DEVELOPMENT OF ECO FRIENDLY AND BIODEGRADABLE PAPER PLATE USING

USED EGGTRAYS

A Research Study Presented to the Teachers of Senior High School

Department in Guiuan National High School
Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the Requirements

In Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

Researchers:

Jeace C. Ecaldre
Alyssa Nicole G. Alegria
Kristello Clement M. Paylangco
Uzziah Noreen G. Enriquez
Fhenna Mae A. Bernardo
Mark Anthony B. Ranido
Clarence James Medalle
Jane Monique O. Zuñiga
Ma. Angeles C. Gudes
Reymark G. Colandog
Vicmar N. Bantilan
Angelica O. Ayon
James S. Gayoso
Pauline B. Dado
Cherry T. Cuyo

March 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 1

Objective of the study 4

Hypotheses of the Study 5

Significance of the Study
5

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 6

Definition of Terms 7

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Review of Related Literature 7

Review of Related Studies 15

Theoretical Framework 21

Conceptual Framework 22

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

Research Design 24

Research Locale 25

Instrument of the Study 26

Data Gathering Procedure 26

Collection of Egg Trays 27

Materials 27

Paper Plate Making Process 29

Quality Test 29
Data Analysis 32

References 33
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

An egg tray (also known as an egg box in British English) is a tray designed for

carrying and transporting whole eggs. These cartons have a dimpled form in which each

dimple accommodates an individual egg and isolates that egg from eggs in adjacent

dimples. This structure helps protect eggs against stresses exerted during transportation

and storage by absorbing a lot of shock and limiting the incidents of fracture to the fragile

egg shells. An egg Tray can be made of various materials, including foamed plastics

such as polystyrene foam, clear plastic or may be manufactured from recycled paper

and moulded pulp by means of a mechanized papiermâché process. As environmental

concerns continue to grow globally, there is a pressing need to develop sustainable

alternatives to traditional single-use plastic products. One such product is disposable

plates, which are widely used in various settings such as events, parties, and food

service industries. However, the widespread use of conventional plastic plates

contributes significantly to pollution and environmental degradation due to their non-

biodegradable nature. (Geyer et al., 2017).

In response to this environmental challenge, we researchers are exploring

alternative materials that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable. Egg trays,

which are commonly made from recycled paper pulp, present a promising avenue for the

development of biodegradable plates. The aim of this study is to investigate the

feasibility of utilizing egg trays as a raw material for the production of eco-friendly and

biodegradable plates. By leveraging the inherent properties of egg trays, such as their

biodegradability and moldability, this research seeks to develop a manufacturing process

that can transform egg trays into functional and durable plates suitable for various
applications. Additionally, the study will explore the potential economic benefits of

utilizing egg trays as a raw material, assessing cost-effectiveness and market viability.

Furthermore, the research will investigate the environmental impact of the proposed

production process, evaluating its sustainability compared to conventional plate

manufacturing methods. According to a study published in the Journal of Sustainable

Materials and Technologies by Lee et al. in 2020, the feasibility of utilizing egg trays as a

raw material for eco-friendly plate production was investigated, highlighting the potential

for both environmental benefits and functional applications. By developing eco-friendly

and biodegradable plates using egg trays, this research aims to provide a sustainable

alternative to traditional plastic plates, thereby mitigating the environmental impact

associated with single-use plastics and promoting a more circular economy.

Furthermore, this research endeavors to assess the performance and durability

of the eco-friendly plates made from egg trays in comparison to traditional plastic plates,

ensuring their suitability for various applications. Additionally, the study will examine

consumer perceptions and acceptance of these eco-friendly plates, addressing potential

barriers to adoption and identifying strategies for widespread market penetration.

Objective of the Study

1. Determine if the egg trays can be used as an ecofriendly and biodegradable

plate.

2. Determine the extent of environmental harm caused by the prevalent use of

non-biodegradable disposable plates and identify the specific ecological

consequences associated with their production, usage, and disposal.

 3. Investigate the efficiency of egg trays as a raw material for producing

biodegradable plates, focusing on resource utilization, energy consumption,

and waste reduction throughout the manufacturing process.

4. Examine the level of consumer awareness regarding the environmental

implications of disposable plates and assess their willingness to adopt and

utilize eco-friendly alternatives made from egg trays.

5. Evaluate the economic feasibility and market acceptance of eco-friendly

plates made from egg trays for small businesses.

Hypotheses

H1. If eco-friendly plates made from egg trays are introduced to the market as a

sustainable alternative to traditional disposable plates, then there will be a significant

increase in consumer preference for these biodegradable options due to growing

environmental awareness.

H2. If small businesses in the food industry adopt the use of eco-friendly plates

made from egg trays, then there will be a positive impact on their economic

sustainability, with potential cost savings and increased customer loyalty from

environmentally conscious consumers.

Significance of the Study

The conduct of this study was significant and beneficial, especially to the

following:

Product Users. Customers benefit from using eco-friendly plates as it aligns with their

values of environmental responsibility. The adoption of biodegradable plates contributes

to the reduction of plastic waste, making it an eco-conscious choice.

