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UTILIZING SUSTAINABLE BIOMASS BRIQUETTES FORMULATION AS AN

ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL CHARCOAL IN, PUROK 1,
CONCEPCION, BATANGAS CITY

A Quantitative Research Presented to the Faculty of AMA Computer

Learning Center Senior High School Batangas CASA
Buena Building P. Burgos Street, Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Catibog, Kurt Cyrus R.

Dalisay, Kyle Charies C.

Hontillano. Shandy P.

Malaluan, Karl Elly E.

Mrs. April Leron Cueto

Research Adviser

SEPTEMBER 2025
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APPROVAL SHEET
This research entitled, “UTILIZING SUSTAINABLE BIOMASS BRIQUETTES
FORMULATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL CHARCOAL IN,
PUROK 1, CONCEPCION, BATANGAS CITY”, prepared and submitted by
Catibog, Kurt Cyrus R., Dalisay Kyle Charies C., Hontillano Shandy P., and
Malaluan Karl Elly E. in partial fulfillment of the requirements for acceptance and
approval for Oral Examination.
MRS. APRIL LERON CUETO
Research Adviser

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course Practical

Research 2 by the Oral Examination Committee on __________ with a grade of

__________.

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

MS. JERLYN DE VILLA MS. TRICIA NICOLE T. DE TORRES, LPT

Panelist Panelist

ENGR. GAYNESTY L. MOLINO

Chairwoman

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the course requirements for the Senior High

School STEM strand.

Ms. Kristen M. Gutierrez, LPT

SHS Coordinator
Date:
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Table of Contents
Title Page ……………………………………………………………………………… i
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………... ii
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………… iii
CHAPTER
I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………. 1
Objectives of the Study ………………………………………………………. 5
Hypothesis …………………………………………………………………….. 6
Scope, Limitation, and Delimitation of the Study ………………………….. 6
Significance of the Study …………………………………………………….. 7
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………...…. 8
II. Review of Related Literature and Studies
Review of Related Literature ………………………………………………...13
Review of Related Studies …………………………………………………...18
Synthesis of the Review ……………………………………………………...22
Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………….28
Theoretical Framework ……………………………………………………….28
III. Research Methodology
Research Design ……………………………………………………………...31
Subject of the Study …………………………………………………………..31
Research Instrument ………………………………………………………….32
Data Gathering Procedure …………………………………………………...32
Data Analysis …………………………………………………………………..33
Statistical Treatment …………………………………………………………..34
References …………………………………………………………………………….37
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CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction

Charcoal is among the most common household fuels in most developing

nations because of its availability and cost effectiveness. Though it is one of the

most popular household fuels, charcoal production is highly linked to

environmental degradation, especially deforestation and loss of biodiversity. If

large tracts of forest cover are removed in order to produce charcoal, soil health is

degraded, water systems get out of balance, and natural habitats are lost. This

dependency on charcoal as a major source of energy is a cause of climate change

through the emission of carbon gases and other greenhouse gases.

Further, the smoke from burning charcoal emits dangerous particles that are

harmful to human health. Long term exposure to smoke is associated with

respiratory diseases, particularly among women and children who are constantly

exposed in cooking settings. Additionally, the demand for charcoal is so high that

it increases its price, leading to an economic strain on the households that depend

on it on a daily basis. The loss of forest resources and health effects of charcoal

consumption make it imperative to look for renewable substitutes. Biomass energy

has proved to be one of the most feasible alternatives, as it utilizes organic matter

instead of wood.

Biomass fuels are sustainable, renewable, and can be used to supply the

energy needs of a household while causing minimal environmental damage.

Briquettes, specifically, are an attractive proposition since they are made by

compacting waste into manageable size and shape that can be easily carried and

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burned. They are uniform in size and density, rendering them efficient for

combustion and release of energy. In contrast to charcoal, briquettes can be made

from agricultural residues otherwise discarded. This is a waste reduction and

renewable energy production practice. Therefore, replacement of traditional

charcoal with biomass briquettes is a move towards attaining sustainable energy

systems.

Biomass briquettes may be made from diverse organic wastes containing

burnable qualities, including agricultural wastes and plant residues. For this

research, three materials are prioritized: sugarcane bagasse, algae, and glutinous

rice flour. Sugarcane bagasse is a fibrous waste product in the sugar industry that

is most likely to be wasted or combusted without optimizing its full fuel potential. It

has cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making it combustible and having a lot of

energy yield. Algae, however, are carbon heavy plants that occur naturally in

aquatic ecosystems and are found everywhere in the Philippines. Algae have the

capability to enhance the combustion efficiency of briquettes while also giving a

different function to an underutilized resource. Glutinous rice flour acts as the

binder during the briquetting process, binding the particles together and forming a

strong structure.

The use of these three materials creates a biomass briquette that is locally

sourced, sustainable, and environmentally conscious. They emit lower smoke than

traditional charcoal, lowering the danger of indoor air pollution. They are also

inexpensive to manufacture since they use raw materials that are within reach of

local communities. Aside from health and ecological advantages, biomass

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briquettes also serve as a means of waste management by turning by-products

into a valuable source of energy. According to Kenton (2019), renewable energy

technology like biomass fuels plays a crucial role in developing sustainable

alternatives that minimize waste while ensuring energy demands are met. This is

in support of increased acknowledgment of briquettes as a key renewable energy

source.

The Philippines produces vast quantities of natural and agricultural by

products that are not being exploited fully for energy. Being a nation with a large

sugar industry, it harvests tons of sugarcane bagasse every year, most of which

goes to waste. This product can be converted into a usable energy source instead

of being wasted. Likewise, the aquatic environment of the nation is full of algae,

which tend to overgrow and cause water pollution if not controlled. These algae

are harvestable and can be employed as a renewable material in biomass

briquette manufacture. Glutinous rice flour, readily available in the local market, is

a cheap and yet potent binding agent for briquette preparation. Through the mixing

of these three materials, resilient and effective briquettes can be formulated to

replace traditional charcoal.

