RECYCLING EMPTY BOTTLES AS A MINI PURSE

A Product Proposal

Presented to the College of Technology and Engineering

CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

DAANBANTAYAN CAMPUS

SAN REMIGIO EXTENSION

Tambongon, San Remigio, Cebu

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Subject

IE-IPC 324/BA-M 211 MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

JESSICA ARANETA
AIZEL PARPADO
JUSTINE ROSELLOSA
COURTNEY FLYNN SINADJAN

APRIL 2024
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Plastics bottles stick around in the environment for ages, threatening wildlife and

spreading toxins. Plastics bottles also contributes to global warming our reliance on

plastic therefore prolongs our demand for these dirty fuels. It cannot be denied that most

of the problems including the issue of plastics towards our environment are cause by

humans due to a fact that from time to time we uses plastics, different type of plastics

such as food packaging or plastic bags down to plastic bottles and etc.

The issues of plastics now is one of the major problem everyone is focusing now

including the people behind this to find a solution or to resolve this big problem that is

why many rules are being implemented in order to help reducing plastic wastes. The

researchers aim is to find another way to help lessen the plastic wastes specifically any

sort of empty bottles, thus, the researchers create an idea of forming empty bottles into a

useful one “MINI PURSE".

Spending huge amount of money on buying classy yet easily worn purses when

you can create and customized your own purses at home with the use of any sort of

empty bottles. This product is called “mini purse" teaches people on becoming more

creative and skillful to their own plastic wastes. Since the main material of this product

are empty bottles then the process of recycling is also taking part of this and instead of

throwing those empty bottles knowing that plastics takes a lots of time for decomposing,
why don't forming them into a new and creative product that could be used by everyone.

This mini purse main goal is to help environment to decrease the pollution in the air and

water with the process of recycling.

Statement of the Problem

The utilization of empty bottles as a material for crafting mini purses poses both

opportunities and challenges. While recycling these bottles can contribute to waste

reduction and creative reuse, there are several key issues that need to be addressed:

1. What are the factors to be consider in order to have material

sustainability?

2. What are the things to ensure about the products design?

3. What is the product’s environmental impact?

4. What is the potential demand for mini purses made from recycled plastic

bottles, understanding consumer preferences, and identifying market

niches or segments that would be receptive to such products?

5. How can the manufacturing process be optimized to craft mini purses

from recycled plastic bottles, all while ensuring cost-effectiveness and

scalability?

Significance of the study

The result of this research paper will hopefully benefits the following:
 To the Government: The findings of this research paper will help the

government in order for them to think or to have another better idea on how to control the

plastic wastes.

To the Community: This research paper will give an idea to all the residents in

the community on how they can make their empty plastic bottles at their home into a

useful one.

To the Researchers: They would have the exact and concrete information needed

to be able to have a solutions to empty plastic bottles.

Research Local

Research at the University of the Philippines Diliman has explored methods for

recycling plastic bottles (specifically polyethylene terephthalate or PET) into filaments or

fibers that can be woven into textiles or used to create products like bags and purses. The

researchers aimed to find an eco-friendly way to repurpose plastic waste while also

creating a sustainable source of textile fibers. Their method involved chemically treating

the PET bottles to break them down into smaller polymer chains that could then be

extruded into fibers. The resulting fibers were found to have properties suitable for

weaving into fabrics or other textile products (Gomez, 2019).

Plastic Bank, an organization that aims to reduce plastic waste and provide

opportunities for the underserved, has partnered with various communities in the

Philippines to collect and recycle plastic bottles. Some of the recycled plastic is used to

create accessories like bags and purses through their partnership with companies like

Lush Cosmetics. The concept behind Plastic Bank is to create a circular economy by
turning plastic waste into a valuable resource, while also providing income opportunities

for people in poverty. Communities can exchange collected plastic waste for money,

goods, or digital tokens. The plastic is then recycled into new products like bags and

purses (Eco-Business, 2019).

The Filipino fashion brand Rags2Riches has been incorporating recycled plastic

bottles into their products, including handbags and purses. They work with local

communities to collect and recycle the plastic bottles. Rags2Riches aims to provide

sustainable livelihoods for artisans from poor communities while also promoting eco-

friendly fashion. Their process involves shredding and melting down the plastic bottles

into fibers that can be woven into textiles. These upcycled materials are then used to

create stylish and durable accessories like handbags (Nace, 2018).

