Document Type
Paper presentation
School Name
Saint Louis College - San Fernando City, La Union
School Code
ARCH00032
Abstract / Executive Summary
The pollution caused by the leather industry remains unchecked per year with factories sending out harmful emissions daily. To help combat this ongoing problem, this study was conducted by the students from the Science High School Curriculum of Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union - Junior High School in the School Years 2023-2025 in order to explore the potential of Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peels as Plant-Based Leather. Orange (Citrus sinensis) peels were utilized in this study due to its pectin which has the ability to form a gel-like structure by forming molecular chains through the formation of bonds with calcium ions. The researchers tested the plant-based leather’s effectiveness by determining the best formulation for durability, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance through their means and then comparing it with commercialized vegan leather through the use of t-test. The plant-based leather outdid the commercialized for abrasion resistance, performed on the same level for durability, but was less effective for tensile strength. The results signify that Orange (Citrus sinensis) peels as plant-based leather are a viable alternative to the current commercialized vegan leather typically made with plastic. Due to this, it was recommended that the plant-based leather be utilized in the fashion industry in the creation of items such as wallets, card holders, purses, and belts
Keywords:
orange peels; plant-based leather; durability; tensile strength; abrasion resistance
Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peels as Plant-Based Leather
The pollution caused by the leather industry remains unchecked per year with factories sending out harmful emissions daily. To help combat this ongoing problem, this study was conducted by the students from the Science High School Curriculum of Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union - Junior High School in the School Years 2023-2025 in order to explore the potential of Orange (Citrus sinensis) Peels as Plant-Based Leather. Orange (Citrus sinensis) peels were utilized in this study due to its pectin which has the ability to form a gel-like structure by forming molecular chains through the formation of bonds with calcium ions. The researchers tested the plant-based leather’s effectiveness by determining the best formulation for durability, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance through their means and then comparing it with commercialized vegan leather through the use of t-test. The plant-based leather outdid the commercialized for abrasion resistance, performed on the same level for durability, but was less effective for tensile strength. The results signify that Orange (Citrus sinensis) peels as plant-based leather are a viable alternative to the current commercialized vegan leather typically made with plastic. Due to this, it was recommended that the plant-based leather be utilized in the fashion industry in the creation of items such as wallets, card holders, purses, and belts