The process involves very little equipment, thus ideal even for small-scale

biomass production by communities. Societies that embrace briquette production

can make less use of charcoal but save money on fuel. Production within local

communities also opens up opportunities for small-scale enterprises and livelihood

strategies, allowing residents to make the most out of resources at hand. Waste

reduction is enhanced because agricultural residues and natural by-products are

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not channeled to disposal but to energy generation. All in all, the use of sugarcane

bagasse, algae, and glutinous rice flour shows that indigenous materials can be

harnessed to supply energy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. The

use of these resources as household fuel sources gives both environmental and

socio-economic benefits.

The research was carried out in Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City, where

charcoal continues to be a major domestic cooking fuel among households. It

concentrates on the production of biomass briquettes from sugarcane bagasse,

algae, and glutinous rice flour as a substitute for regular charcoal. The study

analyzes the sensory characteristics of the briquettes, which are appearance,

smell, and texture, and compares them to those of standard charcoal. It seeks to

establish if these products can create a sustainable fuel that is readily applicable

in households. At a wider perspective, the research deals with environmental

problems of deforestation and carbon emissions through advocating for renewable

energy policies. Nationally, it emphasizes the need to utilize maximum agricultural

and natural resources for power generation. Nationally, it gives the residents a

cheaper alternative while ensuring enhanced indoor air quality. It also takes into

account the livelihood potential of briquetting as a community activity that can

sustain lives. Through the provision of an alternative fuel, this study illustrates how

local resources can be converted into energy that sustains people and the

environment. Doing so, it aims to enhance an equilibrium between energy security,

environmental sustainability, and community welfare.

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Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the efficiency of a

combination of algae, sugarcane bagasse, and glutinous rice flour as alternative

components for briquette production. This study also aims to understand how

these briquettes may serve as a sustainable substitute for traditional charcoal.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. To determine the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Sex

1.3 Type of cooking fuel commonly used

2. To identify the sensory attribute of biomass briquettes in terms of:

2.1 Appearance

2.2 Odor

2.3 Texture

3. To explore the sensory attributes of traditional charcoal in terms of:

3.1 Appearance

3.2 Odor

3.3 Texture

4. To assess the significant differences between biomass briquettes and

traditional charcoal.

5. To create a biomass briquettes made from algae, sugarcane bagasse and

glutinous rice flour.

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Hypothesis

H₀: There is a significant difference in overall performance and sustainability

outcomes between those biomass briquettes and traditional charcoal

H₁: There is no significant difference in overall performance and sustainability

outcomes between biomass briquettes and traditional charcoal used by

households in Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City.

Scope, Delimitation, and Limitation of the Study

The research assessed the possibility of sustainable biomass being a

substitution material with which to formulate charcoal briquettes in Purok 1,

Concepcion, Batangas City. To this end, algae, sugarcane bagasse, and glutinous

rice flour replaced conventional charcoal for household cooking. The briquettes

produced were evaluated against conventional charcoal for sensory aspects such

as appearance, odor, and texture. The socioeconomic demographic profiles of the

household respondents were also evaluated to understand their age, sex, etc. and

the fuel they use to cook.

The research was conducted with a focus on establishing the best

combination of the selected biomass materials for the production of briquettes.

Comparisons were limited to conventional charcoal and based on limited

parameters such as appearance, odor, and texture. The context was also limited

to household respondents in Purok 1, Concepcion, in Batangas City, and not any

other communities or broader production contexts. These boundaries narrowed

the scope of the research problem and allowed for a more specific and

manageable evaluation.

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Some restrictions were also present in the conduct of the study. Biomass

sources included only algae, sugarcane bagasse and glutinous rice flour, while

other fuels were excluded, such as liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, or

electricity. Environmental issues relied heavily on estimates, as there were no

direct measurements of greenhouse gas emissions or deforestation impacts.

Economic questions were only considered for low-cost, household use, which

lessens the ability to generalize the results in different settings or larger

commercial contexts.

Significance of the Study

This study will provide the residents of Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City,

with the necessary information to understand how to utilize sustainable biomass

formulations as alternative charcoal briquettes. This study will be beneficial to the

following:

Households. The research provides local households with knowledge on

alternative cooking and practical fuels. Residents arrive at well-educated choices

that are more cost-effective and safer for health and environmentally friendly

through understanding the benefits of using biomass briquettes.

Entrepreneurs and Livelihood Program. This study introduces an alternative

energy source able to be marketed and produced locally. It mentions business

people and groups seeking cheap, green fuel creation from farm trash.

Community Leaders. This study equips barangay officials, along with local

leaders, with relevant perceptions that can guide sustainable energy initiatives. It

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promotes the creation of livelihood opportunities through localized briquette

production because it uses available organic waste.

Environmental Advocates. The study's discoveries add to environmental

awareness. The presented solution does reduce customary charcoal use. The

environmental benefits of biomass briquettes are stressed, such as decreased

deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Future Researchers. This study provides a foundational basis for future scientific

inquiries. Scientists can use it to investigate biomass energy, especially local

materials. It promotes innovation for renewable energy research needs. It also

supports developers in creating more sustainable fuel alternatives.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the contents of the study, the following terms are

hereby provided with the conceptual and operational definitions.

Algae. A versatile photosynthetic organism, with remarkable adaptability and

metabolic properties that allow them to live in diverse and extreme habitats, as well

as holding great potential for biotechnology. They play fundamental roles in their

environments, including primary production, carbon fixation, and engineering their

ecosystems. (Casati et al. 2025). In this experiment, algae are an alternative

biomass for charcoal briquette formulation. With high organic material and rapid

growth characteristics, algae are an appropriate substitute source of fuel that is

renewable and environmentally friendly.

Biomass. According to Lindwall (2022), Biomass is simply any living (or

recently living) organic matter that’s used for fuel. Its sources vary widely: trees,

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agricultural crops like corn and sugarcane, algae, and even landfill waste. It can

be transformed into nearly as many different forms of bioenergy, including

electricity and vehicle fuel. In our study, biomass provides the foundation of

sustainability, it is the material that transforms a conventional fuel source charcoal

into a more environmentally responsible and energy efficient alternative.

Briquette. Biomass briquettes are a type of renewable energy source made

from organic materials such as agricultural residues, wood waste, sawdust, and

other biomass byproducts. These materials are compacted under high pressure

normally without the use of any binding agents to form dense, solid briquettes.

