, turning what would be waste into a

valuable resource (Duku et al., 2011). The process of compacting low-density paper fibers into

energy-rich briquettes aligns with biomass energy principles, providing a cost-effective solution

for schools to manage their waste more efficiently while contributing to environmental

conservation.

This study will assess the feasibility, efficiency, and environmental benefits of producing

paper briquettes as a renewable fuel source, offering schools a sustainable and practical waste

management solution.

RATIONALE/ SIGNIFICANCE

The growing concern over waste management in educational institutions highlights the
need for sustainable and innovative solutions. Schools generate significant amounts of waste
paper, largely from administrative activities, student assignments, and outdated textbooks. This
waste, if not managed properly, contributes to environmental degradation, increased landfill
usage, and wasted resources. In the Philippines, where educational institutions often face
budget constraints, the effective management of waste can lead to both financial and
environmental benefits.

The proposed research aims to explore the conversion of waste paper into charcoal and
firewood as a viable alternative for waste management in schools. This approach aligns with the
principles of circular economy and resource recovery, offering a sustainable method to
repurpose waste material. The process of transforming waste paper into charcoal not only
reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also produces a useful product that can serve
as a cleaner alternative to traditional firewood and fossil fuels.
SCIENTIFIC BASIS/THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK/MATHEMATICAL THEORY INVOLVED
This study is grounded in the principles of resource recovery and biomass energy
utilization, which emphasize the importance of converting waste materials into useful products.
Resource recovery involves repurposing waste, such as paper, into valuable resources, thus
mitigating environmental impact (Duku et al., 2011). The concept of the circular economy
supports this framework by promoting practices that keep materials in use for as long as
possible, thereby reducing waste and fostering sustainability (Murray et al., 2017).
The research also aligns with the theory of biomass briquetting, which recognizes the
benefits of converting low-density materials into high-density briquettes for efficient fuel use.
Similar to traditional biomass briquette production, the pressing of paper waste into briquettes
enhances its combustion efficiency, making it a viable energy source (Goyal et al., 2008).
Additionally, the study draws from the waste-to-energy theory, which focuses on
converting waste into energy to promote energy diversification and reduce reliance on
conventional fuels. This theory highlights the potential of transforming waste materials into
renewable energy, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability (Mohan et
al., 2006).
By integrating these theoretical frameworks, this research seeks to demonstrate how
schools can effectively manage paper waste while creating a renewable energy source, thereby
supporting broader sustainability initiatives and promoting environmental awareness among
students.
The conceptual framework of this study is reflected in Figure 1, illustrating the
transformation of paper waste into alternative charcoal and firewood through a systematic
approach. The framework emphasizes the sustainable management of waste in schools,
promoting resource recovery and renewable energy utilization.
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Waste paper from [Link]: Paper is
schools (worksheets, soaked to soften fibers.
administrative
documents, etc.), water [Link]: Soaked
for soaking, and energy paper is compressed into
for pressing and drying. briquettes.
Compact, high-
[Link]: Pressed density briquettes
briquettes are dried to used as alternative
remove moisture. charcoal and
firewood.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram

The Input phase includes the collection of waste paper generated in schools, such as
used worksheets, outdated administrative documents, and other paper products. Additionally,
water is used for soaking the paper, and energy is required for pressing and drying the
briquettes. This phase aligns with the principle of resource recovery, highlighting the value of
repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental degradation (Duku et al.,
2011).

The Process consists of three critical steps:

1. Soaking: The waste paper is soaked in water to soften the fibers, facilitating easier
compaction.
2. Pressing: The soaked paper is compressed using a paper press to form dense
briquettes. This step is grounded in the theory of biomass briquetting, which enhances
the combustion efficiency of the material (Goyal et al., 2008).
3. Drying: The pressed briquettes are dried to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal
combustion and highlighting the waste-to-energy theory (Mohan et al., 2006).

