SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

KnPedro City, Laguna

CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to an article by “Peanut Business Farming” (2017), peanut (Arachis hypogaea

L.) or groundnut has been a popular crop in the Philippines. It is considered one of the major

field legumes grown by farmers but its production has been low and erratic. Among the

provinces in the Philippines, the top producers are Isabela, Pangasinan, La Union, Quirino,

Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Albay and Iloilo. However, the Cagayan Valley

produced almost half of the country’s total peanut production. In the Philippines, peanut can be

grown throughout the year provided inputs, especially the water requirement is adequately

available. In general, dry season crop (October-January) gives higher yields and beans of better

quality than the rainy season crop.

Peanut, commonly known as "mani" in the Philippines, is also known as groundnut in the

export market. It is often eaten as nuts in the Philippines, either boiled in the shell or roasted.

It's a common ingredient in the production of peanut butter and vegetable oil. It's also utilized

in sweets and to boost the nutritional value of other foods. Peanuts are one of the most

dependable income crops in a country like the Philippines that is frequently affected by

typhoons because of their low-profile vegetative development.

Paper has been used for many years and plays an important role in our daily lives. Wood

pulp is used to make paper, which is an environmentally favorable commodity. Due to its

components, which are similarly found in wood, groundnut shell can be used as an alternative

material for creating papers. Furthermore, it demonstrates that using groundnut shells in the

production of paper can help to reduce the number of trees cut down.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

The Philippines is now engaging in and practicing a plastic-free environment; this project

is being implemented in many cities across the country in order to conserve the environment

and mitigate some of the potential environmental hazards. Paper products such as paper cups,

plates, straws, and paper bags have become common in most of the country's cities, given the

fact that they are biodegradable and can easily dissolve in water in attempting to prevent floods

that occur frequently during the rainy season and saving marine life, whereas plastics are non-

biodegradable and take an extensive time to dissolve and decompose.

Jed Alegado (2020) stated that single-use plastics have been in the spotlight for the past

years because of its impact on our environment. It pollutes throughout its lifecycle beginning

from extraction, refining, and ending in their disposal in the oceans and waterways, soil, and in

the air we breathe through burning or incineration. In fact, it does not only impact our

environment but also our health, livelihoods, food and wildlife. Further, plastics do not

biodegrade. Instead, they slowly break down into smaller pieces of plastic called micro

plastics. 

The purpose of this study is to develop and process the peanut shell into an alternative

raw material in producing a paper bag that can be used in packaging that will benefit both land

and water environment to reduce the possible environmental hazard that might experience.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to determine the effectivity of peanut shell as an alternative raw material

in creating a paper bag. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. How does peanut shell can be a possible alternative raw material in producing paper bag?

2. How effective the peanut shell in developing Mani’la Nut Bag in terms of:

 Durability

 Strength

 Finest

3. Does Mani’la Nut Bag made from peanut shells can be used as a possible fertilizer when

it is disposed?

Objective of the Study:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the Mani’la Nut Bag can be a suitable

option to a normal paper bag. It will specifically address the following questions:

1. To determine that the peanut shell can be a possible alternative raw material in producing

paper bag.

2. To evaluate the properties of Mani’la Nut Bag in terms:

 Durability

 Strength

 Finest

3. To assess the effectivity of Mani’la Nut Bag made from peanut shells as a possible

fertilizer when it is disposed?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This section will show the conceptual paradigm to present the figure of the study:

Figure 1. IPO Diagram

This figure shows the relationship between the Independent Variable which is the Peanut

shell as the main material to the Dependent Variable which is the Mani’la Nut Bag or the

output of the project. The flow of this research from the beginning until the end of this study is

also included and how the researchers gathered the information, product procedure and how the

project being done.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The researchers conducted a study in which the main raw materials used in the

production and processing of a paper bag is peanut shells. Since single-use plastic items such as

plastic bags are now prohibited in most cities in the Philippines, researchers used peanut shells

to demonstrate that peanut shells can be used as an alternative raw material in the production of

paper bags aside from making it as a fertilizer.

The researchers study relates to the study from Karthikeyan et al. (2019) and stated that

in recent years, with the growing shortage of wood from the forest, the search for alternative

fiber producing plant material has been initiated. Ground nut shell may serve partly as an

alternative resource. In this study the researchers extracted cellulosic fiber from ground nut

shell by Kraft’s process and compared other source of cellulosic fibrous materials. In

application that researchers produced paper from ground nut shell. This is going to be more

effective and alterative for cellulosic fiber in future.