Biomass briquettes serve as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil,

and natural gas, offering several advantages, (Nielsen, 2019). In the study, the

briquette is the main product that reflects the effectiveness of the sustainable

biomass formulation. Its properties such as strength, calorific value, ignition, and

emissions show the correlation between the chosen biomass materials and the

fuel’s performance, proving its potential as a viable alternative to traditional

charcoal.

Charcoal. Charcoal is a porous fuel material that, in the absence of air and

when organic materials are exposed to high temperatures, acquires high

percentages of carbon. Carbonizing an organic material gives it adsorption

properties. Charcoal is used as a domestic fuel for cooking and heating in many

developing countries, (Carbotecnia, 2024). In this research, charcoal is the

baseline for the traditional fuel used in comparison with other biomass

briquettes. The aim is to develop biomass-based briquettes that exhibit

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comparable or superior performance in terms of heat, burn time, and even

environmental impact.

Demographic Profile. According to Taylor (2018) A demographic profile

refers to the collection of information about a particular group of people, which

provides a comprehensive understanding of the typical member of that group. This

information is usually gathered through surveys or other data collection methods

and includes characteristics such as age, gender, income, education level, and

other relevant factors. In this study, the purpose of creating a demographic profile

is to gain insights into the needs, preferences, and behaviors of a specific

population, which can be used to inform marketing, product development, and

other business decisions.

Deforestation. Deforestation is the conversion of forest to other land use

independently of whether human induced or not FAO (2023). The purpose of

linking deforestation to this study is to highlight the environmental problem caused

by traditional charcoal and emphasize the role of biomass briquettes as a

sustainable solution that preserves forests while still meeting energy demands.

Glutinous Rice Flour. According to Nakayama (2021) Glutinous rice flour is

milled flour made by grinding cooked and dehydrated kernels of long or short-grain

glutinous rice (Oryza Sativa Glutinosa). In the study, glutinous rice flour is used as

a green bonding agent in the manufacturing of biomass charcoal briquettes.

Through its binding ability, it binds together the substitute biomass material,

sugarcane bagasse, or other crop waste to maintain the strength, shaped

uniformity, transportability, and durability of the briquettes.

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Greenhouse Gases. Refers to gas released into the Earth's atmosphere that

traps heat and contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and

climate change. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄),

nitrous oxide (N₂O), and various fluorinated gases. (Ahn Tuan et. al. 2022). In the

study, charcoal production has been identified as one of the major producers of

these gases, while biomass briquettes made from waste materials are offered as

a reduced-emission substitute. Reducing these emissions advances both local and

international efforts to counter climate change.

Household Fuel. According to Nadeem (2025) defined household fuel as

energy sources used for cooking, classified as clean fuels such as electricity, LPG,

natural gas, and biogas or unclean fuels like coal, charcoal, wood, crop residues,

and animal waste. Clean fuels are safer and healthier, while traditional fuels often

cause indoor air pollution and health risks. Household fuel relates to this study as

it addresses the reliance on traditional fuels like charcoal and wood, which cause

health and environmental issues. Your research on biomass briquettes offers a

sustainable alternative household fuel that is cleaner and economic friendly.

Sugarcane Bagasse. As defined by Acharya (2021), Sugarcane bagasse

refers to the residual waste material produced after the extraction of sugars from

harvested sugarcane. It is a feasible and abundantly available biomass resource

with significant potential for bioethanol production. In this study sugarcane

bagasse is used as a major biomass feedstock to prepare charcoal briquettes. Its

high fiber content and carbon level make it good for burning and energy

generation. The use of sugarcane bagasse supports waste valorization and helps

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mitigate the use of wood-based charcoal, hence supporting environmental

sustainability.

Sensory Attributes. According to Hullat (2024), Sensory attributes refer to

the characteristics of a product that are perceived by the senses, such as taste,

smell, sight, touch, and sound. These attributes play a crucial role in consumer

perception and product evaluation, as they determine the overall sensory

experience and acceptance of a product. In our study, sensory attributes likely

refer to the characteristics of the briquettes that can be perceived by the senses

such as appearance, texture, and odor. Incorporating sensory evaluation allows

for a comprehensive assessment of how the briquettes perform in real world

applications, beyond just their physical and chemical properties.

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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter of the paper presents a Review of Related Literature, Related

Studies, Synthesis, Conceptual Framework, and the Theoretical Framework.

Review of Related Literature

In response to the growing urgency for cleaner energy and reduced

environmental harm, of wood based briquettes, an alternative biomass briquette

incorporation coal-based energy systems. Underscores that biomass briquettes

serve as an important cleaner alternative to traditional bulk coal, delivering

markedly lower emissions of harmful gases, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur

dioxide, during both preparation and combustion. Moreover, the production and

use of biomass briquettes exert less strain on water and soil resources, further

enhancing their sustainability profile. From a lifecycle perspective, highlighting that

biomass briquette systems mitigate environmental and human health risks by

minimizing pollutant release and reducing overall ecological impact. Sheds light on

the inherent combustion chemistry benefits of biomass ash rich in K₂O especially

in herbaceous biomass and CaO in woody biomass, which can serve as catalysts

to improve combustion efficiency and secondary reaction dynamics. Positions

biomass briquettes as viable replacements for conventional energy sources,

aligning with sustainable development goals and supporting their broad potential

application in heating, cooking, power generation, and industrial processes (Jiang

et al., 2025).

Viewed in processing and technical aspects of biomass briquettes, Hadiyanto

(2023) presents how various biomass wastes from forestry, agriculture, and
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industrial sources can be transformed into briquette based renewable fuels through

relatively straightforward processing steps. These typically involve drying biomass,

carbonization, binder blending, shaping, drying, and quality testing. Categorizes

binders into three types organic, inorganic, and mixed and underscores their

critical influence on briquette performance. Appropriately proportioned binders

significantly enhance fuel quality by improving calorific value, structural integrity,

and combustion characteristics. The environmental and economic viability of using

abundant biomass waste, especially in settings with high renewable energy

potential, positioning biomass briquettes as efficient, low-cost alternatives to

depleting fossil fuels.

