PATTS College of Aeronautics​ Volume 1 Issue 1

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COCOTRAE: A BIODEGRADABLE FOOD TRAY​

USING PLANT WASTE FOR AVIATION

A Science Investigatory Project

Proudly Presented to
PATTS College of Aeronautics
Senior High School Department
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements in SPEC 211

To
Ms. Janieca Pradas
Instructor in General Biology I

Bacomo, Ethan James V.

Pio de Roda, Mark Cyril F.
Quizon, Sican R.
Salvacion, Lyanne Fidez R.
Tolentino, Johnryan Irnest R.
XII - Wright

May 13, 2026

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 COCOTRAE: A BIODEGRADABLE FOOD TRAY USING
PLANT WASTE FOR AVIATION
ABSTRACT
The research investigates the capability of CocoTrae, a sustainable food tray sourced
from coconut coir as an alternative material to single-use plastics utilized in the airline catering
sector. CocoTrae aims to solve the growing environmental concerns brought about by single-use
plastic food packaging while simultaneously serving as a potential compost material to improve
soil quality and its nutrient content. The experimentation process consists of collecting the
coconut coir and blending it into a fine powder before preparing the binding material which
consists of 1/4 cup Tapioca-starch, 2 tablespoons glycerol, 2 tablespoon water, and 1 teaspoon
citric acid mixed into a low heat pan for 5 minutes before combining 7 tablespoons of the
mixture with 1 cup of the finely blended coconut coir until fully combined. Afterwards, the
formulation was molded into a food tray and dried in a rice cooker at 77°C for 8 hours. Results
showed that CocoTrae is able to withstand 4.5kg of shear weight, proving its durable feature
while maintaining a lightweight profile of 127.8 grams and its smooth surface finish does not
cause any skin irritation or discomfort. In addition, its structural integrity was intact after
exposure to water for 2 minutes. Likewise, the food tray was able to manage fire exposure, with
it being slightly burnt before extinguishing itself. These results suggest that CocoTrae possesses
traits that are comparable to materials currently utilized in the industry. Furthermore, the use of
an industrial grade grinder is suggested for future replication to improve smoothness in texture.
For the drying process, using a convection oven would ensure an evenly dried product for
maximized durability. Lastly, adjustments to the formulation of the ingredients is suggested for a
possible improvement in quality. Overall, the development of the study proves the probability of
alternative sustainable resources for positive environmental changes.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This science investigatory project would not have been possible without the support and
cooperation of these wonderful individuals. Group 4 of General Biology I of Grade 12 - Wright wishes to
express their gratitude towards each of them. Their contribution and assistance given towards this project
will be wholeheartedly appreciated and recognized.

Ms. Janieca S. Pradas, beloved General Biology I Instructor, for believing in the group for the
whole duration of this project. She uplifts her students by providing and encouraging them by letting them
know their capabilities and competency.

The teachers who assisted in the completion of this project by providing the researchers ample
time to accomplish requirements and guidance throughout their journey in completing this study.

The Institution who gave the researchers an opportunity to conduct this project within itself and
provided full support and guidance throughout the process.

Furthermore, the researchers give thanks to all the families, friends who have provided their
spiritual, financial and physical assistance in any way possible.