Families. The eco-friendly plates provide a sustainable alternative for everyday use,

reducing the environmental impact of disposable tableware in households. Families can

contribute to a greener lifestyle while enjoying the convenience of disposable plates.

Small

Business Owners. Small businesses in the food industry can benefit from adopting

these biodegradable plates as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice. It

aligns with sustainable practices, attracting environmentally conscious customers and

potentially reducing long-term operational costs.

Local Communities. The adoption of these plates in local communities contributes to

the reduction of non-biodegradable waste, leading to cleaner surroundings and a

healthier environment. Communities can take pride in fostering eco-friendly habits that

positively impact both local ecosystems and public health.

Future Researchers. This study serves as a foundation for future researchers, inspiring

them to explore and develop sustainable alternatives. The insights gained from creating

eco-friendly plates using egg trays can pave the way for further innovations in

biodegradable materials and sustainable product design.

Scope and delimitation

This study focused on the development of eco-friendly and biodegradable plate

using egg trays. The egg trays were collected at Brgy. 7, Guiuan, Eastern Samar on the

other hand the process of making of biodegradable plate was conducted in Brgy.

Hollywood Guiuan, Eastern Samar. This study uses product development research

design to make the variables accordingly. The duration of the study will be from the

month of February to May 2024.

Definition of Terms

The following definitions of terms are provided to minimize misunderstanding and

to aid comprehension:

Biodegrable plate. are made from renewable materials, such as sugarcane

bagasse or bamboo. Paper plates are free from harmful chemicals. They are

compostable, which means they can break down naturally in the environment without

causing harm. These plates are sturdy and suitable for hot and cold foods. (Khan, 2023).

In this study, biodegradable plate refers to a plate that can be broken down by natural

processes into simpler, non-toxic substances, typically within a relatively short period of

time.

Eco-friendly plate. not harmful to the environment, or trying to help the

environment (Cambridge, n,d). In this study, eco-friendly plate is one that has minimal

negative impact on the environment throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
It typically involves using sustainable materials, reducing energy and water consumption

during manufacturing, and minimizing waste.

Egg tray. a usually square paperboard tray shaped to hold and protect eggs in a

shipping case or crate (Merriam-Webster, n.d). In this study, egg tray is a container

designed to safely hold and transport eggs, typically made from molded pulp or recycled

paper material.

Economic feasibility. the degree to which the economic advantages of

something to be made, done, or achieved are greater than the economic costs: The

state commissioned a report on the economic feasibility of a single-payer health system.

(cambridg, n,d.), In this study, Economic feasibility refers to the assessment of whether a

project or endeavor, in this case, the development of eco-friendly and biodegradable

plates using egg tray material, is financially viable and sustainable.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter shows the related literature and studies that are significant to the

study, theoretical and conceptual framework.

Review of Related literature

Eggtrays

According to Skyggebjerg (2019) In the 1990s, there was a change in capitalist

thinking on environmental issues in many global settings, which materialised in what has

been termed corporate environmentalism. Beginning with a history of the moulded fibre

egg tray and one of its primary manufacturers, this is a case study of how corporate

environmentalism came about and was enacted as a confluence of corporate priorities,

environmental concerns, production processes, materials, and the development of new

measuring tools. Unlike the many environmental history studies that emphasise the role

of NGOs and policy developments, this study begins in the business world. More

specifically, it is based in the making of environmental knowledge in the form of life cycle

assessments and environmental accounts and in the environmental reframing of

materials like moulded pulp and plastic. In this way it is the story of how it became

reasonable for a manufacturer of egg trays to choose the slogan, ‘Choose Fibre. Save

Nature’.

The study of Davis (2021) Most egg cartons are recyclable, depending on the

material they are made of. The typical cartons found across supermarkets are generally

made of paper byproducts, #1 plastics, or Styrofoam. Plastic cartons pose no problems

when it comes recycling and paper cartons can be placed in most residential recycling

carts. Styrofoam or foam, however, is not accepted by most recycling facilities.

Recycling paper and plastic egg cartons is fairly easy because those are the most widely

accepted materials. Pulp paper egg cartons are often made from recycled materials and

can be recycled again. They are also biodegradable and compostable. Most paper egg

cartons can be placed in your recycling bin just like any other paper product. If they have

the universal recycling symbol on the packaging, they can be broken down, mashed into

a pulp, and turned into another form of paper product (Davis, 2021).