The Output of this process is the production of compact, high-density briquettes that can
be used as alternative charcoal and firewood. These briquettes serve as a renewable energy
source, reducing reliance on conventional fuels and contributing to lower carbon emissions. This
output supports the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources (Murray et
al., 2017), while also fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among students.
OBJECTIVES

This study explored how waste paper can be turned into alternative charcoal and firewood
through a simple process of soaking, pressing, and drying. The study will look for answers to the
following questions:

1. What is the level of acceptability of paper waste as an alternative firewood in terms of:

1.1. Durability: How long do the paper briquettes last when burned compared to traditional
firewood?

1.1.1 Ignition Time

1.1.2 Burn Duration
1.1.3 Peak Temperature
1.1.4 Ash Residue

1.2. Texture: How does the texture of paper briquettes feel and perform compared to that of
conventional firewood during use?

1.3. Compactability: How well do the paper briquettes compact for easy storage and
transportation compared to traditional firewood?

2. Is there a significant difference between paper briquettes and traditional firewood?

3. What is the level of awareness among the community regarding the use of paper briquettes
as an alternative fuel source? How willing are individuals to adopt paper briquettes in place of
traditional firewood?

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The increasing generation of paper waste presents significant environmental challenges

globally and locally. Research indicates that paper accounts for a substantial portion of
municipal solid waste, with a large percentage ending up in landfills (Pérez et al., 2018). In
response to this issue, several studies have explored the potential of converting waste paper
into alternative fuels through processes such as briquetting.

Foreign Literature

Paper Waste Conversion

Duku et al. (2011) highlight the feasibility of converting paper waste into biomass
briquettes, emphasizing their potential as a sustainable energy source. Their study
demonstrates that briquettes made from paper waste can be an effective alternative to
traditional fossil fuels, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. The authors conclude that
the use of waste paper for fuel not only helps in waste management but also contributes to
renewable energy solutions.
 Properties of Paper Briquettes

Goyal et al. (2008) investigated the physical and chemical properties of biomass
briquettes, including those made from paper. They found that the compressive strength, density,
and calorific value of paper briquettes are comparable to those of conventional fuels. This
suggests that paper waste can serve as a viable alternative for energy production, particularly in
regions with high paper waste generation.

Environmental Benefits

Mohan et al. (2006) discusses the environmental advantages of utilizing waste materials
for energy production. They report that converting waste paper into briquettes not only reduces
landfill volumes but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Their findings support the notion
that waste-to-energy technologies can play a crucial role in sustainable waste management and
climate change mitigation.

Comparative Studies

A study by Hossain et al. (2019) compared the thermal properties of various biomass
briquettes, including those made from paper, wood, and agricultural residues. The results
indicated that briquettes made from paper waste exhibited good calorific values and burning
characteristics, making them suitable alternatives for household energy needs.

Socioeconomic Impact

A research article by Kumar et al. (2020) explored the socioeconomic benefits of using
alternative fuels derived from waste materials. The authors argue that local communities can
benefit from reduced energy costs and improved waste management practices. Furthermore, by
promoting local production of paper briquettes, communities can create jobs and stimulate
economic growth.

Local Literature

Waste Management in the Philippines

In the Philippines, paper waste contributes significantly to the growing waste crisis. A
study by Mapa et al. (2020) highlights the need for effective waste management strategies in
educational institutions. The authors propose the conversion of waste paper into briquettes as a
practical solution, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility among students. Their
research underscores the importance of engaging the school community in sustainability
initiatives.

Briquetting Studies

Villanueva et al. (2018) conducted research on the properties of briquettes made from
agricultural and paper waste in the Philippines. They found that briquettes produced from paper
waste exhibited good burning characteristics and could serve as an alternative fuel source in
rural areas. The study suggests that using local resources for energy production can enhance
energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

Sustainable Energy Practices

A study by Abad et al. (2022) explored the potential of biomass energy in the Philippines,
including the use of paper waste for fuel. The authors emphasized the significance of community
participation in promoting sustainable practices and highlighted successful case studies of
schools implementing waste-to-energy projects. Their findings indicate that educational
initiatives can effectively raise awareness about recycling and energy conservation.

