UTILIZATION OF BANANA STEM FIBER INTO ECO-TOTE BAG

Abstract

Fibers are derived from various plants, including cotton, jute, and bananas, and can be used as yarn or fabric. Among these, banana fiber is one of the strongest, making it highly suitable for textile production. This natural fiber is valued for its strength, flexibility, and durability, making it an excellent material for eco-friendly alternatives like tote bags. This study employed a quantitative-experimental research approach, utilizing a three-part questionnaire to gather data from respondents selected through purposive sampling. The assessments and recommendations of the respondents regarding the eco-tote bag were collected. Statistical tools such as frequency and percentage, weighted mean, and t-test were used to determine the significant differences in the assessments of eight (8) STEM teachers and ten (10) seamstresses. The study evaluated the acceptability of banana stem fiber as an eco-tote bag material, considering factors such as materials used, procedural methodology, aesthetic appeal, durability, and presentation. The weighted mean for STEM teachers was 3.108 (interpreted as acceptable), while seamstresses rated it 3.092 (also acceptable). The variance between both groups was 0.026, with a t-critical value of 2.145 at a 0.05 level of significance and 14 degrees of freedom. The t-computed value of 0.153 was lower than the t-critical value, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis, indicating no significant difference between the assessments of the two groups. Both sets of respondents recommended using a weaving machine to enhance fiber quality, selecting high-quality banana trees for extraction, modifying the bag's shape to a square for more storage space, incorporating colors and designs, and reinforcing the stitching to improve durability and prevent breakage.