The growing environmental concerns caused by single-use plastic utensils and

packaging have led to an increasing demand for sustainable and ecofriendly

alternatives. This research survey paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of

biodegradable tableware and packaging materials, manufacturing technologies,

properties, applications, and ecological impact. The paper focuses on the use of wheat

bran, rice bran, and corn starch as raw materials for producing biodegradable tableware

and packaging products. The manufacturing processes for these products are

discussed, highlighting their clean and environmentally friendly nature. The properties

and applications of biodegradable tableware and packaging are explored, emphasizing

their suitability for various uses and their potential to replace conventional disposable

products. The ecological impact of these alternatives is assessed by comparing their

environmental footprint to single-use plastic products and analyzing their

biodegradability and composability. The paper also examines market adoption,

challenges, and the importance of public awareness and education in promoting the use

of biodegradable, ecofriendly, sustainable products. Finally, the paper concludes by

summarizing the potential benefits of biodegradable tableware and packaging and

discussing prospects for research and development in this field (George, D. & George,

A., 2023).
 The major hindrances of implementing graphene in two-dimensional (2D)

electronics are both mechanical (the tendency to crumble and form ripples) and

electrical (the lack of a band gap). Moreover, the inevitable structural defects in

graphene have a profound influence on its physical and chemical properties. Here, we

propose a family of 2D egg-tray graphenes constructed by arranging pentagon and

heptagon defects in the graphene lattice based on a careful analysis of the topological

distribution of minima, maxima, and saddle points. First-principles calculations show that

the egg-tray graphenes are dynamically stable, and their energies, which depend on the

concentration of pentagons and heptagons, are the lowest among carbon allotropes.

These 2D carbon allotropes exhibit a large variation in their electronic properties,

ranging from semimetallic to semiconducting, including some allotropes that have Dirac

cones in their band structures. Furthermore, some egg-tray graphenes are predicted to

have negative Poisson’s ratios. The adsorption of Li atoms on the egg-tray graphenes is

considerably stronger than the adsorption on perfect graphene, therefore they may

absorb Li more effectively than graphene, which is important for improving the

performance of rechargeable Li batteries (Liu et al., 2019).

Chicken eggs are extremely fragile and require protective packaging for handling,

storage and delivery. Paper egg tray, the most globally acceptable package for eggs, is

often imported, costly and scarce in Nigeria due to difficulties in procurement and

management of standard machines for trays' local production. Therefore, this study was

intended to locally develop and evaluate the performance of a low-cost paper egg tray-

making machine to ease the local production and distribution of paper egg trays in

Nigeria (Amoo et al., 2020).

The advancement of civilization, water purification, as well as management and

disposal of ever-increasing municipal solid waste (MSW), and e-waste, have become
global concerns. To address these issues in a sustainable way, a 3D solar evaporator

has been proposed in this paper by repurposing recycled paper from MSW in the form of

egg trays and waste dry toner (e-waste) using a facile fabrication method. The unique

3D porous structure, fibrous surface, superior water absorbing capability as well as low

thermal conductivity of wastepaper-derived egg trays make them an excellent candidate

for an efficient solar evaporator, while the waste toner powder coating significantly

enhances the optical absorbance capacity (Ivan et al., 2022).

Studies Related to Egg trays

The study of Sharma (2023) Egg trays can protect the egg from the elements. It

may also shield the eggs from dampness and light, reducing loss, and these features are

moving the egg tray industry forward. The egg tray is textured, with each hollow housing

a separate egg and isolating that egg from other eggs in a nearby pattern. This structure

protects eggs from forces imposed during storage and transportation by absorbing a lot

of shock and preventing eggshell fractures. Paper egg trays will rise at the fastest rate

due to greater awareness of global warming, increasing market share in the egg tray

business. Growing demand for eggs from developing countries, as well as increased

knowledge of the health benefits of eggs, are expected to fuel global demand for egg

packaging.

The study of Czechowski et al., (2020) The analysis of egg packages subjected

to compression. Many packages are made of paper or paperboard to decrease their bulk

and ensure their recyclability and biodegradability. An analysis of a package’s strength

should be performed not only in different physical conditions but also during storing one

package on another one. In other words, when they are stacked up. Apart from these

elements, one important issue is the economic aspect of designing optimized structures

with high mechanical properties—referred to as the weight ratio. During storage and
transport, packaged eggs are in stacks. For this reason, one of the main properties of

trays is their resistance to static pressure. Numerical analysis of deformations and

stresses in trays subjected to loads allows predicting their load capacity but also

introducing design changes that will allow achieving this load capacity with a smaller

package weight, which is currently the main goal of packaging producers.

Managing fibrous waste such as paper into useful packaging materials can help

reduce large amounts of paper waste. Laboratory-scale appropriate technology

machines were developed to print paper pulp into egg trays by means of suction. The

pulp-making process includes collecting waste paper, sorting according to paper grade,

pulping, egg tray making and the final process is sun-drying. The machine consists of a

mould, a slurry container and an electric mechanism to operate the machine. The

machine works on the principle of suction with a pulp slurry consistency of about 5%

(Wibowo et al., 2023).

Components of Egg trays that can be Used in Making Biodegradable paperplate

Nanocellulose is cellulose fibrils with one of its dimensions in nanometer range. It

shares specific properties of both cellulosic and nanoscale materials. The two main

families of nanocellulose particles include cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose

nanofibers (CNFs). Both families have found use in paper making with CNCs limited to

surface coatings and CNFs have a wide range of use in paper making. Nanocellulose

has gained great interest in the paper and pulp industry because of its abundant

availability, renewable and eco-friendly nature. Nanopaper is advantageous over

traditional pulp paper due to its high strength, optical transparency, thermal stability,

smoothness, etc. It has been widely used as wet and dry strength agent and also as a
coating to improve barrier properties of the paper. The barrier properties may be

destroyed due to the hydrophilic nature of nanopaper, but it can be improved by surface

modifications. This review addresses an overview of the currently adopted method in the

pulp and paper industry, the role of nanotechnology in the industry, the classification of

nanocellulose, and its application in paper making (Kumar et al., 2019).

