Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY

Silang Campus
Biga I, Silang, Cavite

TEACHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Evaluating Bioplastics as Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics and

Packaging Applications

Aguilar, Precious Kaye D.

Arcenal, Cyrille Kaye M.
Navarra, Raven F.
Nasayao, Ma. Veronica U.
Pelito, Samantha France B.
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

"I realised that plastic had become part of my life and that it had become invisible to

me." Craig Leeson, an award winning journalist and director of the plastic ocean. This

quotation provides us with insights on how we normalize using plastics in the modern world.

According to an article by betterfuturefactory.com, the versatility of plastic has led to a

staggering global production of over 300 million tons of plastic every year. In daily life, the

benefits of plastic are undeniable. Its durability and lightweight nature make it essential for

packaging, preserving food, and securing the safety of medical supplies. Humans currently

produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. Without changes to

current policies, global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by 2060, to a staggering

one billion metric tons. In contrast, if new measures and policies are introduced, such as

increased taxes on plastics use and a vastly improved global recycling system, this figure

could drop to less than 700 million metric tons. (Alves, 2024)

The phrase "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" dates back to the USA in 1976 and became a

staple of the sustainability movement. But in 2019 459,746,020 tons of plastics are

produced which are 751% of relative change compared in 1976 which has 54,000,000 tons

only (Geyer et al. 2017 ;(OECD 2022). This statistical significance entails that reduce, reuse,

recycle movement is not effective and there is overproduction of plastics that leads to Solid

Waste Problems. Recycling plastic has been marketed as a solution to the waste problem by

plastic-producing companies. This excuses corporations to not only produce more plastic but

also maintain a steady supply for incineration. (Guevara, 2022)

Meanwhile, the Philippines is considered the third-largest contributor to plastic waste

worldwide, contributing to an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of ocean plastic every year.
Dubbed as the “sachet economy,” the Philippines is notorious for irresponsible trash haulers

and open dump sites that cause the plastic to spill into the seas. (Guevarra, 2022)

Remulla said solid waste management is the number one problem of Cavite when it

comes to the environment, as he noted that an estimated 50 percent of solid waste in the

province goes to its rivers accounting to approximately 2,000 tons a day, of which 90 percent

goes to Manila Bay. (DENR)

This study aims at providing an in-depth description and understanding of the issues related

to single-use plastic waste at our university. The study will aim to address the following

research questions:

1. How aware are university stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff) of bioplastics and

their potential benefits?

2. What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing bioplastics as a

sustainable alternative to traditional plastics on campus?

3. What measures can be taken to effectively integrate bioplastics into the university's waste

management system?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the issues related to single-use plastic waste at our

university and assess the feasibility and benefits of implementing bioplastics as a

sustainable alternative. By understanding the sources, impacts, and current management

practices of plastic waste, the study aims to propose effective strategies for reducing

environmental pollution and improving sustainability on campus.

HYPOTHESIS

The researchers studied the following assumption:

1. University stakeholders (students, faculty, staff) have varying levels of awareness about

bioplastics and their potential benefits, and increased awareness can facilitate the adoption

of bioplastics

2. Implementing bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics will reduce

environmental pollution and enhance the sustainability of the university’s waste management

practices.

3. Effective integration of bioplastics into the university's waste management system will

require comprehensive measures including awareness campaigns, stakeholder

engagement, and collaboration with suppliers.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study enhances the understanding of single-use plastic waste management at

educational institutions and evaluates the potential of bioplastics as an alternative. It

provides empirical data and insights into the environmental and operational impacts of

plastic waste, contributing to the broader field of sustainable materials and waste

management practices.

FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY. The findings will benefit students and faculty by creating

a cleaner, more sustainable campus environment. Increased awareness and engagement

with sustainability issues will foster a culture of environmental responsibility among the

university community.

FOR UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS. This study will provide university administrators

with insights to develop and implement more effective waste management and sustainability

policies, thereby reducing plastic waste on campus and promoting a greener environment.
FOR POLICYMAKERS. This study will offer valuable data to policymakers, enabling them to

craft broader environmental policies and regulations that address plastic use and waste

management in educational institutions more effectively.

FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTITIONERS. Waste management practitioners will

benefit from practical recommendations on improving waste management practices and

adopting bioplastics. This can lead to more efficient waste reduction strategies and better

overall environmental outcomes.