In this study, peanut shell is part of the ground nut family and it is proved that it is rich in

cellulosic fiber materials that is considered as the main ingredient in creating paper by Kraft’s

process which is a process of converting the peanut shell into pulp that consist almost cellulosic

fibers which will be the main component of paper. The researchers will use the study as a basis

for their research in processing a peanut shell in producing a Mani’la Nut Bag.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

HYPOTHESIS

The researchers conducted a series of experiments that is presented as a starting point for

further action. To perceive and understand this research on the topic “Mani'la Nut Bag: Peanut

shell as an Alternative Raw Materials for Paper Bags”. The hypothesis is created below:

 If Mani’la Nut Bag will be decomposed for 6 weeks then Mani’la Nut Bag can be a

fertilizer when it is disposed.

 If Mani’la Nut Bag will not decompose within 6 weeks then Mani’la Nut Bag needs more

time to decompose when it is disposed.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The scope of this study focused on the creation and process of peanut shells as an

alternative and main material for paper bag.

Hence, the researchers are limited to develop a paper bag using peanut shells only. Peanut shell

is the major material in producing paper bag. The product design will be based on the similar

design to usual and common paper bags used in super markets, groceries stores and public

markets. The product will undergo through experiment and testing before having an

analyzation of results. The time range for the study started in February and ended in June

2022.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Although paper bags are currently widely used in the market, one of the goals of this study is to

develop a paper bag made from peanut shells, which will protect the environment from the

negative consequences of tree cutting. Because the product is manufactured from waste

materials, mainly peanut shells, which are not currently commercially available in the

Philippines, this study can give an alternative raw material for creating paper bags for the

market.

The new concept would help reduce waste products like peanut shells. Mani’la Nut Bags

can assist in meeting the growing need for paper bags, particularly in various supermarkets.

Through this research, researchers can contribute to environmental preservation by reducing

tree cutting, hence preventing deforestation and other variables associated with various

environmental issues, by repurposing peanut shells.

The researcher believes that this study will not only yield data that would be helpful.

More so to the following groups of people:

Environment

This study will benefit the environment to minimize waste products or materials to lessen

the possible issues on the environment.

Community

The result of this study will help the community to gain awareness and to know more

about paper bags aside from being biodegradable, they are also environment friendly and

practical to use.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

Student

This study will serve as a reference for their school works particularly to the students of

San Pedro College of Business Administration. It will benefit all the Engineering students of

SPCBA in preparation for their future research in IE: Capstone Project.

Future Researchers

This study will help future researchers to pave the way for more expounded studies in a

similar field. Obtaining knowledge and data through this study will help them establish and

continue research.

Manufacturer of Paper

This study offered the manufacturer of paper an empirical information, suggestions and

recommendations regarding to the production of paper using an alternative raw material which

is peanut shell. Thus, it will lead to preserve the environment particularly forestry and to lessen

tree cutting.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For better understanding of the study, the following terms are conceptually and generally

defined.

Decompose – the ability of a certain object to dissolve or degrade.

Environment – the sum total of all surroundings of all living organism, including natural

forces and either living things, which provide conditions for development and growth as well as

danger and damage.

Finest – refers to the texture of the output product which is the Mani’la Nut Bag.

Mani’la Nut Bag – it refers to the name of the product.

Paper bag - it is considered as the output of the experimental study.

Paper making process - it is the adapted method of the researchers from other study to process

and make a paper and turn into a paper bag.

Peanut shell - it is the main raw materials of the study and it is also considered as a waste part

of the peanut.

Plastic – is a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as

Polyethylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into a

rigid or slightly elastic form.

Pollution – is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that causes adverse

change.

Pulp - it consists and rich in cellulosic fibers that is the main ingredient or composition in

making a paper.
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

Researchers - a group of people who conduct the research of the study.

CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Fiber from Peanut shell as the Main Components for Paper

According to Musekiwa et al. (2020), the cellulose can be used to synthesize fibers that can be

converted into useful paper products. Chemical pulping was the chosen process for liberating

the fibers as it is effective in dissolving lignin embedded within the cellulose.

The main raw materials of pulp and papermaking industry can be classified into three

categories: wood, non-wood, and non-plant (mainly wastepaper), of which non-wood fiber

material is an important fiber source in the areas where forest resources are scarce (Liu et al.

2018). The removal capacity of forests decreases as forests are lost. People continuously use

wood, but they seldom plant trees, making it a less percentage of having it around. The

researchers ventured an aid regarding the continuous cutting of trees through the use of peanut

shells (Ymasa et al.2019).

Groundnut shell and wood fibers were stronger than those made from pure wood pulp. It

appears feasible to employ peanut shell waste to extend the fiber raw material basis of pulping

processes without sacrificing paper quality. The peanut shell fibers possess good physical

strength properties (Wolfgang et al. 2007).