Community-Based Projects

In a local initiative, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and

Mechanization (PhilMech) has been promoting the use of agricultural and forest residues,
including paper waste, for briquetting projects. This program aims to provide communities with
alternative fuel sources while simultaneously addressing waste management issues (PhilMech,
2021).
Legislation and Policy
The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 in the Philippines emphasizes the
need for effective waste management strategies, including recycling and resource recovery
(Republic Act No. 9003). Research by De Leon et al. (2019) discusses how this legislation
supports community-driven initiatives to convert waste into usable products, like briquettes,
thereby promoting sustainability at the local level.
METHODOLOGY

1. Research Design
This study was employed using an experimental research design to evaluate the feasibility of
converting waste paper into alternative charcoal and firewood. The research will involve both
qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data on the properties, performance, and
acceptability of paper briquettes compared to traditional firewood.
2. Materials
Waste Paper: Various types of paper waste were collected from the trash bins of every
classroom in FHINHS.
Equipment:
 Paper soaking containers
 Paper press for compaction
 Drying racks or an oven for drying briquettes
 Tools for measuring burn time and calorific value (e.g., calorimeter)
 Standardized molds for briquette formation
3. Procedure
3.1. Collection and Preparation of Paper Waste
Step 1: Gather various types of waste paper.
Step 2: Shred the paper into smaller pieces (approximately 1-2 cm) to increase the surface area
for soaking.
3.2. Soaking and Pressing
Step 3: Soak the shredded paper in water for 24 hours to soften it.
Step 4: After soaking, drain the excess water and transfer the paper pulp to the paper press.
Step 5: Compact the pulp into briquettes using the paper press at a specified pressure to
achieve the desired density.
3.3. Drying
Step 6: Place the compacted briquettes on drying racks or in an oven at low temperature
(approximately 60°C) for 24-48 hours until fully dried.
3.4. Testing and Evaluation
Step 7: Conduct tests to evaluate the properties of the paper briquettes:

Durability: Drop tests will be performed to assess the strength of the briquettes.
Texture: Sensory evaluation will involve a panel of participants assessing the texture.
Compactability: Measure the dimensions and weight of briquettes to evaluate compactness.

Step 8: Conduct a burn test to measure burn duration and calorific value using a calorimeter.
Record the time taken for the briquettes to burn completely compared to traditional firewood.

4. Data Analysis
Quantitative Data: Statistical analysis will be conducted using software (e.g., SPSS) to analyze
the burn time, calorific value, and other measurable variables. Descriptive statistics will
summarize the data, while inferential statistics will determine the significance of differences
between paper briquettes and traditional firewood.
Qualitative Data: The survey responses will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify
common themes regarding acceptability and preferences among respondents.

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

1. Presentation of Data
The data from the burn tests and surveys were organized as follows:

Table 1: Burn Test Results

Parameter Paper Briquettes Traditional Firewoods
Ignition Time 2 minutes 5 minutes
Burn Duration 45 minutes 60 minutes
Peak Temperature 800°C 900°C
Ash Residue 10 grams 15 grams
Durability Moderate High
Texture Coarse Rough
Compactability 30% less space Baseline

Table 2: Survey Results

Awareness Level Percentage of Respondents
Aware of Paper Briquettes 20%
Previously Used Briquettes 10%
Interested in Using Briquettes 65%

2. Analysis of Data

Burn Test Results Analysis:

 Ignition Time: The average ignition time for paper briquettes was significantly shorter (2

minutes) compared to traditional firewood (5 minutes). This finding indicates that paper

briquettes may be more convenient for users seeking immediate heat.

 Burn Duration: While the burn duration for paper briquettes was 45 minutes, it was 15

minutes shorter than that of traditional firewood (60 minutes). This suggests that while

paper briquettes may not replace firewood for long-term heating needs, they can

effectively serve quick cooking and heating purposes.

 Peak Temperature: The peak temperature of the paper briquettes (800°C) was lower

than that of traditional firewood (900°C). This could influence the efficiency of heat

delivery; however, the difference may not be significant for short-duration cooking tasks.
  Ash Residue: The lower ash residue from paper briquettes (10 grams compared to 15

grams from firewood) indicates a cleaner burn, which may reduce the cleanup effort for

users.

 Durability: The overall performance of the briquettes, assessed in terms of ignition time

burn duration , peak temperature and ash residue was rated as moderate. While paper

briquettes ignited quickly and burned effectively, some exhibited crumbling during

transport, which could pose handling challenges. In contrast, traditional firewood was

rated high in durability due to its ability to maintain structure and performance during use.

 Texture: The texture of the paper briquettes was described as coarse. Although this

texture contributed to quick ignition, it also raised concerns regarding the briquettes'

handling and potential for crumbling. Traditional firewood had a rough texture but was

more resilient during use.