Nanocellulose has a wide range of applications in the field of functional materials,

and it has piqued the interest of researchers for some time. This is because

nanocellulose inherits the advantages of environmental friendliness and easy availability

of plant cell walls in nature, as well as the unique morphology of nanostructures. This

review presents four types of nanocellulose including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs),

cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), regenerated nanocellulose (RNC) and bacterial cellulose

(BC), introduces the different preparation routes and their mechanisms, analyzes the

advantages and drawbacks between these approaches, and summarizes the potential

applications in the field of functional materials such as reinforced composite materials,

biomedical materials, soft templates, and optical materials. Finally, future development

directions are proposed including further enrichment of nanocellulose raw materials,

improvement of preparation methods to adapt to more diversified raw materials, and

classification of products according to their morphology and properties to improve the

use efficiency (Qi et al., 2023).

Synthetic polymers, commonly referred to as plastics, are anthropogenic

contaminants that adversely affect the natural ecosystems. The continuous disposal of

long lifespan plastics has resulted in the accumulation of plastic waste, leading to

significant pollution of both marine and terrestrial habitats. Scientific pursuit to seek

environment-friendly materials from renewable resources has focused on cellulose, the

primary reinforcement component of the cell wall of plants, as it is the most abundantly
available biopolymer on earth. This paper provides an overview on the current state of

science on nanocellulose research; highlighting its extraction procedures from

lignocellulosic biomass. Literature shows that the process used to obtain nanocellulose

from lignocellulosic biomass greatly influences its morphology, properties and surface

chemistry. The efficacy of chemical methods that use alkali, acid, bleaching agents, ionic

liquids, deep eutectic solvent for pre-treatment of biomass is discussed. There has been

a continuous endeavour to optimize the pre-treatment protocol as it is specific to

lignocellulosic biomass and also depends on factors such as nature of the biomass,

process and environmental parameters and economic viability. Nanofibers are primarily

isolated through mechanical fibrillation while nanocrystals are predominantly extracted

using acid hydrolysis. A concise overview on the ways to improve the yield of

nanocellulose from cellulosic biomass is also presented in this review. This work also

reviews the techniques used to modify the surface properties of nanocellulose by

functionalizing surface hydroxyl groups to impart desirable hydrophilic-hydrophobic

balance. An assessment on the emerging application of nanocellulose with an emphasis

on development of nanocomposite materials for designing environmentally sustainable

products is incorporated. Finally, the status of the industrial production of nanocellulose

presented, which indicates that there is a continuously increased demand for cellulose

nanomaterials. The demand for cellulose is expected to increase further due to its

increasing and broadening applications. (Dhali et.al, 2021)

Review of Related Studies

A crucial property of fibrous packaging paper for food is water resistance, while

strength properties are also important. To improve these properties, several bio-coating

solutions were applied as coatings on paper made of pineapple leaf pulp. The effects of

beeswax, chitosan, shellac, alginate/gellan gum and beeswax–chitosan (1%

chitosan+4%glycerol+30%beeswax) solutions on pineapple leaf pulp paper were

assessed in relation to making biodegradable paper plates. The cooking time (120–

180 min) of chemical pulping and the dose of pulp by moist weight (200, 250, and 300 g)

to a paper frame (40 × 40 cm2) were also studied on making the paper samples. The

papers were tested for their physical and mechanical properties. The optimal cooking

time and dose of pulp by moist weight found were 180 min and 300 g of pulp per frame,

respectively. The bio-coatings increased average grammage and thickness of paper, but

gave density reduction from that of uncoated paper. Coating paper with beeswax–

chitosan solution gave the longest absorbency time, followed in rank order by

alginate/gellan gum, chitosan, beeswax and shellac. The maximum 5.9 kN/m2 tensile

strength was found for paper coated with beeswax–chitosan solution before hot

pressing. On comparing papers bio-coated before or after hot pressing, no difference

was found in the degradable time with NaAlg/gellan coating, while such difference was

observed with beeswax-chitosan coating. The results suggest beeswax–chitosan

solution as the best among the alternatives tested, for coating paper to make

biodegradable plates (Iewkittayakorn, 2020).

 The disposable plates made up of plastics such as polythene, polypropylene,

polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, etc. pose health risks due to the release

of toxic chemicals, bisphenol A, melamine, vinyl chloride, and phthalates. The usage of

disposable plasticware not only depletes fossil fuels but also causes microplastics

pollution. Thus, thrust has been shifted to utilization of disposable plates made from

plant leaves, which are renewable, biodegradable, and enriched with antioxidants and

medicinal values. In India, serving food on leaf dining plates is a long-standing tradition

with its own cultural, religious, medicinal, and socioeconomic significance. The leaf plate

stitching is a livelihood activity for tribal people in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh,

Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states of India. The leaves and leaf

plates are used for offering naivedyam to god during worship and distribution of

prasadam to devotees. They are extensively used for serving food during marriages,

religious festivals, community feasts, etc. The leaves from a vast variety of plants are

used as dining plates, food wraps during steam cooking, grilling, and frying of various

dishes, and food packing material in India. The biodegradable leaf plates have vast

potential in the international market, which should meet in terms of quality and design.