Within the context of adoption and socioeconomic implications, Umar Ali et

al. (2019) emphasize that biomass briquettes are increasingly recognized as a

sustainable alternative to charcoal. In Kampala District, adoption was strongly

influenced by local production, affordability, and user experience, while education

played a smaller role. Users preferred briquettes for being cheaper, cleaner-

burning, and producing less smoke and ash compared to traditional fuels. Beyond

household benefits, briquettes support forest conservation by using agricultural

residues and organic waste. The need for policy support and community

empowerment to expand briquette use, strengthening the case for developing

sustainable biomass formulations that are technically efficient, environmentally

friendly, and socially acceptable.

According to Adebayo (2020) On environmental benefits and feedstock

evaluation, the shift from traditional wood charcoal to biomass-based briquettes is

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a sustainable solution to address deforestation, health risks, and environmental

degradation. The use of residues from jatropha, groundnut, and melon seeds

combined with starch binders was found to create briquettes with strong energy

potential and durability. These biomass briquettes closely matched the

performance of conventional charcoal while providing cleaner combustion and

reduced pollutant emissions. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of

systematic assessment methods in evaluating biomass feedstocks to identify the

most efficient and sustainable raw materials, supporting the use of biomass as a

practical and eco-friendly alternative to conventional charcoal.

In the aspect of specific raw materials and binder combinations, the use of

rice hull waste combined with glutinous rice flour and PVAc glue as binders.

Findings revealed that higher proportions of glutinous rice flour increased the

maximum combustion temperature and burn time, while PVAc glue significantly

contributed to bioenergy output and overall combustion efficiency. These

reinforced the viability of rice husk and other agricultural wastes as excellent raw

materials for high-quality briquettes. Moreover, variables such as raw material mix,

binder type, and compression pressure during formation greatly influence briquette

performance, an important consideration in advancing biofuel alternatives

(Ramadhini et al., 2021).

Briquettes are fuels whose energy conversion occurs through direct burning

and are used for heating and cooking, for domestic or industrial use, and are best

used in fixed bed chambers due to their physical structure. Pellets have the same

applicability but can be used in reactors with different geometries and feeding

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systems. The use of densified biomass in the form of solid fuel has gained

relevance in developing and developed countries. In Europe, countries like

Sweden, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany use biomass heating

systems on a small scale, which use pellets for combustion. In Brazil, briquettes

are used as substitutes for firewood in bakeries, pizzerias, food establishments,

and factories with wood ovens, such as red brick factories. However, the use of

biomass briquettes for energy purposes in the country has not yet fully spread,

since this sector depends on a briquette market, adequate technologies, and

availability of waste (Marreiro et al., 2021).

Similarly, Shuliy (2023) notes that efforts to shift away from conventional

charcoal have gained momentum in the Philippines, where biomass briquettes are

increasingly seen as a sustainable and efficient alternative. These briquettes are

often crafted from readily available agricultural residues such as coconut shells,

sawdust, bamboo, and rice husks, transforming otherwise discarded materials into

valuable fuel while enhancing waste management. Production methods are

designed to be environmentally benign, significantly reducing the release of smoke

and toxic pollutants like sulfur. The briquettes’ high carbon content and superior

energy density further bolster their appeal as a more efficient fuel option.

Recognizing these advantages, the Philippine government has fostered a

supportive policy environment with initiatives that encourage the development and

adoption of biomass charcoal solutions. These insights underscore the relevance

of sustainable biomass formulations that not only meet technical performance

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standards but also align with environmental resilience, circular economy principles,

and policy driven momentum.

In addition, Charcoal Briquette Machinery (2025), in the Philippines, the use

of modern briquetting technology has been recognized as a sustainable solution

to replace traditional charcoal, which often contributes to deforestation, smoke

pollution, and inefficient energy use. Advanced briquetting machines enable the

transformation of abundant agricultural and forestry residues such as rice husks,

sawdust, coconut shells, and other biomass wastes into uniform, high-density

briquettes.

The production process typically involves crushing, drying, forming, and

carbonization, ensuring that the resulting briquettes are clean-burning and more

efficient than conventional charcoal. This approach not only provides an

environmentally friendly alternative fuel but also creates opportunities for waste

management and rural livelihood development, making biomass briquettes a

practical and scalable energy source in the Philippine context.

Furthermore, in the Philippines, sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of sugar

processing, has begun to attract attention as a sustainable feedstock for charcoal

production. Specialized machinery converts dried bagasse into high-quality

charcoal using continuous carbonization furnaces, producing additional value-

added outputs such as wood tar and wood vinegar suitable for agrochemical uses.

This process not only diverts waste from disposal but also enhances resource

efficiency by generating both renewable energy and marketable chemical

byproducts. Incorporating such strategies into biomass briquette formulation

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broadens the scope of innovation toward more integrated and sustainable energy

solutions (Jordan, 2023).

Montiel et al. (2023) examined the use of green algal biomass as a binder in

briquettes from water hyacinth. Although all the types of binders did well in terms

of emission levels, the algae-based briquettes reported the highest CO and SO₂

emissions, which put forth a trade-off between sustainability and clean combustion.

Nevertheless, the report does note the technical and environmental success of

these binders in the production of domestic fuel in resource-poor settings. This

indicates what we may consider strong combustion properties, which also include

adequate fixed carbon content and an acceptable level of boiling time, although at

the same time it was found that moisture and ash contents were high.

Review of Related Studies

According to a study conducted by Suttibak (2018), biomass is a clean,

renewable, and economic friendly energy source with low sulfur, nitrogen, and ash

content compared to fossil fuels. Thailand, being an agricultural country, generates

large quantities of biomass from crops like sugarcane, rice, cassava, and corn. In

2015, Thailand produced 171.7 million tonnes of these crops, resulting in around

102.1 million tonnes of agricultural residues. However, less than half of these

residues are used, with the rest often incinerated, causing pollution. Biomass can

be converted into energy through direct combustion, pyrolysis, or gasification. Of

these, direct combustion is the most common at the community level due to its

simplicity and cost effectiveness.

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In line with this, Jutilarptavorn et al. (2019) emphasized that Thailand remains

a leading example in Southeast Asia when it comes to the availability of agricultural

biomass. After harvesting, a significant amount of agricultural waste, around 80

million tons annually, remains unused despite its potential as biomass energy. In

the country, biomass can be derived from cassava root, rice straw, the leaves and

stems of sugarcane, bagasse fiber, coconut shells, and palm shells.