Finally, the researchers give praise and appreciation to GOD, the Almighty Father, Author of
Knowledge, for the boundless strength , appreciation, wisdom, and love that he has bestowed upon them
throughout this project. For with GOD, the researchers have successfully completed this project in his
name and grace.
CHAPTER I: resistance, fire resistance, and
INTRODUCTION biodegradability. After use, the tray
naturally breaks down into a nutrient-rich
The world has become heavily
plant mulch or harmless residue which
dependent on single-use plastics. It is
positively contributes to the environment
utilized in numerous aspects of services
(Elfaleh et al., 2023). It meets the demand
including the airline industry, primarily for
for an eco-friendly product which also
in-flight catering such as plastic food trays.
contributes to the economy due to its
Due to this, criticism and demands for
circular nature, wherein natural wastes are
sustainable and biodegradable alternatives
reintegrated back into the eco-system.
have increased over the past years, with
some countries enforcing national 1.1. Background of the Study
regulations that limit catering waste from
Air travel produces large amounts of
international flights to preserve their
single-use plastics, especially in the food
agriculture (International Air Transport
packaging sector. These plastics are often
Association, 2025).
thrown away after one use and take
This research introduces CocoTrae, a hundreds of years to break down, leading to
biodegradable, plant-based food tray serious environmental problems. Because of
sourced from coconut coir or husk designed this, many airlines are searching for
to address the issues of single-use plastic sustainable options that can replace plastic
trays, with applications not only in the products without affecting safety or service
aviation industry, but also across broader quality. Using biodegradable materials can
markets including the food and catering help reduce waste and support a cleaner
industry. It investigates the capability of environment for future generations.
CocoTrae for real-life applications to
One possible solution is the use of
improve waste management, environmental
plant waste such as leaves, stalks, and husks
impacts, and economy (Hassoun et al.,
which are often discarded even though they
2023).
have potential to still be useful. By
The product will undergo proper and processing these materials, it is possible to
systematic experimentation processes which create a strong and eco-friendly food tray. A
tests its durability, weight, texture, water biodegradable tray made from plant waste
like CocoTrae can serve as a good Hₐ: The product’s structural integrity
alternative to single-use plastics. It offers remains within standards of performance
passengers a safe and durable tray while and safety after long term storage and
helping reduce plastic pollution in the exposure.
aviation industry and potentially improving
2. In regards to Product Biodegradability
environmental conditions.
and Compostability:
1.2. Statement of the Problem
H₀: Atleast 90% of the product is
This study aims to explore decomposed into the soil and environment
CocoTrae’s aspects in terms of within 90 days.
sustainability, effectiveness, and its potential
Hₐ: Less than 90% or a significant
for industrial use. The study will explore its
percentage of the product has not
potential to serve as an alternative to the
decomposed into soil and the environment
current single-use plastic trays as food
within 90 days.
packaging solutions and will evaluate and
analyze its environmental benefits, quality, 3. In regards to Product Texture and User
market, and economic benefits. All in all, Comfort:
this study seeks to show how CocoTrae can
H₀: The product is received with no
be able to adapt and compete to the
significant difference in texture and comfort
advancing industry of packaging products
or scores lower compared to industry
while also supporting its environmental
standards.
benefits.
Hₐ: The product is received with a higher
In order to achieve a quality product, the
user comfort score compared to industry
following qualities must be tested before the
standards.
production of the actual product begins:
4. In regards to Product Weight and
1. In regards to Product Durability:
Compactability:
H₀: The product’s structural integrity
H₀: The mean weight of the product and
degrades and/or fails beyond usability after
space requirements exceeds the current
long term storage and exposure to the
standards set by the industry.
environment.
The mean weight of the product and space industries. First is the aviation industry,
requirements matches or is significantly less currently some of the biggest waste of
than the current industry standards. airlines come from plastics and containers
that are not recyclable nor biodegradable.
5. In regards to Product Water Resistance:
Second is the restaurant industry, restaurants
H₀: The product quality and functionality will be able to use the product for takeout to
significantly degrades when exposed to reduce extra waste that may come from
water / other liquids. packaging. Third is the tourism industry,
tourists produce mass amounts of waste
Hₐ: The product quality and functionality is
when travelling, especially when staying in
maintained when exposed to water / other
temporary housing. Lastly, this study can be
liquids.
used for further research and development
6. In regards to Product Fire and Heat on other alternative biodegradable products
resistance: for the future.

H₀: The product poses a significant fire risk With the adverse effects of single use
and / or loses functionality when exposed to plastics in the environment and human
high temperatures. health, biodegradable and eco-friendly
alternatives are growing with greater
Hₐ: The product poses no to little fire risk
importance. CocoTrae is an organic tray
and does not lose or has minimal effect
crafted from coconut coir, making it food
when exposed to heat.
grade safe and capable of natural
1.3. Significance of the Study decomposition. Its prospect will benefit the
aviation industries by minimizing carbon
The production of biodegradable
emissions and reducing waste management.
food containers is essential, especially
In addition, the materials to be utilized bring
during this age of the increasing utilization
in new opportunities for farmers and the
of one-time use plastics. This study is aimed
overall agriculture of the country. Bringing
to create an alternative to these plastics that
this idea into reality will not only shift the
is practical, environmentally friendly, and
aviation industry, but it can also change the
aesthetically pleasing. The results of this
world.
study will be able to help many different
1.4. Scope and Limitations Pollution - The Introduction of contaminants
into the environment, which can induce harm to
The focus of this study is to develop
both the environment and biological life.
an alternative biodegradable container that
Aviation Industry - a term that encompasses the
reduces waste from packaging with the use
travel sector (Airlines, Aircraft Manufacturing,
of coconut coir with tapioca starch, glycerol,
and Airports) and its subsidiaries.
and citric acid as binding material. It will
require systematic production of Food Grade - materials and or equipment
experimentation to ensure accuracy of suitable for contact with food items.

results and replicability. It will be limited to Green - a term used to describe items with
the results of three different formulations of minimal environmental impact throughout their
coconut coir to binding material, as well as entire life cycle.
the budget and costs of the research,
Environmental Footprint - a measure of the
materials, and the development of the
pressure of human activities on the environment.
product. Furthermore, the availability of
methods of production will severely limit
the type of product that will be able to be
made.

1.5. Definition of Terms

Biodegradability - the ability for an organic

material to naturally break down due to
microorganism activity.

Sustainability - long-term ability to use

resources for needs without compromising the
resources of future generations.

