STAROW: Development of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) Leaves and Starch as Bioplastic Straw
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
Pilar National Comprehensive High School
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Solayao, Lowel Andrian, M.
Start Date
25-6-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-6-2025 2:30 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/94865288482?pwd=4Fxc4HYQdvlzeJuLbSaAdDZITtDy6C.1 Meeting ID: 948 6528 8482 Passcode: dlsushsrc
Abstract/Executive Summary
This study aimed to develop a bioplastic straw utilizing taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaves and starch as a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. The researcher evaluated nine different set-ups, wherein three taro leaves to starch ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were combined with three different drying temperatures (90°C, 100°C, and 150°C) to find an optimal composition. The results indicated the optimal composition straw was the 1:2 ratio dried at 100°C with the highest average flexibility, durability, and overall quality. In acceptability testing using a Likert scale among three qualified scientists, the ecological sustainability and practicality of the STAROW straw were ratified, although improvements on reusability were suggested. These results indicate that taro leaves and starch can indeed provide a sustainable replacement for single-use plastic drinking straws in support of the global initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.
Keywords
bioplastic straw, taro, taro leaves, taro starch
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
STAROW: Development of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) Leaves and Starch as Bioplastic Straw
This study aimed to develop a bioplastic straw utilizing taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaves and starch as a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. The researcher evaluated nine different set-ups, wherein three taro leaves to starch ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were combined with three different drying temperatures (90°C, 100°C, and 150°C) to find an optimal composition. The results indicated the optimal composition straw was the 1:2 ratio dried at 100°C with the highest average flexibility, durability, and overall quality. In acceptability testing using a Likert scale among three qualified scientists, the ecological sustainability and practicality of the STAROW straw were ratified, although improvements on reusability were suggested. These results indicate that taro leaves and starch can indeed provide a sustainable replacement for single-use plastic drinking straws in support of the global initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_see/21