Consequently, agricultural waste stands out as an attractive material for

producing biomass energy. At present, biomass plays a crucial role as a renewable

energy source, especially for rural households. It meets basic energy requirements

for cooking and process heating in residential areas. Furthermore, biomass

thermal conversion technologies such as direct combustion, pyrolysis, and

gasification are available, with direct combustion being the most widely used in

Thailand due to its simplicity, convenience, and low cost.

Similarly, the abundant biomass resources in Southeast Asian countries

(SACs), owing to their forest-rich and agriculture-based economies. Major biomass

sources include coconut, oil palm, sugarcane, rice residues, wood waste, and

firewood, with an estimated 500 million tons available annually, yielding over 8

gigajoules of energy potential. The review discussed current biomass usage,

management practices, and challenges, including harmful emissions, unpleasant

odors, and unsustainable harvesting. It compared traditional and modern biomass

utilization methods and explored technologies such as direct combustion,

pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas production Makul

(2021).

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Furthermore, Aishwariya (2018) explained that the process of briquetting or

pelletizing serves as a densification technique that improves the energy potential

of biomass by reducing its volume and increasing efficiency. This densification can

boost burning efficiency by up to forty percent, reduce smoke and ash, and

facilitate transportation, making biomass a competitive alternative fuel amid rising

energy costs. The need for improved waste management is especially pressing in

Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where fifty two percent of waste is organic and

twenty six percent is recyclable, yet often overlooked. In the face of increasing fuel

prices and environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and ozone

depletion, briquetting offers a sustainable pathway for converting solid waste into

clean energy.

In addition, the effective utilization of agricultural and industrial biomass

residues through briquetting offers opportunities to conserve energy and enhance

farmers’ incomes. Various feedstocks, briquetting technologies, and factors

influencing briquette quality, including feedstock type, density, moisture content,

binder percentage, and briquetting method, play critical roles in production

efficiency. Combustion studies have revealed that high ash content can lower

calorific value and lead to slagging, fouling, and equipment corrosion (Dinesha,

2019).

Supporting this, Balraj (2020) revealed through proximate analysis that

biomass possesses low ash, high volatile matter, and good fixed carbon levels.

SEM analysis showed surface cracks that enhance combustion by facilitating

oxidant penetration. TGA indicated efficient volatile and carbon burning, and EDX

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analysis identified carbon and potassium as key components. These findings

suggest that producing non binder briquettes from fine biomass and coal fines is

an efficient and sustainable solution.

In the Philippine context, emphasized that the shift toward sustainable fuel

alternatives has become increasingly important due to environmental concerns

and government policies such as the moratorium on timber harvesting, which

limited traditional charcoal production. As a response, community-based charcoal

briquetting has emerged as a viable solution, utilizing abundant agricultural

residues like rice husks, coconut shells, husks, corn cobs, and sugarcane

bagasse. These biomass wastes provide a sustainable raw material base for

briquette production while simultaneously addressing waste management issues

(Perez, 2018).

Along similar lines, Salvador (2025) explored unconventional biomass

sources such as food waste, including non-carbonized banana and calamansi

peels as substitutes for wood charcoal. Experimental testing compared briquettes

with and without natural binders to commercial wood charcoal. Results revealed

that banana peel briquettes with binder achieved the highest calorific value, while

calamansi peel briquettes with binder had the lowest ash content, indicating

cleaner combustion. Moreover, agricultural and forestry residues such as peanut

shells, coconut husks, rambutan skins, and avocado pits can also be processed

into briquettes with favorable burning qualities and reduced environmental impact.

In addition, Aloria et al. (2023) at Batangas State University developed a low

cost, solar-powered briquetting system that converted agricultural wastes and

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animal manure into renewable fuel. Materials such as rice straw, coco peat,

sawdust, corn husk, and livestock manure were processed into briquettes after

proper drying. Results showed that moisture content and particle size greatly

influenced briquette quality.

The study of Geranta & Quitos (2024), investigates the use of market fruit

and vegetable waste in producing eco-friendly briquettes. The research addresses

two issues at once improper solid waste disposal and the environmental damage

caused by conventional charcoal production. Findings revealed that the briquettes

produced from biodegradable wastes are functional, dependable, and capable of

sustaining long burning times, making them suitable for household cooking needs.

This innovation supports the principles of a circular economy by converting

discarded organic matter into a valuable energy source, reducing reliance on

wood-based charcoal, and helping mitigate deforestation and climate impacts.

Furthermore, it aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development

Goals on clean energy and sustainable consumption. While the study provides

strong evidence of the briquettes’ potential, further research is needed to measure

their calorific value, emission levels, and economic viability compared with

traditional fuels. This demonstrates that vegetable and fruit waste can be

transformed into sustainable biomass briquettes, offering both environmental and

social benefits while advancing renewable energy solutions in the Philippines.

Synthesis

To begin with, Jiang et al. (2025) was more expansive in emphasizing the

technical and environmental benefits of biomass briquettes compared to traditional

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coal. Their research highlights lowered emissions of toxic gases, enhanced

combustion efficiency through ash chemistry, and the general sustainability of

biomass systems. Suttibak emphasizes resource availability and community

utilization, while Jiang et al. emphasizes lifecycle gain and policy conformity in

presenting biomass briquettes as a worldwide alternative energy source. Suttibak

(2018) focuses the lens on Thailand’s rural agricultural backbone and reveals a

gap in utilization. Even with enormous residues from sugarcane, rice, cassava, and

corn, only less than half are utilized, with open burning still prevalent. In

comparison, the two sources are in concord on the applicability of direct

combustion.

Furthermore, Hadiyanto (2023) goes deep into the briquetting process

workflow drying, carbonization, blending binder, shaping, drying, and testing and

emphasizes that the selection of binder (organic, inorganic, and blended dosage)

controls calorific value, integrity, and burn behavior. In addition, Jutilarptavorn et

al. (2019) fill the gap by enumerating Thailand's vast biomass sources such as

cassava, rice straw, sugarcane residues, bagasse, coconut, and palm shells, while

reiterating that direct combustion prevails in rural energy due to affordability and

ease of use. Consequently, both meet on feasibility rich feedstock and tractable

processing but with differing focus: Thailand's hurdle is structuring and channeling

residues into densification chains, whereas Hadiyanto's hurdle is getting the

materials science correct (binder systems and quality control) to produce market-

quality fuel.

