Development of Eco-Friendly Bag Using Snake Plant Leaf Fibers:A

Sustainable Approach to Reducing Plastic Waste

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

As of today, millions of tons of plastics are produced annually, ending up in oceans or

landfills. These microplastics are now found in water sources, soil, and even foods. Either those

wildlife ingests it or get entangled by plastics could be the lead of their death.

Governments, organizations included, industries that makes plastics, and even the general public are

all involved in this problem on how to manage plastic pollution that causes a large effect on both

marine and land life.

According to Borelle et al. (2020), Plastic pollution represents one of the most critical planetary

threats: almost all marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide are affected. In response,

multilevel mitigation strategies are in use but lack any quantitative assessment about how such

strategies reduce plastic emissions.

According to Narancic and O’Connor (2018), The strength, flexibility, and light weight of

conventional oil-based plastics make them ideal materials for a large number of applications,

including such as packaging, medical devices, building, transportation, etc. However, the most

plastics produced are single-use plastics, which, combined with an exclusively throw-away culture

leads to plastic waste building up and the other thing was pollution and the loss of a valuable

resource.

Plastic pollution would exacerbate the environment, choking up waterways,damaging aquatic life,

and disturbing ecosystems. In that case, more plastic debris could mean wildlife being consumed or

caught in it, which means harming biodiversity. Also, the greenhouse gases emitted through the

production of
plastics enhance climate change and its sequelae effects like rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Human health would also be at risk due to poisonous chemicals from plastics that may leak into

food and water supplies and have the potential to trigger serious health issues. Furthermore, with

more use of plastics, the waste management system would experience increased strain, and landfills

would soon overflow and more be incinerated, allowing toxic pollutants to permeate. Overall, then,

the increasing uses of plastics threaten not only the health of the planet but our health too.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

According to (Khalil et al., 2014), snake plant fiber (Dracaena trifasciata) is known for its tensile

strength and durability, making it an excellent alternative to plastic. Research indicates that natural

fibers can significantly reduce environmental impact due to their biodegradability and renewability.

As noted by (Mohanty et al., 2000), this aligns with the need for sustainable materials in product

design.(Material Innovation)

Based on (Boon et al., 2021), the production of eco-friendly bags from snake plant fiber can

incorporate sustainable practices, such as using low-energy processing methods and minimizing

water use. Studies emphasize that adopting environmentally conscious manufacturing can decrease

the overall carbon footprint of textile products. According to (Fletcher & Tham, 2019), this reflects a

shift towards sustainable industrial practices. (Sustainable Products Practices)

According to (Hassan et al., 2018), cultivating snake plants for fiber can provide economic

opportunities in local communities, promoting sustainable agriculture and job creation. Research

highlights that integrating local fiber sources can support rural economies and enhance community

resilience while reducing plastic waste. According to (Geissdoerfer et al., 2018), this approach fosters

a circular economy by creating value from natural resources. (Community and Economic impact)
 PARADIGM

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Process 1: harvesting
 Snake plant mature snake plants
Eco-Bags made from
strong fibers from local source, ensure snake plant fibers that
suitable for that the plants are are
healthy. biodegradable,durable,
textile  Preparation 2: clean
production. leaves thoroughly to
and reusable.These
remove dirt and avoid bags serve as
 Tools and contamination. sustainable alternative
 Cut the leaves into no plastics bag.
equipment smaller section to
knife, scissors, facilitate fiber extraction.
and blenders.  3.fiber extraction: boil
the cut leaves in water
for an our . This process
helps in breaking down
the plant material and
releasing the fibers.
 After boiling, strain the
mixture to separate the
liquid from the fibrous
material.
 Fiber processing: blend
the strained fibers to
create a uniform pulp.
 Forming eco-bags: use a
mesh screen window or a
flat rectangular shaped.

Research Question
 1.Durability - RQ2: How can we make snake plant fiber eco-bags stronger, and what effects will

this have?

-To enhance durability of snake plant fiber eco-bags, increasing fiber thickness and using a higher

concentration of fibers can improve strength without compromising flexibility

2. Elasticity - RQ2: How can we make snake plant fiber eco-bags more stretchy without harming

their strength?

-For elasticity, incorporating natural elastic materials or blends can increase stretch while

maintaining strength.

3. Biodegradability - RQ2: What should a test for how fast snake plant fiber eco-bags break down

include, and how can we make it accurate?

-For biodegradability testing, a comprehensive assessment should include soil and water

degradation rates, microbial activity, and environmental conditions to ensure accuracy.

4. Longevity - RQ2: How can we make snake plant fiber eco-bags last longer, and what impact does

this have on their breakdown and environment?

-To improve longevity, using protective coatings can extend lifespan, but may slow biodegradation,

impacting environmental benefits.

Statement of Hypothesis

Hypothesis 1:Eco-friendly bags made from snake plant fiber (Dracaena trifasciata) will

exhibit greater durability and lifespan compared to traditional plastic bags, leading to reduced

overall waste generation.

Hypothesis 2: Consumers who use eco-friendly bags made from snake plant fiber will report higher

levels of satisfaction and a greater sense of environmental responsibility compared to those who

continue using conventional plastic bags.