The Filipino social enterprise Anthill Fabric Gallery creates eco-fabrics and

products, including bags and purses, from recycled plastic bottles. Their goal is to reduce

plastic waste while also creating sustainable employment opportunities. Anthill's process

involves collecting and sorting plastic bottles, then shredding and melting them down

into pellets. These pellets are extruded into fibers that can be woven or knitted into

fabrics. The resulting eco-fabrics are used to create fashionable yet environmentally-

friendly products (Esquire Philippines, 2018).

There are also smaller community-based initiatives and individual entrepreneurs

in the Philippines who have been exploring creative ways to upcycle plastic bottles into

fashionable and functional products like purses and bags. Many of these initiatives aim to

provide alternative livelihoods for local communities while also promoting

environmental sustainability. Common methods involve cutting, weaving, or fusing

plastic bottles into intricate designs for bags and accessories (SunStar Bacolod, 2019).

Research Design

The research design being used in this study is a descriptive survey. It aims to

gather information about participants' attitudes, preferences, and behaviors regarding a

mini purse made from recycled plastic bottles.

Participant of the Study

The target participants for this survey would likely be people who frequently

carry purses or bags, especially those interested in sustainability and eco-friendly

products. Ideally, the participants would be a diverse mix of ages, genders, and preferred

bag styles to get a well-rounded perspective.

Instruments

The instrument will be using in this study is an online survey questionnaire. It is a

self-administered survey designed to gather participants' opinions and preferences on the

concept of a mini purse made from recycled plastic bottles. Questionnaires are ideal for

this type of study because they allow you to reach a wider audience and collect a large

amount of data efficiently.

Gathering of Data
 Eligible individuals were provided information on the aims of the research and

freely consented prior to data collection. Consenting participants received the final

questionnaire constructed to gauge awareness in areas connected to the research question

from multiple viewpoints. Participants could refuse to answer any questions felt overly

invasive or uncomfortable. Completed questionnaires were assigned numbers for tallying

the responses while keeping personal information confidential. The numbered data was

thoroughly analyzed to discover patterns of awareness relevant in drawing conclusions

related to the motivating research purposes, enabled by research clearance courtesy.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The following were the statistical treatments used in the gathered data:

Percentage and Frequency Distribution. It was used to specify the proportion

of observations that were made during data collection.

Formula:

f
P= x 100 %
n

Where:

% = percentage

f = Frequency

n = total number of respondents

Presentation of Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This product is focuses on reducing plastic wastes through recycling all the empty bottles

of lotion and creating them into a new and creative product that will benefit to everyone
not just in humans advantage but also in the environment by recycling and creating the

said product we can help our environment to be more safer.

Table of Responses

QUESTION YES NO
1. Do you currently carry a 31 (86.1%) 5 (13.9%)
purse or bag?

QUESTION Mini Purse Clutch Tote Bag Backpack Messenger Others

bag (please
specify)

2. If yes, 8 (23.5%) 11 15
what type (32.4%) (44.1%)
of purse or
bag do you
typically
use?
(Select all
that apply)

QUESTION STYLE FUNCTIONALITY DURABI SUSTAINABILITY PRICE BRAND

(pocket, compartments) LITY (eco-friendly
materials)
3. When 5 13 (36.1%) 7 8 (22.2%) 3
choosing (13.9 (19.4% (8.3%
a purse or %) ) )
bag, what
factors
are most
important
to you?
(Select
all that
apply)

QUESTION VERY LIKELY NEUTRAL VERY UNLIKELY

LIKELY UNLIKELY
4. How likely 12 (33.3%) 12 11 (30.6%) 1 (2.8%)
are you to (33.3%)
consider a mini
purse made
 from recycled
plastic bottles?

QUESTION 10 20 30 50 100 200 300 500

5. What price range 1 4 2 3 14 5 1 3
would you expect for a (2.1%) (11.4%) (5.7%) (2.1%)
mini purse made from
recycled plastic
bottles? (Open-ended)

QUESTION COMPARTMENTS ZIPPER STRAPS CLOSURES POCKETS

6. What 13 2 5 2 (6.3%) 1(3.1%)
features (6.3%)
(compartments
, straps,
closures)
would make a
mini purse
made from
recycled plastic
bottles more
appealing to
you? (Open-
ended)

VERBATIM PRESENTATION

7. Do you have any concerns about using a mini purse made from recycled plastic

bottles? (Open-ended)

Respondent 1: No

Respondent 2: None

Respondent 3: No
Respondent 4: Nothing

Respondent 5: While using a mini purse made from recycled plastic bottles is a positive

step towards sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

Respondent 6: No

Respondent 7: My main concern would be whether the purse is durable and can hold up

over time.