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Similarly, Umar Ali et al. (2019) demonstrate that users embrace briquettes

when they are locally made, inexpensive, and provide cleaner, lower-smoke

cooking with lower ash education than concrete performance and cost. On the

other hand, Makul (2021), canvassing Southeast Asia, finds enormous theoretical

biomass potential but warns of system-level constraints such as emissions, odors,

and unsustainable harvesting, and further plots a set of conversion technologies

following briquetting pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas.

Thus, both call for policy and community action but from alternative perspectives:

Umar Ali prioritizes micro-level user economics and experience, while Makul

emphasizes macro-level governance, environmental controls, and technology

portfolio decisions. Accordingly, successful scale-up requires both household-

visible benefits to drive demand and regional management to restrain externalities.

In the same way, Adebayo (2020) experimentally tests residues with starch

binders, discovering briquettes that compete with charcoal's energy while reducing

pollutants, thereby offering an evidence-driven solution to material choice.

Likewise, Aishwariya (2018) universalizes the argument for densification in

general: briquetting densifies biomass, increases burning efficiency, reduces

smoke and ash, and simplifies logistics gains particularly relevant in LDCs where

organic waste predominates but goes underutilized. As a result, both come to

cleaner combustion and better handling, though different in terms of granularity

and context. Specifically, Adebayo teaches what feedstocks are effective and how,

while Aishwariya discusses why densification is important system-wide and how

waste management, increasing fuel costs, and climate change are all

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interconnected. Together, they make the case for matching stringent feedstock

screening with schemes that recover municipal organics to make briquettes.

Moreover, Ramadhini et al. (2021) investigate certain rice hull recipes using

glutinous rice flour and PVAc binders, demonstrating that flour enhances peak

temperature and burn duration, whereas PVAc increases total bioenergy yield and

efficiency; hence, compression and mix ratios become knobs for performance. At

the same time, Dinesha (2019) broadens the quality prism, observing how

feedstock characteristics density, moisture content, binder content, and method

shape affect results, while cautioning that high ash suppresses calorific value and

facilitates slagging, fouling, and corrosion. Therefore, both concur that

performance is multi variable and process dependent. In essence, Ramadhini

provides tactical knobs for a rice husk plant line, while Dinesha raises universal

guardrails, particularly ash that can nullify gains if neglected. Consequently, the

integrated summary maximizes binder pressure moisture for target combustion,

but filters and mixes feedstocks to manage ash and shield end-use equipment.

In addition, Balraj (2020) emphasized the advantageous combustible

features of biomass in proximate and thermal analyses based on low ash, high

volatile matter, and effective burning behavior that renders non-binder briquettes

feasible. Likewise, Marreiro et al. (2021) illustrated that densified biomass fuels

such as briquettes and pellets are making inroads internationally, with real-world

applications in heating systems and industry. Both sources therefore highlight the

efficiency and adaptability of biomass as a replacement for conventional fuels,

although with different contexts. This illustrates that technical validation provides

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impetus to wider energy transitions where markets, infrastructure, and waste

availability are present.

Meanwhile, Perez (2018) highlighted the Philippines’ reaction to

environmental policies like the timber harvesting moratorium by encouraging

community-based briquetting from agricultural residues such as rice husks and

coconut shells, thus highlighting adoption at a grassroots level, whereby

communities have converted waste into energy solutions. Correspondingly, Shuliy

(2023) substantiated this by explaining how biomass briquettes in the Philippines

remedy deforestation, smoke emission, and waste management and also gained

support from governing initiatives. Moreover, they seized national momentum and

reflected conformity between community practices and government

encouragement. As a result, both emphasize policy as a catalyst and agricultural

residues as bountiful raw materials. Together, they demonstrate how sustainability

policies can trickle down into both small-scale and policy led adoption streams.

Likewise, Salvador (2025) tried nonconventional feedstocks such as banana

and calamansi peels, proving that alternative wastes could yield briquettes with

acceptable calorific values and minimum ash content. Similarly, Jordan (2023)

tested another neglected feedstock sugarcane bagasse using advanced

carbonization furnaces to obtain charcoal and by-products such as tar and vinegar.

Both therefore emphasize innovation through nonconventional materials and

prove that briquetting can go beyond traditional residues. Nevertheless, the

variation lies in their methodologies. This implies that non-traditional feedstocks

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may play multifunctional roles, providing enhanced local waste-to-fuel

opportunities while aiding industrial creativity and resource conservation.

Additionally, Aloria et al. (2023) created a low-cost solar-based briquetting

system for treating agricultural and animal wastes, illustrating how the moisture

content and particle size affect fuel quality. Similarly, Charcoal Briquette

Equipment (2025) accelerated briquette manufacturing in the Philippines by

utilizing contemporary briquetting machines that can create consistent, high-

density briquettes from by-products such as rice husk and sawdust. Both projects,

therefore, emphasize technological advancements to mass-produce sustainable

fuel. Combined, they present a technology continuum from low-energy, grassroots

systems to high-tech mechanized systems that can extend briquette use

depending on community resources and demands.

Finally, Montiel et al. (2023) and Geranta & Quitos (2024) both explored

biomass briquettes but differ in focus and outcomes. Montiel et al. examined water

hyacinth briquettes with green algal binders, finding good combustion properties

but higher emissions along with high moisture and ash, showing a trade-off

between performance and clean combustion. In contrast, Geranta and Quitos used

fruit and vegetable waste, producing briquettes that burned long and reliably while

addressing waste management and deforestation concerns. However, unlike

Montiel et al., their study lacked detailed emission and calorific analyses. Montiel

et al. highlight technical trade-offs, while Geranta and Quitos emphasize

environmental and social benefits, together illustrating the balance needed

between performance and sustainability.