Hypothesis 3:The adoption of eco-friendly bags made from snake plant fiber will significantly

decrease the reliance on single-use plastic bags among consumers, contributing to measurable

reductions in plastic waste in urban areas.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Environmental Organizations: Justification: These organizations are directly focused on

reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. The adoption of eco-friendly bags aligns

perfectly with their mission, enabling them to advocate more effectively for environmental causes

and influence policy. Sustainable Product Manufacturers: Justification: Manufacturers of eco-friendly

products can leverage the development of snake plant fiber bags to expand their product lines. This

enhances their market competitiveness and aligns with consumer trends toward sustainability,

ultimately increasing sales and brand loyalty. Retailers and Supermarkets: Justification: Retailers

adopting eco-friendly bags can enhance their CSR image, attracting environmentally conscious

consumers. By offering sustainable options, they can differentiate themselves in a competitive

market, potentially increasing foot traffic and customer loyalty. Agricultural Cooperatives:

Justification: These cooperatives benefit economically from the increased demand for snake plant

fibers. This can lead to new income opportunities for farmers and promote sustainable agricultural

practices, providing a direct financial incentive. Government Agencies: Justification: Agencies

focused on environmental protection can achieve policy goals related to waste reduction and

sustainability. Supporting eco-friendly initiatives helps them fulfill their mandates, improve public

health, and enhance community well-being. Research Institutions: Justification: While they can gain

valuable data and insights, the benefits are more indirect and long-term. Their primary goal is

knowledge creation rather than immediate economic gain, making them less impacted by the direct

implementation of eco-friendly bags. Consumers: Justification: Although consumers benefit from

having access to sustainable alternatives, the impact is individual and subjective. The benefits
depend on personal choices and values, making them less directly involved in the larger systemic

changes associated with eco-friendly bag adoption. Packaging Industry: Justification: Companies in

the packaging sector may experience a slow transition to eco-friendly materials, requiring significant

investment in research and development. The benefits might not be as immediate or impactful

compared to those directly promoting sustainability. Local Governments and Communities:

Justification: While communities can see indirect benefits through improved environmental quality,

these changes may take time to manifest and are often less tangible. Their role is more about long-

term effects rather than immediate benefits from the implementation of eco-friendly bags.\

Scope and Limitation

The scope of this research study explores the potential of snake plant fibers as a sustainable

alternative to plastic bags. The scope of this research includes a comprehensive study of the

properties of snake plant fibers, such as their strength, durability, flexibility, and texture, to assess

their suitability for use in bag manufacturing. This involves evaluating the fibers' ability to withstand

daily wear and load-bearing stress, as well as their biodegradability compared to conventional

plastic. The research also includes the design and development of prototypes of eco-friendly bags,

focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, while considering consumer preferences and

market appeal. Additionally, an important aspect of the study is the environmental impact

assessment, comparing the ecological footprint of snake plant fiber bags to plastic alternatives in

terms of production, resource consumption, and waste management. The market potential of these

bags will also be explored, including challenges in scaling up production and ensuring widespread

consumer adoption. However, there are certain limitations to this research. One of the primary

challenges is the inherent material properties of snake plant fibers. While biodegradable, these

fibers may not offer the same strength, durability, or flexibility as synthetic materials used in

conventional plastic bags, potentially limiting their practical applications. Moreover, the availability

and harvesting of snake plant fibers could be constrained by geographic limitations or labor-
intensive processes, affecting scalability. The extraction and processing of these fibers may also

present technical challenges, including the need for specialized techniques to convert the raw

material into a usable form for bag production. Additionally, the durability of snake plant fiber bags

could be compromised compared to plastic bags, especially under harsh conditions or prolonged

use. This might lead to shorter lifespans, which could impact their appeal as a long-lasting

alternative. The cost of producing snake plant fiber bags could also be higher than conventional

plastic or cotton bags, making it more difficult to compete in price-sensitive markets. Finally, the

research may be limited by the scalability of the production process and potential resistance from

consumers who are reluctant to adopt a new, less familiar material. While the research aims to

create a viable and sustainable alternative to plastic bags, these limitations highlight the need for

careful consideration of practical and market-related factors in the development of eco-friendly bags

from snake plant fibers.

Definition of Terms

• Microplastics: Small, biodegradable plastic particles generated from larger materials during weathering.

• Eco-Friendly: Practices and products that are harmless to the environment.

• Single-use plastics: Inexpensive items made for easy disposal, contributing to plastic pollution.

• Greenhouse gases: Gases causing heat trapping and climate change.

• Biodiversity: The extent of life forms on earth.

• Toxic pollutants: Substances that can negatively affect living creatures or the environment.

• Consumer satisfaction: The satisfaction of consumers with a good or service.

• Environmental responsibility: Green behavior aimed at being environmentally friendly.

• Longevity: Length of time something can exist and function effectively.

• Biodegradability: Ability to break down naturally in the environment.

• Acceptability: the degree to which something is agreed or approved of by most people in a society.

• Snake plant fiber: strong, white, elastic fiber that comes from the leaves of the Snake plant (Dracaena

trifasciata).