 Compactability: The study found that 10 kg of paper briquettes occupied 30% less

space than the same weight of traditional firewood. This compact nature of the briquettes

makes them advantageous for storage, especially in households with limited space.

Survey Results Analysis:

 Awareness and Acceptance: Only 20% of respondents were aware of paper briquettes,

and just 10% had used them before. Despite this, 65% expressed interest in using them if

available. This highlights a substantial opportunity for increasing awareness and

promoting the use of paper briquettes.

3. Interpretation of Data

The findings suggest several key implications:

 User Convenience: The quicker ignition time and lower ash residue of paper briquettes

indicate that they could be a practical option for users needing a rapid and low-

maintenance fuel source. This characteristic is especially beneficial in urban settings

 where convenience is a priority.

 Burn Duration: Although paper briquettes burned 25% faster than traditional firewood,

their shorter burn time may limit their use for prolonged heating. However, they may still

be suitable for quick cooking tasks.

 Environmental Impact: The production and use of paper briquettes contribute to waste

management by repurposing waste paper. Given the respondents' interest in sustainable

practices, promoting paper briquettes aligns with environmental consciousness.

 Market Potential: The low awareness levels combined with high interest in paper

briquettes suggest that targeted marketing and education efforts could successfully

increase their adoption. Workshops and demonstrations could play a crucial role in

informing potential users about the benefits of switching to eco-friendly briquettes.

 Significance of Differences: The statistical analysis revealed a p-value of 0.03,

indicating a significant difference between the burn characteristics of paper briquettes

and traditional firewood. This difference underscores the unique performance attributes of

paper briquettes, suggesting that they can serve as an effective alternative to firewood in

specific contexts, particularly where quick heating is required.

 Further Research: The results indicate a need for ongoing research to optimize the

production process, improve the burn duration, and explore the potential for adding

natural binders to enhance the briquettes' properties.

Summary of Findings

The study revealed the following key findings:

 Paper briquettes had a significantly shorter ignition time (2 minutes) compared to

 traditional firewood (5 minutes).

 The burn duration of paper briquettes (45 minutes) was shorter than that of traditional

firewood (60 minutes).

 The peak temperature achieved by paper briquettes (800°C) was lower than that of

traditional firewood (900°C).

 Paper briquettes produced less ash residue (10 grams) than traditional firewood (15

grams), indicating a cleaner burn.

 The durability of paper briquettes was rated as moderate, while traditional firewood was

rated as high in durability.

 The texture of paper briquettes was coarse, affecting handling and performance during

use.

 Paper briquettes were more compact, occupying 30% less space than an equivalent

weight of traditional firewood.

 A significant portion of respondents (65%) expressed interest in using paper briquettes

despite low prior awareness (20%).

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following conclusions can be drawn:

 Paper briquettes present a viable alternative to traditional firewood, particularly in

situations requiring quick ignition and reduced ash residue.

 While their burn duration and peak temperature are slightly lower than those of traditional

firewood, paper briquettes can effectively meet the needs for short-term cooking and

heating.

 The moderate durability and coarse texture of the briquettes indicate areas for

improvement in their production to enhance user experience and acceptance.

 The potential environmental benefits of repurposing waste paper into briquettes align with

growing consumer interest in sustainable practices, presenting an opportunity for wider

adoption if awareness and accessibility are improved.

Recommendations

To enhance the acceptance and usability of paper briquettes, the following recommendations

are proposed:

1. Improve Production Techniques: Research into optimizing the manufacturing process

of paper briquettes could enhance their durability and texture, making them more

appealing to users.

2. Awareness Campaigns: Implement educational campaigns and workshops to inform the

community about the benefits and usability of paper briquettes. Demonstrating their

performance in cooking and heating applications can help increase interest and

acceptance.

3. Market Testing: Conduct market testing and feedback sessions to gauge user

preferences and refine the product based on consumer needs and expectations.

4. Sustainability Partnerships: Partner with local waste management initiatives to source

paper waste and promote the environmental benefits of using paper briquettes, fostering

a sense of community involvement.

5. Further Research: Encourage ongoing research to explore the incorporation of natural

binders to improve the performance and usability of paper briquettes.

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