Perceived Gap:
There are not many biodegradable plates made from natural materials that can replace plastic
ones. This study wants to find out if banana peels, which are usually thrown away, can be turned
into eco-friendly plates instead of adding to waste.
Observations of the Main Problem:
Plastic plates take a long time to break down and always cause pollution if not managed or
disposed of correctly. This study aims to determine whether banana peels can be a good
alternative. It will examine how fast they decompose, their environmental impact, and how
factors like water, heat, and bacteria affect them over time.
Proposed Product:
This study suggests making biodegradable plates from banana peels. These plates could replace
plastic ones and help reduce waste and pollution.
Importance of the Product:
Plastic waste is a significant problem because it takes years to break down and harms the
environment. If banana peel plates prove to be effective, they can help reduce plastic waste in
landfills, oceans, and other areas. Since they are made from natural materials, they do not rely on
fossil fuels like plastic, leading to less pollution and a cleaner environment.
Research Gap:
There is limited research on whether banana peel plates are durable enough to replace plastic.
This study will test their strength, decomposition rate, and practicality for everyday use.
Review of Related Literature (RRL):
Biodegradability – Chafidz et al. (2020) found that banana peels break down naturally with the
help of bacteria, making them a better alternative to plastic, which takes a long time to
decompose.
Sustainability – Armamento et al. (2024) explained that reusing banana peels can help reduce
waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Functionality – Hoang et al. (2020) tested banana peels and found that they are strong enough to
be turned into plates.
Material Availability – Dom et al. (2021) showed that banana peels can be repurposed in various
ways instead of being discarded, helping to reduce waste.
Moisture Sensitivity – Perotto et al. (2020) studied how water affects fruit-based bioplastics and
found that excessive moisture can alter their strength and decomposition rate.
Heat Resistance – Akram et al. (2023) tested banana peel-based plates under high temperatures
to determine whether they remain sturdy or become weak.
Sunlight Exposure – Kharb & Saharan (2024) studied the effects of sunlight on bioplastics,
finding that excessive UV exposure accelerates decomposition but also weakens the material.
Environmental Impact – Rethinking Waste (2023) explained that biodegradable products like
banana peels can help reduce plastic pollution and lower carbon emissions.
Health and Safety – Hoque & Janaswamy (2023) discussed the dangers of plastic plates and
highlighted why biodegradable alternatives are safer for both people and the environment.
What theory is used and how is this theory connected to the study?
- The Circular Economy (CE) Theory by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation focuses on
reducing waste, reusing resources, and renewing natural systems. (Circular Economy
Introduction, n.d.) This study follows CE principles by repurposing banana peels into
biodegradable plates instead of letting them go to waste. By reducing reliance on single-
use plastics, it helps protect the environment and supports a more sustainable future.
State the criteria used:
- This study assesed three main criteria: Durability, Functionality, ans Eco-friendliness.
Durability measured the strength of each trial, Functionality evaluated the paracticality
for use, and Eco-friendliness examined the environmental effects and overall
environmental sustainability.
Instrumentation:
- The study used a 13-item survey and an observation checklist to test if banana peels
could be a good material for biodegradable plates. The survey had a Likert Scale rating
system. From 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and 1 the lowest. To make sure everything
was ethical, participants signed a consent form before taking part. The questions focused
on three things—how strong the plates were, how well they worked, and how eco-
friendly they were. Lastly, to ensure the survey was accurate and reliable, experts
reviewed it before it was used.
Design and Sampling Used
- This study follows an experimental design with three trials to evaluate the durability,
functionality, and eco-friendliness of banana peel-based plates. The samples are selected
using a Randomized Block Design and Simple Random Sampling, with 12 evaluators
providing feedback.
No. Of Observers:
- The No of observers is 12 observer evaluated the product using checlist-observation
duricng each experimental trials.
What are the key findings?
- The study found that Banana Peel-based Plates are durable but require improvements for
extreme temperatures and moisture. They are functional, convenient, and practical,
though textur