To sustain the practice of using leaf plates and discourage plastic plates; necessary

regulations should be imposed by the government and monitored through local

governing bodies. In addition, school children and college students should be educated

and motivated to realize the importance (Kora et al., 2019).

Chicken eggs are so delicate, handling, storing, and shipping them need to be

done in protective packaging. Paper egg trays are the most widely accepted egg

packaging worldwide. However, because they are difficult to handle and obtain locally,

they are expensive, rare, and frequently imported into Nigeria. In order to facilitate the

local production and distribution of paper egg trays in Nigeria, the purpose of this study
was to locally create and assess the performance of a low-cost paper egg tray-making

machine. A 30-cell paper egg tray-making machine was constructed, and its

performance assessed, using metal wastes as building components and a sand-casting

method for mold creation (Omoniyi & Onilude 2022).

The study of Davis (2021) Most egg cartons are recyclable, depending on the

material they are made of. The typical cartons found across supermarkets are generally

made of paper byproducts, #1 plastics, or Styrofoam. Plastic cartons pose no problems

when it comes to recycling and paper cartons can be placed in most residential recycling

carts. Styrofoam or foam, however, is not accepted by most recycling facilities.

Recycling paper and plastic egg cartons is easy because those are the most widely

accepted materials. Pulp paper egg cartons are often made from recycled materials and

can be recycled again. They are also biodegradable and compostable. Most paper egg

cartons can be placed in your recycling bin just like any other paper product. If they have

the universal recycling symbol on the packaging, they can be broken down, mashed into

a pulp, and turned into another form of paper product.

The results of assays carried out on plates used in the construction industry,

manufactured entirely with solid wastes of a recycled paper plant, are presented and

compared with the results obtained using agglomerated wood and plywood plates.

Previous results had shown that wastes are composed essentially of polymers when

these wastes are generated by recycled paper produced with the “waved type II”

shavings. These solid wastes were placed in a mold that was heated and pressed with a

hydraulic press in order to obtain the plates. The waste-produced plates were submitted

to tests for humidity, swelling, water absorption, density, modulus of rupture-static

bending, modulus of elasticity and direct screw withdrawal. These same assays had

been carried out on two types of commercial wood plates, agglomerated wood and
plywood, in order to compare the results with those obtained with the waste plate. Waste

plates had similar behavior to the agglomerated wood plate, but it was possible to

distinguish greater flexibility in the waste-produced plate and a significant difference in

the tests for swelling and water absorption which showed the waste plate had a better

performance than the agglomerated wood and plywood plates (Pelegrini et al., 2010).

For many workers who are compelled to eat at least one meal a day away from

home due to the Corona Virus pandemic, community catering is a crucial component,

even though Smart Working has temporarily changed daily necessities in recent times.

In this industry, the usage of disposable, non-biodegradable goods is very common.

According to estimates, Italy uses 115,000 tons of plastic dinnerware annually, with a

production value of about 960 million euros (Moronese, 2018). The issues associated

with switching from single-use plastic to reusable products are numerous. High

standards of safety and cleanliness are provided by single-use packaging, which also

helps to preserve food freshness and cut down on food waste (ANGEM, 2020). By using

the standard EN 13432 (EN13432, 2000), which states that biodegradable materials

breakdown by at least 90% in six months when exposed to a carbon-rich environment,

biodegradability under composting conditions is ascertained. There is currently no

effective method of recycling fossil fuel-based products that is extensively used due to

the presence of food residues. As of right now, the most widely used options for

reducing the amount of polypropylene waste are landfills and incineration (Mannheim

and Simenfalvi, 2020).

Reusable non-compostable system adoption was also evaluated for the takeout

food industry (Gallego-Schmid et al., 2018) and the airline catering industry (Blanca-

Alcubilla et al., 2020). Pay attention to throwaway systems in food service, weighing the

environmental impact of biodegradable versus conventional items (Fieschi and Pretato,

2017). This study addressed the underappreciated issue of comparing disposable to

reusable bioplastic products. In order to compare, several table place compositions are

taken into account, each of which includes the essential elements that are often required

during a meal. In addition, fossil-based systems are taken into account for a

comprehensive analysis of the dinnerware industry.

The study of Pr (2023) Plastic-Based Egg Tray will have significant change from

previous year. By the most conservative estimates of global Plastic-Based Egg Tray

market size (most likely outcome) will be a year-over-year revenue with magnificent

growth rate In 2022, from USD million In 2021. Over the next five years the Plastic-

Based Egg Tray market will register a Impressive CAGR in terms of revenue, the global

market size will reach Multimillion USD by 2028. The Global Plastic-Based Egg Tray

market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between

2022 and 2028. In 2020, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising

adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected

horizon.