FOR FUTURE RESEARCHERS. The study will supply future researchers with new data and

insights, which can serve as a reference for further studies on plastic waste management

and the implementation of sustainable materials like bioplastics.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study aims to explore the issue of single-use plastic waste and the potential for

bioplastics as an alternative at our university. The analysis will focus on understanding the

sources, impacts, and management practices of plastic waste on campus, while also

assessing the feasibility and benefits of integrating bioplastics into the university's waste

management system. By collecting and analyzing data through surveys, interviews, and

observations, the study intends to provide comprehensive recommendations for enhancing

sustainability initiatives related to plastic waste management.

However, it is critical to note the study's inherent limitations. For starters, the findings

may be limited to the specific context of the university campus and may not be generalizable

to other settings. The reliance on self-reported data from surveys and interviews may

introduce biases or inaccuracies. The study may also face constraints in accessing certain

data or information, particularly regarding current waste management practices and costs.

Additionally, implementing bioplastics on a larger scale may present logistical challenges

and require resources beyond the scope of this study. The awareness and willingness of
stakeholders to adopt bioplastics may vary, impacting the feasibility of proposed solutions.

Finally, due to time and resource constraints, the study may not address all potential factors

influencing plastic waste generation and management on campus.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Plastic Normalization. The phenomenon where the pervasive use of plastic becomes an

unnoticed and accepted part of daily life.

Global Plastic Production. The massive annual production of plastic materials, estimated

at over 300 million tonnes.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Movement. A sustainability initiative originating in the USA in

1976 aimed at reducing waste by encouraging reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials.

Sachet Economy. A term describing the economic model prevalent in the Philippines,

where small, single-use plastic sachets are widely used, leading to significant plastic waste

and environmental pollution.

Solid Waste Management. The processes involved in collecting, treating, and disposing of

solid waste materials.

Bioplastics. Plastics derived from renewable biological sources, such as plants or

microorganisms, intended as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

Sustainability. The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet theirs, emphasizing environmental preservation, resource

efficiency, and waste reduction.

Environmental Responsibility. The ethical obligation of individuals and organizations to act

in ways that protect and improve the natural environment, often through practices like

reducing waste, recycling, and adopting sustainable materials.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter is composed of the review of all the related literature and studies that

the researchers will scrutinize to give light to their study.

STARCH BASED BIOPLASTICS

In accordance with the findings of Razza, F., and Innocenti, F. D. (2012), Starch-

based plastics are a significant class of plastics. Research and technological advancements

have made it possible to combine natural polymers, such as starch derived from potatoes,

maize, and other crops, with biodegradable macromolecules to create thermoplastic and

biodegradable novel materials that can be used in industrial settings, starting in the early

1990s. Specifically, the starch-based technology developed by Novamont suggests

processing conditions that can virtually eliminate the crystallinity of amylose and amylopectin

—the two main components of starch—in the presence of macromolecules like particular

polyesters that can form a complex with amylase. They are biodegradable and might come

from synthetic or natural sources. A single helix of amylose forms around the complexing

agent, indicating that the complex produced by amylose and the complexing agent is often

crystalline. In contrast to amylose, amylopectin stays in its amorphous form and does not

interact with the complexing agent. The starch's specifications, which include its amylose to

amylopectin ratio, additive nature, processing circumstances, and complexing agent type,

enable the fabrication of a wide range of supramolecular structures with radically diverse

properties. Increases in the amount of renewable raw materials for the production of

biodegradable polyesters have been achieved through a number of successful initiatives

over the past few years. When bio refinery and green chemistry principles are fully

implemented, more advancements in this area are anticipated. For instance, one of the

major participants in the development of starch-based bioplastics, Novamont, is presently

devoting itself to the creation of a bio refinery project. It is made up of a novel development
model that can substitute renewable raw materials grown in marginal areas with little input

for fossil raw materials in order to synthesize a variety of chemical intermediates. The most

popular transformation processes (such as blown film, injection molding, etc.) can be used to

process starch-based resin (plastic pellets) to create goods with properties that are on par

with or even superior to those of conventional plastics. Products made from starch are used

in a variety of industries (such as compostable and biodegradable carrier bags, catering

supplies, waste management, mulch film, and bio-filler for the automotive industry), and

independent laboratories have verified that these products are both biodegradable and

compostable (e.g. Organic Waste Systems, Belgium).

