Title: The Feasibility of Cogon grass (Imperata Cylindrica) as an effective component in

substitute for cardboard food packaging

Proponent: Bea Alexandra D. Bautista

Rationale:

One of the biggest concerns in our planet is the environmental problems we are

experiencing especially the issue about non-biodegradable wastes. Non-biodegradable wastes are

the ones that cannot be recycled or takes thousands of years to decompose. When thrown out,

aside from the garbage pile, these wastes often go directly to the ocean. Because it cannot be

recycled, when these wastes add up, it contributes largely to the worlds increasing number of

garbage problem not only here in the land, but also the marine life. Non-biodegradable

containers in oceans and estuaries can harm fish, seabirds and other marine life. Animals that eat

plastic can strangle or experience digestion problems. Microplastics, tiny bits of polypropylene

or polyethylene, hide beneath the water and pose a risk as well. Meanwhile here on land, long-

term exposure to air, light and water can cause synthetic materials like plastic to emit toxic

pollutants. Plastics, which are petroleum-based, contain toxins that can leak into water supplies.

According to Environmental Working Group in their 2007 study, it showed that low doses of

Bisphenol A- a chemical used in water bottles, food containers and hard plastics, seep into foods

and water over time and are carcinogenic. Styrofoam, also known as foamed polystyrene, is an

example of a non-biodegradable substance that is commonly used as container for food in fast

food restaurants. This thing does not decompose in the environment under normal circumstances.

Unlike plastics, styrofoam takes much longer time to decompose because it is a stronger form of

plastic.
 On the other hand, cogon grass is very abundant here in the Philippines and is sometimes

considered as a nuisance. The capability and uses of this plant has not yet gone popular or known

by many and it cannot go to waste. So, the researcher thought of a way to help save the

environment and also promote and encourage other to use natural resources.

To lessen the usage of non-biodegradable wastes, the logical solution is to substitute

biodegradable or recycled products to the non-biodegradable ones. Paper can be considered.

However, in producing paper, lots of trees are being cut and causes trouble for the already

depleted forests. Therefore, the researcher thought of an alternative for paper which is Cogon

grass (Imperata Cylindrica) for making the pulp and the paper.

Statement of the Problem:

Can cogon grass (Imperata Cylindrica) be an effective component in substitute for

cardboard food packaging?

Hypothesis:

Cogon grass (Imperata Cylindrica) can be an effective component in substitute for

cardboard food packaging.

Objectives:

This study aims to prove that cogon grass (Imperata Cylindrica) can be an effective

component in substitute for cardboard food packaging.

 This study aims to produce an effective and cheaper cardboard substitute for food

packaging.

This study aims to promote the use of natural resources as well as encouraging others to

use biodegradable things to help lessen the environmental problems.

Significance of the study:

Nowadays, people are very fond of eating in fast food chains and these fast food chains

often use styrofoam as a container for their food. Styrofoam is a non-biodegradable substance

that takes lots of years to decompose and contributes to the worlds environmental problem.

In action with this, the use of organic material are also favorable for the benefits it gives us

and also, it is way cheaper than using commercially known ones. Cogon grass is an abundant

plant here in the Philippines but its capabilities and potentials are underrated. So in this

study, we can help save the environment by making a substitute for Styrofoam for food

packaging without sacrificing our trees in the making of paper or cardboard and at the same

time promote the use of natural resources for another Earth-friendly product.
 Flow Chart:

The researcher will gather dried cogon grass, scissors, 200mL of water, 180g of caustic
Gathering of soda, mortar and pestle, cloth, rolling pin, 20g of resin, 16g of powdered alum.
Materials

After gathering the materials, the cogon grass will then be cutted into strips of 0.5
Cutting
inch using a scissor or knife.

Boil the cogon grass strips into boiling water for about 3-4 hours in medium heat.
Boiling

Then, crush the cogon grass in the mortar and pestle until the pulp goes out. Place
Crushing
the pulp in the cloth and then squeeze it out using a rolling pin.

Different treatments will then be prepared and tested for the effect of the pulp of
Testing
cogon grass as substitute for carboard in food packaging.