Egg tray and coir fibre as a sound absorption panel. The coir fibre has a good

coefficient value which make it suitable as a sound absorption material and can replace

the traditional material, syntactic and wooden material. The combination of pyramid

shape of egg tray can provide a large surface for uniform sound reflection (Kaamin et al.,

2018)

Turning wastepaper materials to different packaging materials is important to

effectively manage the associated problem involved with its disposal and to conserve

our forest reservation. The imported machines for egg tray production processes are

capital intensive, complex to operate, largely power dependent and also difficult to repair

and maintain. Hence there is a need to find a local alternative to solve these problems.
This paper therefore gives a brief description of the design and fabrication of a 30-cavity

wastepaper egg tray machine of size 10 with transfer and counter moulds producing 12

egg trays/hour with a vacuum pump rating of 1.64kW using an already mechanically

disintegrated pulp. The machine consist of slurry vat, mould, counter mould , the

lowering mechanism , electric motor and vacuum pump. The geometry of the slurry vat

includes a 10 litre cylindrical vessel of 5mm vessel fixed with lowering mechanism

controlling the movement of the mould and counter mould in the slurry vat. The design

capacity is 12 egg trays/hour and the total estimated cost of the machine is $200 and it

works on the principle of vacuuming the pulp slurry when the consistency is about 5%.

The features of this pulp moulding machine consist of simple structure, easy operation

and maintenance, low investment cost and larger application range (Onilude et al.,

2012).

The egg tray treated with the vapor phase of 40 µg/g clove oil and

eugenol/eugenyl acetate combination (7:1 ratio) together with UV‐C radiation exhibited

activity against all pathogenic bacteria and extended the shelf life of eggs by

approximately fivefold. The eggs stored in the treated egg tray exhibited good quality

were reported. The synergic effect of the two main components (eugenol/eugenyl

acetate at 7:1) in the vapor phase following UV radiation was found to be the key factor

of the increased antibacterial activity of the clove oil vapor (Phothisuwan et al., 2020).

The prevention and controlled growth of pathogenic bacteria on eggs during

storage and distribution at room temperature is important to ensure commercial eggs

and egg products are safe for consumer. This study investigated the combined effects of

orange oil (0.001%–0.004% v/w) and smoke for 10 min in paper egg tray packaging

produce from the fungal pulp of Trametes versicolor. Eggs were kept in the developed

paper egg tray at room temperature (30 ± 2 °C). The mechanism of the combined anti-
bacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus

aureus and egg quality were investigated. The combination of orange oil (0.004%) and

smoke delayed all bacteria and suppressed changes in weight loss and the quality factor

of eggs (Haugh unit, yolk index, albumen index) for at least 14 days. It was found that

the volatile orange oil smoke in the egg tray could be pass through the structure of the

cell wall and membrane of bacteria, giving rise to loss of cell viability by irreversibly

damaging the cell membranes of all the bacteria in this test (Kabploy et al., 2023)

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework for this study on the development of ecofriendly and

biodegradable paper plate using egg trays draws from the composite materials, molding

techniques and environmental impact assessments theories. The theory of production

with waste and recycling solid waste management has become a critical issue. Product

responsibility refers to the idea that a product will follow its maker from birth to death;

waste avoidance, recycling, and disposal are all components of the business strategy

they build under solid residual management. A waste levy levied by the government

encourages businesses to improve resource recycling. The effects of a charge on waste

reduction, the production process's structure, recycling, input demand, material-saving

effort, the number of enterprises, and the amount of trash disposed of are demonstrated

by a comparative statistics analysis (Conrad, 1997).

Theory of environmentally significant behavior explains that relationship between

environmental concern and behavior; and summarizes evidence on the factors that

determine environmentally significant behaviors and that can effectively alter them. The

article concludes by presenting some major propositions supported by available

research and some principles for guiding future research and informing the design of

behavioral programs for environmental protection (Stern, 2000).

 In relevance to these theories, due to the development of ecofriendly and

biodegradable paper plate from egg trays, it looks into the marketability and customer

acceptability of these sustainable alternatives, offering insightful information to people

and companies who want to make more environmentally friendly decisions. The study's

goal is to encourage a constructive change in disposable tableware manufacturing and

use toward sustainable methods, supporting international efforts to create a more

sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Mustafa Gölcü and Volkan Kalender drying time of the eggtray states that many

items are dried in a microwave instead of the conventional techniques for drying. Most of

the drying research carried out in our nation are in the food industry. Using the

microwaves' efficient heating capacity, the drying process happens swiftly.

Consequently, Costs are reduced, production is quicker, and it is more ecologically

friendly. occurs. In this study, various egg tray drying techniques have been used belt

speeds and magnetron (MGN) output powers. Microwave power's impact on the egg

tray's drying time has been investigated (Gölcü and Kalender, 2013). By applying these

theories, this study aims to develop ecofriendly and biodegradable paper plates using

egg trays. Understanding the importance of using recycled materials such as egg trays

that can be used as an alternative disposable paper plate can be an effective

environmentally friendly product.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 shows the response to the escalating environmental concerns

associated with the proliferation of non-biodegradable disposable plates; this study

introduces a robust conceptual framework for the development of eco-friendly plates

using egg trays. This framework serves as a structured guide to comprehensively

understand and address the intricate dynamics involved in creating, implementing, and
assessing the impact of biodegradable alternatives. The conceptual framework

navigates through the key stages of input, process, output, and outcome, interweaving

the utilization of egg trays as a primary raw material with environmental impact

assessments and continuous improvement loops.

