BioPeel: Pioneering Eco-Friendly Plastics

Abstract 

Bruna Alves' article says people produce mass waste today—over two billion tons every year. Plastic is a major part of this waste. In 1950, we made two million tons of plastic; now it’s over 450 million tons. While plastic is useful, it can pollute the environment if not handled properly. Every day, around 60 million plastic items are thrown away. Some animals, like turtles, can get hurt or die from eating plastic. To help, our team created “BioPeel,” a better alternative to plastic made from fruit peels. To further investigate our biopeel, we've formulated some questions -- (1) Will Biopeel plastic be flexible and durable like the traditional plastic we rely on every day? (2) How long can the Biopeel last before it starts to decay? (3) Will Biopeel plastic be an effective alternative to the traditional plastics we use today? This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bioplastics made from natural resources, specifically banana and orange peels, as alternatives to conventional starch-based bioplastics. We are investigating the potential of these fruit peels due to their abundant availability and environmental benefits, which could provide a more sustainable option for bioplastic production. The experiment will include weight testing conducted at home, as we face time constraints that prevent us from using a laboratory. Our focus is on developing a better understanding of the limited use of regular plastic among grade 9 students and parents at Siena College of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The tests revealed that orange peels are sturdier than banana peels. Orange peels can support a weight of 4-6 kg effectively, while banana peels broke when subjected to just 1 kg of weight. The results show that although 90% of the students are satisfied with our biopeel product, parents are more likely to benefit from it. The remaining 20% of students either expect more or suggest improvements for the product. Our research indicates that bioplastics made from fruit peels can be a better alternative to regular plastic. We still need to enhance our manufacturing process for BioPeel. Overall, fruit peel plastics decompose faster, which is more beneficial for the environment. 

Keywords: Biopeel, biodegradable plastic, natural waste, starch-based bioplastic, stronger eco-friendly material