CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Situational Analysis

Citrus fruits have the potential to make a change. As an abundant and

underutilized resource, citrus peels offer an innovative solution to the growing plastic

pollution crisis. With conventional plastics taking 500 years or more to decompose it is

leading to alarming pollution levels, particularly in countries such as the Philippines,

which accounts for over 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually. (Raji K., 2024).

According to the study of Atiweshet al. (2021) stating that the accumulation of plastics

not only harms ecosystems but also releases micro plastics and greenhouse gases that

worsen climate change and affects human health. Traditional plastics, derived from fossil

fuels, contribute significantly to environmental degradation due to their persistent nature

and extensive use. In response to this growing crisis, researchers and industries are

increasingly turning to sustainable alternatives, such as bioplastics. Bioplastic as an

alternative is a promising solution for this matter as transitioning to renewable biomass

sources, such as organic materials, can help reduce the dependence on petroleum-based

products used in plastic production. These innovative materials not only provide a

sustainable alternative to conventional plastics but also promote economic benefits by

utilizing agricultural by-products. Additionally, Materials derived from plants and other

organic sources not only lessen reliance on fossil fuels but also have the potential to be

biodegradable, thereby mitigating the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems. According

to Zhang et al. (2024), citrus peels have the potential in the making of bioplastics as they

are rich in natural polymers such as pectin and cellulose which are essential for creating

strong, eco-friendly bioplastic products. These components are essential for creating

durable, eco-friendly bioplastic products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional

petroleum-based plastics. Citrus fruits are particularly prominent in tropical countries like

the Philippines, presenting widely consumption and production throughout the year.

Pomelo and oranges are commonly consumed by the local population as pomelo is

famously known as the largest citrus fruit while on the other hand, orange is a round juicy

citrus fruit with a tough bright reddish-yellow rind. This steady supply of citrus peels

suggests as an ideal candidate for bioplastics. This shift not only decreases greenhouse

gas emissions but also contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint of plastic

production, as well as managing the constant yield of organic waste generated daily.

Furthermore, Citrus peels, rich in pectin and cellulose, highlight the potential for

producing strong, eco-friendly bioplastics (Zhang et al., 2024). By leveraging these

organic materials, we can create sustainable alternatives that address the pressing

challenges of plastic pollution while benefiting the environment and economy. There is

an abundance of citrus fruit peels that are available, but the primary factor aside from

cellulose and starch is to consider its high pectin contents. The making of a functional

bioplastic needs to have these requirements as their natural pectin acts as the natural

binder, that enhances the flexibility, and texture of these materials, while the cellulose

provides structural integrity and strength needed for durable bioplastics. The potency of

both fruits is needed to be investigated to assess the level of durability that they possess.

Understanding which fruit peel is more suitable for commercial use is conventionally
important to ensure its optimal usage. This analysis will help in determining whether

orange peels or pomelo peels are more effective in various applications. In a study by

Cadenas-González et al. (2022), pectin, particularly from orange peels, was highlighted

for its potential in creating biodegradable bioplastic films. Pectin, a natural polymer

found in the primary walls of fruits and vegetables, serves as an intercellular adhesive

and offers varying mechanical properties based on its degree of esterification.

On the other hand, Ping et al. (2024) notes that Microwave-assisted in pectin

extraction samples obtained the highest methoxyl content (8.35%), galacturonic acid

content (71.36%), and showed a higher apparent viscosity, thermal and emulsion

stability. Likewise, pomelo peels exhibit the same components as the orange that are

suitable for bioplastic production. High methoxylated pectin (HMP), often extracted from

citric peels and apple pulps, demonstrates promising mechanical and thermal properties

when transformed into bioplastic.

In addition to the promising potential of citrus peels for bioplastic production, the

inclusion of plasticizers like glycerol plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical

properties of the bioplastics. Glycerol (GLY) is extensively used as a plasticizer in

bioplastics due to its effectiveness and compatibility with various proteins and

polysaccharides. According to Aguilar et al. (2020) glycerol is a small, water-soluble

plasticizer that interacts with polar residues, enhancing the plasticity and elasticity of

bioplastics. When combined with pectin and cellulose derived from pomelo and orange

peels, glycerol helps create a bioplastic that mimics the elasticity and durability of

traditional plastics. However, its tendency to leach out over time when exposed to

humidity poses a limitation for industrial applications. Despite this, its effectiveness in
improving the overall performance of bioplastics makes it a key additive in the

development process. This combination of citrus-based natural polymers with glycerol

opens the door to creating biodegradable plastics that not only offer functional

advantages but also provide an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics,

aligning with the broader goal of sustainability and waste reduction.

Therefore, the research generally aims to develop sustainable and environmentally

friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. The study is primarily focused on determining

the feasibility, sustainability, versatility, biodegradability and application of citrus peels

specifically, the pomelo (Citrus Maxima) and orange (Citrus Sinensis) as a readily

available environmentally friendly resource for bioplastic production. This contributes to

waste reduction utilizing by-products made from renewable resources.

Research Objectives

This research generally aims to test the feasibility/ effectiveness of citrus fruit

peels as primary ingredients in the production of bioplastic products as alternatives to

traditional plastics.

The specific objectives of this study are the following:

1. To compare the physical properties of bioplastics produced from pomelo and

orange peels in terms of:

a. Durability and Strength

b. Biodegradability (water resistance)

2. To explore the possible bioplastic products from the citrus peels.

 3. Determine and evaluate the challenges in producing and employing bioplastics

as substitutes for traditional plastics.

Research Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference between pomelo and orange peels in terms of

their physical properties (durability, strength, and biodegradability).

2. Pomelo and orange peel bioplastics have no significant difference in terms of

their possible bioplastic products.

3. The challenges in producing bioplastics from citrus fruit peels do not

significantly hinder the overall production of bioplastics.

Definition of Terms

Bioplastic- Bioplastic is an alternative for non-biodegradable plastics made from organic

materials.

Orange (Citrus Sinensis)-Orange is a round juicy citrus fruit with a tough bright reddish-

yellow rind.

Pomelo (Citrus Maxima)-Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit.

Sustainability – Sustainability is the ability of a product to be continuously be used.

Durability – Durability is the quality of a product to remain functional for a long period

of time.

Biodegradability – Biodegradability is the capacity of biological degradation of organic

materials by living organisms down to base substances such as water.

Glycerol- Glycerol is extensively used as a plasticizer in bioplastics due to its

effectiveness and compatibility with various proteins and polysaccharides

Pectin- Pectin is a natural polymer found in the primary walls of fruits and vegetables,

serves as an intercellular adhesive and offers varying mechanical properties based on its

degree of esterification.

Reference

BIBLIOGRAPHY Aguilar Jose, B. E. (2020, October). Effect of different polyols as plasticizers in

soy based bioplastics. Retrieved from science direct:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669020304386

Atiwesh Ghada, M. A.-A. (2021, September). Environmental impactof bioplastic use: A review.

Retrieved from Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.

co/science/article/pii/S405944021020211

Cadenas-González, A. G.-C. (2022, August). Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bioplastic

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https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1950220/v1

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%3Dihub
Members

Cawayan, Karl Christian P.

Harnoise, Shanielle Shane S.

Galimba, Tiffany Mae R.

Pucti, Rheylyn C.

Torres, Lauren M.

Wakat, Louise Danya A.