Raw Materials (Egg Trays): Production: Utilize the egg Eco-Friendly Plates: Produce
biodegradable plates as the final
Gather egg trays as the trays in a sustainable and
output, ensuring they meet
primary raw material to efficient manufacturing quality standards, are cost-
produce eco-friendly process to create eco- effective, and environmentally
plates. Research and friendly plates. friendly. Research Findings:
Present research findings on the
Development: Conduct Environmental Impact
environmental benefits, cost-
thorough research and Assessment: Evaluate the efficiency, and potential market
development to optimize environmental impact of acceptance of eco-friendly plates
the manufacturing process both traditional disposable made from egg trays. Outcome:
Market Adoption: Assess the level
for creating biodegradable plates and the newly
of acceptance and adoption of
plates using egg trays. developed biodegradable eco-friendly plates in the market
plates throughout their life by consumers and small
cycle. businesses.

Input Process Output

Figure 1. A diagram showing the Input-Process-Output of the study Development of

ecofriendly and biodegrable paper plate using used eggtrays.

 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the Research Design, Research locale, Collection of Egg

trays, Procedure, Gathering Data and Tools that we will use in conducting our

experiment.

Research Design

This research is quanti-qualitative and used product development research

design. According to Barnard, E. (2023) Product development research is the process of

finding out how the product or feature you’re currently working on is progressing,

whether there are any changes in your target audience’s needs and whether you need to

make any adjustments to the product. Depending on where you are in your product’s life

cycle will dictate the kind of product development research you do and how it might

impact your overall product development process. In your product research process, you

can find out things like what features customers might be willing to pay more for, or

figuring out how you can increase customer loyalty. And you might want to investigate a

decline in interest or sales to make sure your product maintains success. The researcher

used this design to determine if the egg tray can be used as an eco-friendly and

biodegradable plate. The researcher tests the efficiency of egg trays as a raw material

for producing biodegradable plates, focusing on resource utilization, energy

consumption, and waste reduction throughout the manufacturing process. This study
contributes to the intersection of environmental sustainability, consumer behavior, and

business practices by pioneering the development and analysis of eco-friendly plates

made from egg trays. Furthermore, it investigates the economic viability and consumer

acceptance of such sustainable alternatives, providing valuable insights for both

businesses and individuals striving for more eco-conscious choices. Ultimately, the study

aims to foster a positive shift towards sustainable practices in the production and

consumption of disposable tableware, contributing to the global efforts towards a

greener and more sustainable future.

Research Locale

This study was conducted in Guiuan National High School (GNHS), located two

kilometers away from the town proper, situated in Barangay Cogon, Guiuan Eastern

Samar. The researcher chose this location to ensure reliable data for this study. The

materials that are used in this study were collected in Barangay 07, Guiuan Eastern

Samar. The study was conducted in the second semester of the school year 2023-2024.

Instrument of the study

The instruments that were used included hot press, digital weighing scale, Oven,

and molder. The hot press was used to dry the molded paper plate, preparing it to be

tested in a different kind of quality test such as moisture content, hydrophobicity test,

and water absorption test. Molder was used to reshape the crushed used egg trays

preparing it to be dried using the hot press or the oven. Finally, the instruments were

sterilized and washed accordingly.

Data Gathering Procedure

A communication letter was sent to the principal and research advisers to see

permission to conduct the study entitle, “Development of ecofriendly and Biodegradable

Paper Plate Using Used Egg Trays”. Then another letter was sent to the Chemistry

Laboratory facilitator and Senior High School Science laboratory to seek permission to

use the laboratory for the equipment that was used in this study during the

experimentation, and for the safety purposes of the researcher.

Collection of Egg trays

The researcher gathered 25 pieces of used egg trays in a good weather

condition at Brgy 07, Guiuan Eastern Samar. In this study, the used egg trays was

utilized in a sustainable and efficient manufacturing process to create eco-friendly plates.

Egg trays were cleaned and prepared to remove contaminants. Then, they were broken

down into smaller pieces. After preparation of the used egg tray, they were mixed with

other necessary components such as water and addictives like filters, dyes and

bleaches. This mixtured carefully blended and processed to create a thick paper pulp.

The process of heating, stirring and filtering helped to ensure the proper consistency and

quality of pulp.

Materials

The descriptions, functions, and materials used in the development of eco

friendly and biodegradable paper plate made from egg trays are shown in table 1.

Table 1. Description and functions of materials

Materials Description and function

Egg trays Egg trays is used as the primary raw materials to

produce eco-friendly plates.