Respondent 8: Yes, the style.

Respondent 9: Yes, the customer’s satisfaction and their safety.

Respondent 10: None

Respondent 11: By recycling a plastic bottles we create a healthier planet for ourselves

and future generations.

Respondent 12: No I think it’s good since we are helping the environment

Respondent 13: No I think it's a good idea

Respondent 14: By recycling a plastic bottle can help reduce flashflood

Respondent 15: No I think it’s a clever idea

Respondent 17: Nothing

Respondent 18: By recycling a plastic bottle we can help keep the environment clean

and preserve our natural resources.

Respondent 19: make sure it's clean

Respondent 20: Its flexibility: if it can fit a lot when its size is small just like how small

bags can fit a lot of things

8. Would you be proud to carry a mini purse made from recycled plastic bottles? Why or

why not? (Open-ended)

Respondent 1: Yes

Respondent 2: Yes, because its eco-friendly and we can help our country from being

polluted

Respondent 3: Many people would indeed feel proud to carry such an item for several

reasons.

Respondent 4: Yes, I am proud to carry a mini purse made from recycled plastic bottles

it's because we can reduce the waste and help our environment.

Respondent 5: Yes, as I always appreciate a handmade work, and I love people's artistic

mind and creativity.

Respondent 6: Yes

Respondent 7: Yes, since this product is made from recycled plastic bottles, it is such a

nice feeling that you are carrying or using such a product made from recycled materials

because, in such a way, you are able to help lessen the plastic waste.

Respondent 8: Depends

Respondent 9: Yes, for eco-friendly resources

Respondent 10: Yes

Respondent 11: Yes, because it is an eco-friendly purse or bag, and I think it feels so

comfy to carry.

Respondent 12: Yes, because it’s very unique to an eye of people.

Respondent 13: Yes, to help the environment

Respondent 14: Yes, for us create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Respondent 15: Of course, so people can see how artistic and eco-friendly you are.

Respondent 16: Yes, since purchasing it means we are helping the nature in reducing

Plastic waste

Respondent 17: Yes I would be proud if the design is good and the price is also not bad

Respondent 18: Yes, by carrying a recycle materials can make me proud, cuz I know I

help for the community.

Respondent 19: Yes I would be proud since I’m helping the environment from plastic

waste

Respondent 20: Yes, because it’s environmental friendly

Respondent 21: Yes

Respondent 22: Yes, by carrying a recycle materials you can decrease the resources used

on plastic bag production.

Respondent 23: Yes, because in that action of mine I can be a role model for everyone to

be eco-friendly.

Respondent 24: Yes. It is to promote creativity and resourcefulness.

Respondent 25: No, because I have my backpack

Respondent 26: Depends on the style

Respondent 27: Yes, because it feels like nakatabang kas problem sa pollution

Respondent 28: If its well-designed and has good-quality then yes

Respondent 29: Yes naman! As long as nice pagka himo matik.

References

Eco-Business. (2019, February 26). This Filipino community is being paid to

recycle plastic. Retrieved from: https://www.eco-business.com/news/this-filipino-

community-is being-paid-to-recycle-plastic/

Esquire Philippines. (2018, July 24). PET project: Turning plastic into eco-

fabrics. Retrieved from: https://www.esquirephilippines.com/style/anthill-fabric-gallery-

pet project-91234782

Gomez, J. (2019, August 5). UP researchers turn plastic waste into clothing

fiber. Philippine Star. Retrieved from:

https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/education-and home/2019/08/05/1941687/up-

researchers-turn-plastic-waste-clothing-fiber

Nace, T. (2018, April 10). This Filipino company is turning plastic waste into

high end accessories Forbes. Retrieved from:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2018/04/10/filipino-company-plastic-waste-high

end-accessories/ SunStar Bacolod. (2019, April 25).

Siaynons turn plastic bottles into bags. Retrieved from:

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1804550/Bacolod/Lifestyle/Siaynons-turn-plastic-

bottles into-bags