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Conceptual Framework

The figure 1 is the conceptual framework. It shows the entire procedure that

the user will use as a guide to conduct the study and produce an output

fundamental to this paper.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

To determine the
demographic profile of
the respondents in
terms of:
Age
Sex
Type of cooking fuel
commonly used
To identify the
sensory attribute of
biomass briquettes in
terms of: To create a biomass
Appearance briquettes made from
Odor algae, sugarcane
Survey Questionnaire
Texture bagasse and
To explore the glutinous rice flour.
sensory attributes of
traditional charcoal in
terms of:
Appearance
Odor
Texture
To assess the
significant differences
between biomass
briquettes and
traditional charcoal.

Theoretical Framework

Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Theory, as supported by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (2019), posits that waste can be transformed into a valuable

energy source, thereby addressing both environmental and energy concerns.

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Waste to energy (WtE) facilities help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in two

fundamental ways: taking methane out of the landfill, and providing alternative

energy to fossil fuel-based energy sources. This theoretical framework posits that

waste is not a waste disposal issue but rather a renewable material to create

sustainable energy. Moving from landfill, the agricultural waste of algae, sugar

cane bagasse, and glutinous rice flour can now be seen as materials and not waste

and provide benefits through the mitigation of climate change, cleaner energy, and

circular economies that feed material back into the production stream.

Based on this theory, the current study utilized WtE Theory by using

agricultural waste materials to develop alternative charcoal briquettes, from

biomass waste, in Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City. The theory was

operationalized through using algae, sugar cane bagasse and glutinous rice flour

to create biomass briquettes as a comparison to traditional charcoal based on

appearance, odour, and texture. In this way, WtE Theory was a way to

demonstrate that waste, either agricultural or all waste, can be used as a

renewable, inexpensive, and cleaner burning fuel source. Furthermore, the

implementation of waste recycling as a fundamental component of WtE Theory

was to demonstrate that recycling waste could not only reduce potential

environmental harm traditionally caused by waste disposal, but provide

sustainable energy as an option for home fuel costs and thus obtain locally sourced

energy.

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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the methods that were used in the study. This covers

the Research Design, Subjects of the Study, Research Instrument, Data Gathering

Procedures, and Data Analysis and Statistical Treatment.

Research Design

This study utilized experimental research design to evaluate whether

biomass briquettes consisting of algae, sugarcane bagasse, and glutinous rice

flour can serve as a sustainable alternative to charcoal. It focused on creating the

briquettes and testing them using different combinations of the selected biomass

materials. Suitable tools and equipment were used to test, and the briquettes were

analyzed based on their appearance, odor and texture. Any significant differences

were determined by comparing the results with customary charcoal.

The community survey selected households in Purok 1, Concepcion, to

determine their cooking fuel usage, demographic profile, and their willingness to

try the proposed fuel alternative. The usefulness and efficacy of the briquette were

assessed thoroughly, using concrete data and taking into account the opinions of

the local community.

Subjects of the Study

According to Campbell et al. (2020), purposive sampling provides a better

opportunity to match the sample to the aims and objectives of the study, improving

the rigor and credibility of the trustworthiness of the data and the results. In this

research, the researcher used purposive sampling to select respondents who have

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prior experience in using cooking fuel, such as charcoal, LPG, or alternative

biofuels.

A total of 120 respondents from Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City, were

chosen using simple random sampling, a technique in which participants are

selected based on specific characteristics that are relevant to the research study.

Research Instrument

In this research study, the researchers will use unstructured survey

questionnaire to acquire quantitative data from respondents regarding the

appearance, odor and texture of the briquettes composed of algae, sugarcane

bagasse, and glutinous rice flour.

The questionnaire is constructed with the 4-point Likert scale to gain

definitive and measurable responses while giving space for the participant's level

of agreement or perception. This allows structured, comparable data to be

collected for effective analysis with descriptive and inferential statistical tools.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers will implement a systematic data collection plan to

guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and clarity of their results. To begin this

process, a formal letter will be sent to the barangay chairman of Purok 1,

Concepcion, Batangas City, to request official permission for the study. Upon

receiving approval, the team will then formally inform all potential participants

about the study's purpose and its overall scope. Crucially, participants will be

thoroughly briefed on the strict confidentiality protections in place for their

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information. Finally, each individual will be asked to provide their formal consent

by signing a corresponding agreement form.

An unstructured questionnaire, pre-approved by the research professor, will

be the main research instrument to collect data. To facilitate the participants'

comprehension and responses, the researchers will personally administer the

survey to each participant. They remain with the participants through the entire

data gathering process, to assist with administration and answer any questions. In

addition, the researchers will carefully monitor that all questionnaires are

completed independently and free of external influence. Once administered, every

questionnaire will be examined for completeness, and reliability before analysis.

All responses from participants will be gathered and kept in a manner which

will be free of harm and in a secure system for further study. Once collected, the

responses will be counted and entered into a statistical program for complete

analysis, both descriptive and inferential. Participants and study members will

always be protected with utmost confidentiality of their information. The data we

collect will be kept as strictly confidential as legally permitted. All data will protect

the ethical treatment of research and respect participants’ privacy. The study will

be carefully process throughout the entire study from the collection to the analysis.

Data Analysis

This study utilizes statistical analysis to examine the sensory attributes and

comparable performance of a biomass briquette using algae, sugarcane bagasse,

and glutinous rice flour as a sustainable alternative to charcoal. Descriptive

statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages will be used to describe

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the demographic profile of the respondents regarding their age, sex, and common

type of cooking fuel used. The mean and standard deviation will be computed to

evaluate the sensory attributes of both biomass briquettes and charcoal, especially

appearance, odor, and texture. An independent samples t-test will be used to

evaluate whether any significant differences are present in the comparison of the

sensory attributes of biomass briquettes and charcoal.

Statistical Treatment

To reach a clear conclusion about this study, the researchers will use both

descriptive and inferential statistics as their methods of statistical analysis.

1. According to Kenton (2019), descriptive statistics provide a simple yet

comprehensive way to present large sets of data in an understandable manner.

This statistical approach allows researchers to gain clear summaries that make

interpretation of findings easier and more meaningful. In this study, frequency and

percentage will be used to describe the demographic profile of respondents in

terms of age, sex, and type of commonly used cooking fuel. The weighted mean

will be applied to determine the average responses in categories such as the

sensory attributes of biomass briquettes and traditional charcoal, specifically in

terms of appearance, odor, and texture. In addition, the mean and standard

deviation will be computed to measure both the central tendency and the variability

of responses, thereby providing a more precise and reliable interpretation of the

results.