Oven dryer A heated chamber used to remove water, moisture,

and other solvents from objects. Its purpose is to

dry the product

Molder Responsible for creating products chosen from one

or several materials. It is used in molding

and shaping the product.

Digital weighing scale It is used to measure the mass or the weight of the

product.

Paper Plate Making Process

The process of transforming used egg trays into a thick paper plate begins with

meticulous cleaning and preparation to eliminate contaminants and ensure hygiene

standards are met. Once cleaned, the egg trays are broken down into smaller,

manageable pieces using mechanical shredders or crushers, facilitating the subsequent

pulping process. Next, the cleaned and fragmented egg trays are mixed with essential

components such as water and additives. This mixture is carefully blended to create a

homogenous slurry-like consistency, crucial for the subsequent stages of plate

production. Blending and processing occur meticulously, employing equipment like

pulpers or blenders to ensure the uniform distribution of components throughout the

mixture. Throughout this stage, precise control of parameters such as temperature and

agitation are maintained to guarantee optimal fiber dispersion and the removal of

impurities. Quality control measures are implemented consistently throughout the

process, with periodic testing of samples to assess physical and chemical properties,
ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. Any deviations or irregularities in

the pulp composition are promptly identified and addressed to maintain product integrity.

Quality test

To assess the quality of the paper plate made from egg trays, a rigorous of

quality test were conducted. These tests aimed to evaluate various key characteristics

and performance aspects of the paper plate. Some of the essential quality tests include:

Moisture Content

Moisture content is important to verify the quality of the samples. It was

determined by weighing the sample before and after drying and determining the

difference. The test was conducted in Brgy. Hollywood, particularly in Guiuan Eastern

Samar. The method of Sanchez et al., (2023) was used for this test. Before drying, the

samples were then weighed using an analytical balance (Digital Weighing Scale) and

were placed inside the oven dryer for 8 hours at 105ºC until the developed samples

were totally dried and weighed. After drying, the developed samples were then

separated from the molder and weighed the developed samples using an analytical

balance. The initial and final weight data were then recorded. The developed samples

were then placed inside the way container at room temperature.

Water Absorption Test

The water absorption test was conducted according to the ASTM D570-98

standard, with certain adjustments to the procedure. The samples were immersed in a 6-

liter container at room temperature for a duration of 24 hours. To enhance the reliability

of the findings, the experiments were replicated three times, ensuring more accurate and
valid results. In this experiment, the methodology described by Sanchez et al., (2023)

was adapted. The water absorption was determined by measuring the amount of water

absorbed by the samples after a 24-hour period. Following each observation, the

samples were carefully removed from the water bath, surface-wiped, and weighed using

an analytical balance. The percentage of water absorbed was then calculated using

Equation 1.

Hydrophobicity Test

The hydrophobicity test is an important test to validate the feasibility of the

developed samples. The test was conducted using the procedure of Sanchez et al.,

(2023) wherein water droplets were manually dropped onto the coated paper plate. After

dropping the liquid, the samples were observed closely, and the time taken for the

coated samples to absorb the liquid was recorded. This test allowed researchers to

evaluate the water-repellent properties of the coated paper plate and assess their

effectiveness in repelling water.

Physical Property Test

The evaluation of physical properties is essential to verify the practicality of the

product under development. In this regard, overall strength, durability and other physical

characteristics measures by caliper and testing machine. Caliper is a tool to measure the

dimensions of paper plate such as height and thickness. Spring scale gauge is used to

measure the strength and durability of the paper. These measurements ensure the

required quality and performance of the product.

Biodegradability Test

To test the biodegradability of the plates produced from egg trays, it undergoes a

simple soil burial. Two types of soil were used in soil burial, the normal soil and organic

soil. The normal mass of the paper plate was measured and then buried under organic

and normal soil. The reduced weight of the sample plate was measured daily for seven

days and continued to monitor until the paper plate degraded. After the soil burial, the

sample plates were cleaned properly and dried in the oven for 20 minutes under 40°C to

remove the water absorbed and gain the amount of weight loss.

Acceptability Test

Acceptability test is an important part in verifying the viability of a newly designed

products. This test is essential for figuring out how satisfied the consumers are with the

product and the quality. Questionnaires were distributed to a total of 30 individuals,

including vendors, students and household in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The Hedonic

Scale allowed the consumers to express their feedback, preferences and satisfaction

level regarding the developed paper plate. This ensure that the viewpoint and

preferences of the consumers were considered during the evaluation process.

Data Analysis

To facilitate analysis of data, this research used treatments namely Mechanical

Properties. Mechanical properties are also useful for helping to specify and identify

metals. And the most common properties considered are strength, hardness, ductility,

brittleness, toughness, stiffness, and impact resistance (M, 2024). It was used to
determine if the paper plate made out of egg trays can be the economic feasibility and

market acceptance of eco-friendly plates made from egg trays for small businesses.

Furthermore, to test the hypothesis saying that if small businesses in the food

industry adopt the use of eco-friendly plates made from egg trays, then there will be a

positive impact on their economic sustainability, with potential cost savings and

increased customer loyalty from environmentally conscious consumers. Mechanical

properties is one way to determine if it has a lasting characteristics.

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