THE POTENTIAL USE OF WASTE PLASTIC BOTTLES(POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, PET) AND COCONUT HUSK FIBERS(COCOS NUCIFERA) AS AN ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL FOR DRAFTING TABLE PRODUCTION.

Abstract

Plastic bottles are among the leading global pollutants due to their widespread use and mass production. Locally, coconut husks have also become a source of waste as a byproduct of various Filipino products. As a result, both materials contribute significantly to environmental pollution. With this context, the study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using waste plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and coconut husk fibers (Cocos nucifera) as alternative materials in the production of a drafting table. An experimental research design was employed in this study. The materials used included waste PET bottles and fibers extracted from coconut husks. A ½ × 2 inch lumber was utilized as the frame to provide structural support for the drafting table. The process involved melting or shredding the plastic waste, extracting coconut fibers, and combining these materials before molding them into portable drafting table components. The finished product was subjected to mechanical strength, space-saving, functionality, and portability tests. The results showed that the use of waste materials and natural resources in drafting table production yielded promising outcomes in terms of sustainability and functionality. By utilizing discarded PET bottles and coconut husk fibers, the resulting drafting table was found to be durable, cost-effective, space-saving, functional, and portable. The findings indicate that waste plastic bottles and coconut husk fibers can be effectively utilized as alternative materials for drafting table production. The experimental results support the potential of these materials in creating functional and sustainable furniture, contributing to waste reduction and environmental conservation.