The Utilization of Banana Bark as Material for Paper Bags

Abstract

Plastic waste is a major environmental issue worldwide, and disposable plastics significantly contribute to this problem. The retail sector is a primary consumer of single-use plastics, particularly plastic bags, which are commonly used. To address this issue, we researched to develop cost-effective and convenient alternatives that can effectively reduce the negative environmental impact of plastic waste. The banana paper bag is made from banana fibers as an eco-friendly replacement for plastic bags. Through random sampling and the distribution of surveys via Google Forms, we collected quantitative data from the target population for statistical analysis. The surveys employed descriptive developmental and cross-sectional approaches to gather information efficiently. With the answers provided by the respondents who participated in the survey, more than half of the respondents gave positive support for the need to develop a banana bark-based paper bag that could reduce the use of plastic bags and promote eco-friendly bags. In conclusion, creating the banana paper bag as a replacement for plastic bags is a crucial move in decreasing plastic waste and supporting sustainable practices in the retail sector. Utilizing banana fibers as the primary material for producing paper bags provides a feasible answer to the issue of plastic pollution and presents numerous benefits compared to conventional plastic bags.