CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Non-biodegradable waste is a major concern everywhere in the world. The bulk of the

world waste consists of the hard-to-break-down products, such as Styrofoam. Styrofoam is

commonly used as food containers in fast food restaurants. Because it cannot be recycled, this

particular waste contributes largely to the worlds increasing garbage problem.

As students, one should always think and be a part of a solution on how to help lessen

the problem of the society. People should not add to the growing and unstoppable difficulties

encountered because of mans own doing. Students should also be aware of the problems at

hand and one of these is the large production of goods which would worsen our societys

condition because of improper waste management.

To lessen this environmental problem, one logical solution is to use pineapple leaves

that are being easily rid of and are being thrown away by almost all vendors of numerous

markets. Since our country is abundant in this kind of resource and pineapple leaves are not

that necessary for our basic needs, it could be used as an alternative for normal cardboard

production therefore producing a sturdier and eco-friendly product which could be upgraded

into something that we can consider to fill up our basic necessities.

Background of the Study

This research is intended for people that are thinking of saving money and people that

also think that pineapples have no use when its flesh have been consumed. It can be considered

as an alternative ingredient that is cheaper and environmental friendly. Instead of using

Styrofoam, the leaves of the pineapple will be used because it is commonly thrown away

especially in markets. It is of no more use to the common eye but the researchers wanted to let

people realize that there are things out there that we do not know are capable of transforming

into something better or even beyond our expectations.

One advantage is the products eco-friendliness. This study discourages using

pineapple that are still in the process of developing but rather pineapples that its flesh have

been consumed so that it would not be troublesome and harmful.

Statement of the Problem

This research is to determine if the alternative cardboard food packaging made from

Ananas comosus leaf fiber can be used as a substitute of Styrofoam. Specifically, this study

seeks to study the following queries:

1. Is the cardboard food packaging made from Ananas comosus leaf fiber potent enough

to be used as a substitute for Styrofoam in terms of its food grade quality?

2. Is the substitute durable enough to be used as an alternative for Styrofoam packaging?

Hypothesis

From the stated problem, the hypothesis was made. Cardboard food packaging made

from an Ananas comosus leaf fiber is potent and sturdy enough to be used as a substitute of

Styrofoam with the regards to its food grade quality.

Styrofoam has many harmful effects not just in a persons health but also in the

surrounding places. A single pop of a Styrofoam container would produce pollution to the

atmosphere. Thats why the researchers came to a conclusion of using the ends of the pia

which are the pia leaves as a substitute for Styrofoam can be a good idea for potential

reduction of waste and pollution in our society. Pia is an abundant resource in the Philippines

because it is located in a tropical country, therefore, such resources could be gathered which

can be enough to produce a helpful product. It will also be of so much use for future researches.
Significance

This investigative project is important in order to determine if cardboard food

packaging made from Ananas comosus leaf fiber can be a good and potent enough to be a

substitute to Styrofoam. Also, this study will contribute greatly to non-biodegradable waste

reduction.

Specifically, this research would be a help to the following:

Environment- The main objective of this study is to reduce potential waste that may

affect the environment that we live in.

For common people- This research can help people in simply saving their lives and

properties. Because of this, the waste that are the major causes of natural calamities will be

lessen. In terms of health, this product can help in preventing toxic chemicals to enter our body.

Scopes and Delamination

This study focuses on the creation of cardboard food packaging made from Ananas

comosus and to determine if cardboard food packaging made from Ananas Comosus leaf fiber

is potent enough to be a substitute of Styrofoam.

The experimenters only considered Ananas comosus leaf fiber. This research is limited

only to Ananas comosus. No other plants are use. This study do not also consider where the

Ananas comosus is harvested. This study is all about the creation of cardboard food packaging

out of Ananas Comosus leaf fiber. No comparison was made.

Definition of Terms

1. Feasibility - The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.

2. Ananas comosus - Scientific name for Pineapple.

3. PALF - Pineapple Leaf Fiber.

4. Fiber - A thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is

formed.

5. Polyester resins These are unsaturated synthetic resins formed by the reaction of dibasic

organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. Maleic Anhydride is a commonly used raw material

with dyadic functionality.