Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Region IV-A CALABARZON

TERESA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Teresa, Rizal

Junior High School

S.Y 2024-2025

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EGGSHELLS, WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.)

SHELLS AND BANANA (MUSA SAPIENTUM) PEELS AS BIOPLASTIC BAG

Ella Mae V. Ariban

RESEARCHER

September 2024
 A. Research Questions

This research aims to reduce plastic waste in the environment and conserve natural

resources by providing a practical and sustainable solution for the production of

bioplastic bag as an alternative to commercial plastic bags. This approach utilizes

eggshells, walnut shells, and banana peels which are wastes that are no longer in

use. The five major things the researcher would like to focus on investigating in are:

Tensile Strength: To what extent can the bioplastic bag withstand force before

breaking?

Water Resistance: Will the bioplastic bag resist water absorption and maintain its

mechanical properties?

Biodegradability: Will the bioplastic bag decompose in soil when disposed?

Durability: Is the bioplastic bag capable of holding products without breaking and

withstanding tearing?

Cost-effectiveness: Were the materials used in the experiment obtained at a low

cost?

B. Research Aims and Objectives

Overall: Create a biodegradable plastic bag, or bioplastic, that can be an alternative

to commercial plastic bag in order to lessen plastic pollution and at the same time

provide consumers a more sustainable option for carrying their goods.

 To provide an alternative to single-use plastic bags, which are made from

environmentally hazardous chemicals and persist in the environment for

several years, by developing a bioplastic bag that has the same properties as

single-use plastic bag but is more efficient in terms of tensile strength, water

resistance, biodegradability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

 To lessen household waste that is no longer valuable by utilizing it in the

development of a bioplastic bag which can be used by consumers instead of

single-use plastic bag in order to mitigate waste pollution which are the

significant factors of environmental and economic challenges.

Hypothesis

If eggshells, walnut shells, and banana peels exhibit effective performance as

bioplastic bag in terms of tensile strength, water resistance, biodegradability,

durability, and cost-effectiveness, then they can serve as alternative to commercial

plastic bags. They can naturally degrade over time, mitigating the long-term

environmental impact compared to single-use plastic bags. Additionally, the

bioplastic could create opportunities for local businesses and provide an additional

source of income for residents.

 Independent variable: The use of eggshells, walnut shells, and banana peels

as bioplastic bag

 Dependent Variable: The produced bioplastic bag

 Controlled variable: The experimentation

Single-use plastics are derived from petroleum products and release numerous

harmful chemicals, which negatively impact the environment. When these plastics

are ingested by animals, due to improper disposal by individuals, they bring

significant health risks. In contrast, the bioplastic made from eggshells, walnut shells,

and banana peels is designed to decompose naturally over time while retaining

excellent properties for consumers to use in carrying their goods. The research can

contribute positively to the economy through job creation and new business

opportunities, enhance consumer behavior by promoting bioplastic bag, and improve

waste management practices. Furthermore, the bioplastic bag can lower health risks

associated with plastic pollution and contribute positively to both environmental

sustainability and economic development.

Quantity Unit Description Purpose/Uses Cost

10 Pc. Banana Peels – the outer Used to enhance the strength of -

layer of banana fruit. bioplastic due to their high

content in starch. Its organic

composition also makes it

biodegradable.

20 Grams Eggshells – hard exterior Used to increase the stiffness -

covering of an egg and strength of the bioplastic and

make it biodegradable due to its

calcium carbonate content.

50 Grams Walnut Shell Powder – Used to enhance the durability of Php 100

powder derived from shell of bioplastic enabling it to withstand

walnuts. weight and pressure when

holding objects.

50 Milliliters Glycerin - a clear and Used as a plasticizer in bioplastic, Php 50

odorless liquid used in providing elasticity and flexibility

pharmaceutical products. and reducing its tendency to

crack or break.
50 Grams Gelatin - a colorless powder Used as a binder to add structural -

used as a thickening and integrity and stiffness to the

stabilizing agent in food bioplastic in order to improve its

products. durability and resistance to

stress.

1 Pc. Super Glue – an adhesive Used to attach the bioplastic -

used for bonding materials sheets together to form a bag.

together permanently.

1 Pc. Cooking Pot – a kitchen Used in the experimentation, -

utensil used for cooking where the raw materials are

food. combined and heated to create

the bioplastic.

1 Pc. Spoon – kitchen utensil Used to mix the materials in the -

used for serving and eating cooking pot by moving them in a

food. circular motion to bring the

ingredients together and ensure

uniform distribution.

Total: Php 150

A. Experimental Procedure

1. Preparation: Prepare the materials needed in the making of bioplastic. The

eggshells will be pulverized into fine powder.

2. Banana Peel Extraction: Pour 100 ml water on a small cooking pot and boil

the 10 pieces banana peels for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the

banana peels and get the extract by putting it in a small cup.

3. Sheet Making: Cool the extract of banana peels, clean the cooking pot, and

then turn on the heat again. Add the 100 ml of banana peel extract and 20 ml

of glycerin to the cooking pot.

4. Stirring: Mix the 20 grams of eggshells, 20 grams of gelatin powder, and 50

grams of walnut shell powder with the blended mixture and stir continuously

for 20 minutes to ensure an even distribution of materials.

5. Sun Drying Method: Pour the mixture on flat and clean containers and dry

them for 3 days under the sunlight.

6. Bag-Making: To make a bag, the dried bioplastic sheets need to be cut to two

big rectangle shapes with 10 inches length and 8 inches width, and 2 small

rectangle shapes with 8 inches length and 2 inches width, followed by gluing

the sides together using super glue.

METHOD PURPOSE

1. PULVERIZING METHOD In this method, the materials are pulverized

into fine powder.

2. BANANA PEEL In this method, banana peels are extracted

EXTRACTION METHOD by boiling them for a duration of 20 minutes.

3. SHEET PRODUCTION In this method, the materials are mixed and

METHOD heated in a cooking pot to form a

homogenous mixture.

4. SUN DRYING METHOD In this method, the mixture is spread on flat

containers and exposed to sunlight for two

days in order to dry and form solid sheets.

5. BAG PRODUCTION METHOD This process involves taking the dried

sheets and cutting them into appropriate

sizes, then combining them together using

glue to produce a bioplastic bag.

Value Range

1 1.00-1.80 Excellent

2 1.81 - 2.60 Very Good

3 2.61 - 3.40 Good

4 3.41 - 4.20 Fair

5 4.21 - 5.00 Poor

Tensile Strength 5 4 3 2 1

Is the bioplastic bag able to withstand maximum

force without permanently breaking?

Is the bioplastic bag more efficient in terms of tensile

strength compared to commercial plastic bags?

Water Resistance 5 4 3 2 1

Is the bioplastic bag able to resist water absorption?

Is the bioplastic bag able to remain its properties

(strength, durability, etc.) after being soaked in

Biodegradability 5 4 3 2 1

Is the bioplastic bag able to degrade in soil after a

period of time?

Is the bioplastic bag more efficient than commercial

plastic bags in reducing plastic pollution?

Durability 5 4 3 2 1

Is the bioplastic bag able to hold weight without

tearing or breaking?

Is the bioplastic bag durable enough to use every

day compared to single-use plastic bags?

Cost-effectiveness 5 4 3 2 1

Is the bioplastic bag affordable for consumers?

Is the cost of the production of bioplastic bag lower

than commercial plastic bags?

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