TRANSFORMING SNAKE PLANT (DRACAENA TRIFASCIATA) FIBER INTO ECO-FRIENDLY FIBER PLATES AS AN ALTERNATIVE

Abstract

This study investigates the use of Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as snake plant, as an alternative fiber source for paper plate production, offering a long-term solution to the environmental concerns associated with conventional paper plates. Traditional paper plates are typically manufactured from wood pulp, which consumes large amounts of natural resources and contributes to deforestation. In contrast, the rapid growth and durability of snake plants make them a more environmentally friendly source of fiber. Utilizing snake plant fibers for plate production may significantly reduce dependence on wood-based materials, thereby minimizing deforestation and lowering carbon emissions. Fiber plates produced from snake plant fibers present a strong and sustainable alternative to conventional paper plates. The study employed an experimental research design. Materials used included snake plants collected from household backyards, cornstarch and gawgaw obtained from a wet market, and beeswax purchased from an online shop. These materials served as the primary components in the production process. The method of production was considered sustainable due to the nature of the materials used and the reduced production time. The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of snake plant fibers as an alternative material to conventional paper plates. The fiber plates underwent various tests, including durability and strength testing, water resistance testing, and heat tolerance testing. The results showed that plates made from snake plant fibers were comparable in strength and durability to conventional paper plates. Experimental findings demonstrated that the quality and functional performance of the fiber plates were similar to those of traditional paper plates. The durability, strength, water resistance, and heat tolerance of the snake plant fiber plates indicate their suitability as an alternative material for paper plate production. Snake plant fiber plates were found to be an effective alternative to traditional paper plates. In addition to providing environmental benefits, these fiber plates exhibit the natural strength and durability of snake plant fibers, making them comparable in quality to conventional paper plates. The findings support the potential of snake plant fibers as a sustainable material for disposable tableware.