Wood and Peanut shell have Similar Composition

An article entitled “Biocatalysts and Agricultural Biotechnology” by Pham Anh Duc, (2019),

the increased peanut production leads to the accumulation of these peanut shells which is not

utilized, thus either burnt or buried. As peanut shells are rich in many functional compounds
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

and composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, it can be utilized in multiple ways.

According to Costa et al. (2018) the higher cellulose content together present in ground plant

may be a suitable source for producing paper in low-cost and eco-friendly environmental.

Peanut shells consist of cellulose (48 wt%), hemicellulose (3 wt%) and lignin (28 wt%).

The peanut shells were characterized by high porosity and showed water absorption around

198% at 72 hours. Its chemical composition is essentially composed of silica, iron oxides,

alumina and calcium oxide. Its microstructure showed that the peanut shells were a compilation

of microfibers with high porous of borders (Bobet et al. 2020)

Meanwhile, Lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose form unique and complex structures in

wood. Softwood species include 33–42% cellulose, 22–40% hemicellulose, 27–32% lignin, and

2–3.5% extractives. Hardwood species contain 38–51% cellulose, 17–38% hemicellulose, 21–

31% lignin, and 3% extractives (Tarasov et al. 2018).

Peanut shell as a Fertilizer

According to Win et al. (2019), waste peanut shells were used to enhance soil properties

by composting for cultivation of plants as the organic fertilizer. It is observed that the soil

added with peanut shell-compost has a potential increase of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium,

total Sulphur, total Calcium and total Magnesium in plant growth media than control soil.

The use of organic waste in agriculture can reduce the need of chemical fertilizer and

restore the organic carbon deficiency in the soil. As chemical fertilizers are causing ecological

damage, an alternative method is required to replace the use of chemical fertilizers for the

growth of vegetable plants. In this orientation, groundnut shells (230-300g/Kg) produced

during processing are used as a natural fertilizer for the cultivation of vegetable plants to

increase their yield and to reduce the environmental pollution (Vasavi rama Karri 2018).
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

Plastic Bags

Another important factor to consider is the role plastic bags have come to occupy in daily

life. Although plastic bags were originally unpopular when they were introduced, shopping

without a plastic bag today is almost inconceivable (Li et al. 2017). The utilization of plastic

bags is increasing from time to time in spite of a good deal of awareness of the residents about

the adverse effects of these products. In order to reduce the problems associated with plastic

bag wastes, it is recommended to educate the public (1) not to use plastic bags, and (2) to use

eco-friendly alternative materials (bags) made from clothes, natural fibers and paper (Lall and

Ghosh 2018).

Pollution due to Plastic Bags

Plastic bag pollution is a growing global environmental concern. Several countries have

recently approved bans on the use and distribution of plastic bags. Plastic bags are convenient,

cheap, and plentiful. The addiction has created blindness to the innocuous use of plastic

products and subsequent global consequence. Such a vast amount of plastic bags have been

scrapped, and environmental impact thusly quantified, that contamination persists in ocean,

terrestrial and marine life (Li and Richter 2018). About 6-17 million tons of plastic enters the

oceans every year. Nearly 700 species have been known to interact with these plastics,

including plastic bags, and have been linked to having lethal effects on vertebrates to

zooplankton (Per Vince and Hardesty 2017). Due to its resistance to degradation, most plastic

debris will persist in the environment for centuries and may be transported far from its source,

including great distances out to sea. Land and Ocean based sources are the major sources of

plastic entering the environment, with domestic, industrial and fishing activities being the most
 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
KnPedro City, Laguna
Km. 30 Old National Highway, Brgy. Nueva, San

important contributors. Ocean gyres are particular hotspots of plastic waste accumulation. Both

macro plastics and micro plastics pose a risk to organisms in the natural environment, for

example, through ingestion or entanglement in the plastic (Li and Fok 2017).

SYNTHESIS

Single-use plastic products is still a prevalent problem in the community that leads to

various environmental issues that is happening. Plastic products is an example non-

biodegradable products which need an extensive time to dissolve or decompose, it is the one of

the major reasons that the Philippines is now banning single-use plastics product and reduce the

possibility of experiencing various environmental issues. To reduce the possible problem from

the environment, different LGU’s in the Philippines are now mandating the banning of single-

use plastic products especially plastic bags since it is one of the most dispose plastic products.

However, forestry suffers due to the high demand of paper-based products because wood from

tree is the main materials in producing paper products. It is indeed essential to have an

alternative raw material in producing paper products to lessen the tree cutting, that will result to

reduce the environmental issues that people are experiencing. The research showed that peanut

shell can be an alternative raw material in producing paper products due to its same

compositions with wood.

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY