Assessing the Feasibility of Alternative Material for Seedling Bags Made out of Paper Cups in La Salle Academy, Iligan City

Document Types

Poster Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

La Salle Academy, Iligan City

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Omra, Juhainie S.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center (JGIC)

Abstract/Executive Summary

Solid waste deposits are among the most pressing environmental issues faced globally. Educational institutions contribute to this issue through the continuous use of disposable materials, particularly paper-based tableware. Locally, La Salle Academy in Iligan City produces a lot of paper-based disposable tableware garbage including cups and bowls which adds to the solid waste issue at the school. Thus, this study aimed to (a) convert discarded paper cups into an alternative seedling bag material and (b) determine the optimal cellulose-starch-glycerol formulation ratios (10mL, 20mL, and 30mL); and (c) for durability and water resistance. A quantitative experimental design was used to produce bioplastic from cellulose fibers via thermal delamination, using a 1:1 cellulose-to-starch ratio (5g:5g) and 1:10 starch-to-water ratio (5g:50mL), with glycerol varied (10, 20, and 30mL). Durability (tensile load) and water absorption were tested. The 10mL glycerol sample had the highest tensile load (1.933N), while the higher glycerol reduced strength but improved water resistance, with 30mL showing the lowest absorption (11.11%). Welch’s ANOVA confirmed a significant difference in water absorption (p=0.016). Results show glycerol concentration affects bioplastic properties: lower amounts improve durability, higher amounts enhance moisture resistance. The study highlights recycled paper cups as a sustainable material for biodegradable seedling bags and demonstrates their potential as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic nursery containers.

Keywords

paper cups; cellulose-based bioplastics; eco-seedling bag; tensile load; water absorption

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Assessing the Feasibility of Alternative Material for Seedling Bags Made out of Paper Cups in La Salle Academy, Iligan City

Solid waste deposits are among the most pressing environmental issues faced globally. Educational institutions contribute to this issue through the continuous use of disposable materials, particularly paper-based tableware. Locally, La Salle Academy in Iligan City produces a lot of paper-based disposable tableware garbage including cups and bowls which adds to the solid waste issue at the school. Thus, this study aimed to (a) convert discarded paper cups into an alternative seedling bag material and (b) determine the optimal cellulose-starch-glycerol formulation ratios (10mL, 20mL, and 30mL); and (c) for durability and water resistance. A quantitative experimental design was used to produce bioplastic from cellulose fibers via thermal delamination, using a 1:1 cellulose-to-starch ratio (5g:5g) and 1:10 starch-to-water ratio (5g:50mL), with glycerol varied (10, 20, and 30mL). Durability (tensile load) and water absorption were tested. The 10mL glycerol sample had the highest tensile load (1.933N), while the higher glycerol reduced strength but improved water resistance, with 30mL showing the lowest absorption (11.11%). Welch’s ANOVA confirmed a significant difference in water absorption (p=0.016). Results show glycerol concentration affects bioplastic properties: lower amounts improve durability, higher amounts enhance moisture resistance. The study highlights recycled paper cups as a sustainable material for biodegradable seedling bags and demonstrates their potential as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic nursery containers.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_Poster_SEE/1