According to Ozdamar & Ates (2018), biodegradable plastics are derived from

renewable basic resources (Stevens, 2002). Stevens divided biodegradable plastics into

three groups in the same study: (a) bioplastics made of conventional polymers like starch;

(b) bioplastics made from polymers produced by microbial fermentation; and (c) bioplastics

made from polymerized resins with naturally occurring monomers like lactic acids.

The raw elements needed to make bioplastics are readily available, renewable,

naturally occurring, and biodegradable (Scotts, 2002, as referenced in Gadhave, et al.,

2018). Three suitable raw ingredients can be used to create a bioplastic: cellulose, which is

typically found in all plants; lignin, which is naturally found in woods; and starch, which is

prevalent in most root crops. as mentioned on page 19 of the same study.

Based on its affordability and accessibility, starch is a renewable resource that shows

promise for application in bioplastics (Kaith et al., 2009, quoted in Arikan & Bilgen, 2019).

Starch is the second-largest biomass produced on Earth ever. According to Jane (1995, as

referenced in Shrirakshaya et al., 2020), it is an organic compound that is white and granular

and produced by all green plants. From starch and its derivatives, a wide range of biomass

and raw materials are generated economically, such as banana peels, corn, wheat, peas,

potatoes, and cassava roots (p. 47).

 Starches from potatoes, wheat, rice, barley, oats, and other soy sources are the main

sources of starch used to make bioplastics (Guilbert, Cuq, & Gondtard, 1997). Biofilms made

of starch have no taste or smell, are non-toxic, and decompose naturally ( Debeaufort et al.,

1999). Since enzymes and microorganisms hydrolyze starch into glucose, it is entirely

biodegradable in the environment (Choi E-J et al., 1999).

Based on statistical data, the annual production of starch polymers was around

30,000 metric tons in 2002. Seventy-five percent of starch polymers find use in packaging,

such as soluble films for bags and industrial packaging. (Le, 2020 cites Innocenti & Bastioli,

2002).

ADVANTAGES OF BIOPLASTIC

The main benefits of bioplastics are outlined in this section based on research by

Sarkingobir, Y., & Lawal, A. A. Bioplastics: Their advantages and concern published in 2021.

a. Ecofriendly

Traditional plastics are made from resources derived from oil. The

environmental impact of exploring and using oil-based resources to make plastics

is high. In contrast, bioplastics are typically derived from renewable resources,

which lower environmental pollution.

b. Biodegradable

In a matter of months, bacteria can readily break down bioplastics into end

products including water, carbon dioxide, methane, biomass, and inorganic

chemicals, sparing the environment from the pollution that conventional plastics

cause. Certain bioplastics are strong and take a few years to break down entirely.

Because the byproducts naturally occur in the ecosystem, this feature does not

pose a threat to the environment.

c. Compostable
 Microbes can decompose bioplastics under controlled circumstances in a lab, an

industrial setting, or a home composting facility. One type of biodegradable

plastic that is utilized in single-use packaging is Parable, or PLA.

d. Recyclability

Bioplastics can be mechanically recycled through a process of collection,

cleaning, shredding, and re-extruding into new forms like pellets or fibers for

manufacturing new products. This recycling method minimizes waste and

conserves natural resources by reusing materials, supporting a circular economy.

However, the efficiency of mechanical recycling depends on the type of

bioplastic, the presence of additives, and the effectiveness of recycling

infrastructure.

e. Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuel

Oil is on a path to depletion, highlighting the urgent need to find alternative

sources for plastic manufacturing. Renewable plant sources offer a promising

solution, providing sustainable raw materials that can be used to produce

bioplastics. Transitioning to plant-based plastics not only addresses the

impending scarcity of oil but also promotes environmental sustainability by

reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering the carbon footprint associated with

plastic production.
Razza, F., & Innocenti, F. D. (2012). Bioplastics from renewable resources: the benefits of

biodegradability. Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, 7, S301–

S309. doi:10.1002/apj.1648

Sarkingobir, Y., & Lawal, A. A. (2021). Bioplastics: Their advantages and concerns. Mater.
Metallurg. Eng, 11(1), 13-18.