BIO PACKAGE: A STUDY OF CORN-HUSK AS AN FOOD PACKAGING BOX.

Abstract

The relevance of corn husk as a potential biobased substance highlights its abundance, renewability, and biodegradability, making it an attractive and environmentally friendly alternative for packaging. This approach addresses the growing need for sustainable materials in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Previous research has explored the use of agricultural waste, including maize husk, in various applications, underlining its potential as a viable resource for sustainable practices.  The widespread use of conventional plastic packaging, however, poses significant environmental and health risks. Plastic pollution, which is non-biodegradable, accumulates in landfills and oceans, causing long-lasting damage to ecosystems and wildlife. Plastics release harmful chemicals into the environment, which can be ingested by marine animals, ultimately entering the food chain and affecting human health. The urgency of finding and implementing eco-friendly alternatives has never been greater. Utilizing materials like corn husk offers an innovative solution that can help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste while promoting sustainability. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design and included ten (10) participants—five (5) chemical engineers and five (5) food vendors—selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected using printed survey questionnaires and Google Forms as the primary tools for gathering responses. The results show no significant differences between the assessments of the two groups of respondents (chemical engineers and food vendors) on ingredients, procedural methodology, cost-effectiveness, durability, and presentation. The chemical engineers' overall mean was 3.28 with a variance of 1.250. The t-computed value was 0.2266, with 18 degrees of freedom and a t-critical value of 0.178. Since the t-computed is less than the t-critical, the chemical engineers' assessment is considered highly acceptable. The food vendors' overall mean was 3.02, with a variance of 0.2067. The t-computed value was 0.2066, with 18 degrees of freedom and a t-critical value of 0.178. As the t-computed is less than the t-critical, the food vendors' assessment is also deemed acceptable. The suggestions and recommendations from both food vendors and chemical engineers play a crucial role in enhancing the food packaging box. Key recommendations include sourcing cornhusk in advance, identifying cost-reduction strategies without compromising quality, improving durability by using adhesives, and incorporating unique colors for added appeal. These insights are valuable for refining the design, reducing production costs, and increasing the sustainability and attractiveness of the packaging box.