Frequency and Percentage formula:

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𝑓
%= × 100
𝑛
f = frequency of responses

N = total number of respondents

Weighted Mean formula:

∑( 𝑤 ∙𝑥 )
𝑥̅ =
∑𝑤
w = weight assigned to each response

x = value or score of each response = summation symbol (“sum of” all given

values)

Standard Deviation Formula:

∑(𝒙𝒊 − 𝒙̅ )
𝒔= √
𝒏−𝟏
x̄ = mean

𝑥𝑖 = individual value

n = number of observations

The 4-point Likert scale will be used for the survey, with the following verbal
interpretations:

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POINT SCALE RANGE EXPLANATION

4 4.00 – 3.00 Strongly Agree
3 2.99 – 2.00 Agree
2 1.99 – 1.00 Disagree
1 1.00 – 0.99 Strongly Disagree

2. Inferential Statistics. For inferential analysis, an independent samples t-

test will be used to compare the means between biomass briquettes and traditional

charcoal in terms of sensory attributes (appearance, odor, and texture). A

significance level of 0.05 will serve as the basis for determining statistically

significant differences.

T-test formula:

(𝑥̅1 −𝑥̅2 )
𝑡=
𝑠2 𝑠2
√ 1+ 2
𝑛1 𝑛2

t = t-test statistic

x̄₁, x̄₂ = sample means of group 1 and group 2

s₁², s₂² = sample variances of group 1 and group 2

n₁, n₂ = sample sizes of group 1 and group 2

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SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

“Utilizing Sustainable Biomass Briquette Formulations as an Alternative to

Conventional Charcoal in Purok 1, Concepcion, Batangas City”

Instructions: Please read each statement carefully and check the box that
best represents your opinion.
Age: ☐ Below 20 ☐ 21–30 ☐ 31–40 ☐ 41–50 ☐ Above 50
Sex: ☐ Male ☐ Female
Type of Cooking Fuel Commonly Used: ☐ Charcoal ☐ LPG ☐ Firewood
☐ Briquettes ☐ Other: _______
Rating Scale for All Statements:
4 – Strongly Agree 3 – Agree 2 – Disagree 1 – Strongly Disagree

Objective 2: Sensory Attributes of Biomass Briquettes

2.1 Appearance

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. The briquettes look neat
2. The briquette looks smooth.
3. The briquette looks strong.
4. The briquette does not break easily.
5. The briquette looks better than charcoal.
6. The color of the briquettes is acceptable.
7. The size of the briquettes is convenient for
cooking.
8.The shape of the briquettes makes them
easy to use.
9. The briquettes look clean to handle.
10. The briquettes look safe to use in
cooking.

2.2 Odor

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. The briquettes do not have a strong odor.
2. The briquettes smell better than charcoal.
3. The briquettes do not produce a bad smell
when stored.
4. The briquettes smell natural.
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5. The briquettes’ odor does not bother me.

6. The briquettes do not give off an
unpleasant odor while burning.
7. The briquettes’ odor is acceptable for
cooking.
8. The briquettes smell less smoky than
charcoal.
9. The briquettes do affect the smell of food.
10. The briquettes do not affect the smell of
food.

2.3 Texture

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. The briquettes feel hard and strong.
2. The briquettes are not easily crumbled.
3. The surface of the briquettes feels smooth.
4. The briquettes are not messy to handle.
5. The briquettes leave little dust when touched.
6. The briquettes are not sticky.
7. The briquettes are comfortable to hold.
8. The briquettes are not brittle.
9. The briquettes feel well-compressed.
10. The briquettes are durable in handling.

Objective 3: Sensory Attributes of Traditional Charcoal

2.1 Appearance

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. The briquettes look neat
2. The briquette looks smooth.
3. The briquette looks strong.
4. The briquette does not break easily.
5. The briquette looks better than charcoal.
6. Charcoal does not look neat.
7. Charcoal sizes are not convenient for cooking.
8. Charcoal looks unsafe when broken.
9. Charcoal looks rough.
10. Charcoal looks dirty to handle.
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2.2 Odor

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. Charcoal has a smoky odor.
2. Charcoal smells unpleasant when stored.
3. Charcoal smells stronger than briquettes.
4. Charcoal gives off a bad odor when burning.
5. The odor of charcoal bothers me.
6. The charcoal smoke is irritating.
7. Charcoal odor do affect the smell of food.
8. Charcoal odor stays on clothes.
9. Charcoal odor stays in the kitchen.
10. The odor of charcoal is harmful to health.

2.3 Texture

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. Charcoal is brittle and breaks easily.
2. Charcoal leaves black dust on hands.
3. Charcoal feels rough.
4. Charcoal is messy to hold.
5. Charcoal creates a lot of dirt when carried.
6. Charcoal is not compact.
7. Charcoal is uncomfortable to handle.
8. Charcoal pieces are not strong.
9. Charcoal pieces are strong.
10. Charcoal feels less durable than briquettes.

Objective 4: Comparison of Biomass Briquettes and Charcoal

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. Briquettes are easier to use than charcoal.
2. Briquettes make less smoke than charcoal.
3. Briquettes burn longer than charcoal.
4. Briquettes are stronger and do not break easily
compared to charcoal.
5. Briquettes are cleaner to touch than charcoal.
6. Briquettes smell better than charcoal.
7. Briquettes are safer for health than charcoal.
8. Briquettes are safer for the environment than
charcoal.
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9. Briquettes are cheaper to use than charcoal.

10. Overall, briquettes are better than charcoal.

Objective 5: Feedback on Biomass Briquette Production

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. Using waste like bagasse and algae for
briquettes is a good idea.
2. Making briquettes helps reduce trash in the
community.
3. Making briquettes can give people extra
income.
4. Making briquettes can give jobs to local
people.
5. Briquettes are easy to make in the community.
6. Briquettes can be a good replacement for
charcoal.
7. Briquettes can help families save money on
fuel.
8. Briquettes can help protect trees from being cut
down.
9. Briquettes can be used daily for cooking at
home.
10. Briquettes can help improve life in the
community.