Single-use Plastics (SUP) - items made for

one-time use and are typically used once before
disposal.
CHAPTER II: smaller pieces (5 millimeters long) which
are known as micro or nano plastics. These
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
tiny plastic particles have been observed to
The Impact of Single-Use Plastics to be everywhere. Based on the United Nations
Human and Environmental Factors Environment Programme (UNEP), it is
estimated that there are over 15 trillion to 51
Plastic is everywhere, over 430
trillion microplastics in our oceans, reaching
million tons of plastic waste is produced
even the deepest depths like the Mariana
annually with single-use plastics taking up
Trench (Lindwall, 2025). In addition,
over two-thirds or 280 million tonnes. At its
plastics are produced with fossil fuel
current rate of production, there will be
materials like petrochemicals which release
more plastic in our ocean than that of fish, as
harmful chemicals such as bisphenol-A
mentioned by the Head of United Nations
(BPA). These chemicals have the ability to
Development Programme's Barbados and
disrupt the human endocrine system, impact
Eastern Caribbean Blue Economy
reproductive hormones, and potentially
Accelerators Lab, Nikola Simpson
cause cancer (Milton, 2022). Wildlife
(Padilla-Vasquez , 2023). The airline
including birds, whales, turtles, and other
industry heavily relies on single-use plastics
organisms mistake these materials as food
especially for the catering sector. To support
and ingest them, causing issues in their
this, the International Air Transport
digestive tract and some even dying of
Association, over 6.1 billion tonnes of
starvation. Other factors include suffocation
plastic waste was produced by flights back
and entanglement, ultimately causing
in 2018, making up 2% of the global plastic
internal and external health problems to
waste and more than 50% of aircraft waste
those animals affected (International Union
(Wei et al., 2022).
for Conservation of Nature, 2024).
There are numerous concerns to
Although plastic has versatile
consider with regard to handling plastic
properties such as its lightweight
waste. Plastic does not have the ability to
characteristic, durability, flexibility, and low
decompose completely, proving it does not
production cost, managing its consumption
have the properties to biodegrade. Over the
is detrimental. It is responsible for 1% - 5%
span of 20 to 500 years, it breaks down into
of reduction in human benefits. According
to the North America Plastic Recycling effect on reducing environmental impact by
Market Report, over 2.6 billion USD is decomposing faster and mitigating wastes.
spent on recycling plastics, this is due to its Moreover, studies also show that these
high treatment costs and extended period to biodegradable alternative materials
break down its properties. In summary, contribute to the flow of economy as they
plastic negatively affects plants, animals, are recycled, reused, and are safely
humans, and the Earth's biodiversity as a decomposed back to nature. Even though
whole, as well as the world's economic only a part of this is replaced with
standing (Pilapitiya & Ratnayake, 2024). biodegradable materials such as bio-based
fibers, it already provides measurable
Benefits of Biodegradable Alternative
benefits to the environment, suggesting that
Materials
it is a practical approach in enhancing
Ultimately, a central theme focuses sustainability (Baltrocchu & Shafique,
on the importance and benefits of using 2025).
biodegradable materials as an alternative to
This concept is not only applicable to
address critical environmental issues,
the packaging industry, but also to the
including pollution and resource depletion.
aviation industry where demand for
With 3.5 million metric tonnes of plastic
alternatives and sustainability are high
wastes continually arriving in oceans and
(Robinson, 2025; Pyky, 2024). This study
landfills during their end-of-life cycles in
indicates that biodegradable options are not
India alone, only a small percentage of 5% -
just for the sake of environmental benefits,
10% is recycled annually, continuing as a
but are also applicable to real-world
major global concern (Olabimtan et al.,
applications, as industries are starting to
2024; Mangal et al., 2023). Notably, plastic
adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
generally takes 400 years to decompose
compared to biodegradable materials which Compatibility of Coconut Coir as
only take months, significantly reducing Alternative Material to Single-Use Plastic
both land and marine pollution outputs Food trays
(Robinson, 2023).
Coconut coir, also known as coconut
Numerous studies highlight that husk or coconut fiber, has grown to be a
biodegradable materials have a significant promising food tray ingredient due to its
abundance and its numerous other compost material for soil (Selva et al.,
properties. The Philippines is the second 2025).
largest producer of coconut among the
Giving added value to agricultural
Association of South East Asian Nations
waste such as coconut coir, would
(ASEAN), compromising over 40% of its
significantly influence economic
production based on the Food and
transformations. It would create revenue
Agriculture Organization (FAOSAT)
opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and
(Department of Science and Technology,
the government, further diversifying income
2022). In connection to this, following the
sources while strengthening the agricultural
report of the Department of Agriculture
sector through innovative solutions.
(DA), 14.7 million tons of coconut husks are
Likewise, utilizing agricultural waste would
produced annually with only 5 billion of this
contribute to solving waste management
being utilized by farmers and the remaining
concerns and minimizing its environmental
9 billion being left to decay or burn, this
impacts.
suggests the need for repurposing of this
material (Tillay, 2025). Significance of Sustainable Alternative
Food Trays to the Airline Industry
The high lignin (40% to 50%)
content of coconut coir, giving it structural Waste is abundant, it encompasses
integrity and durability, making it products that are no longer used, this too
compatible for varying temperature changes extends to the aviation industry. An analysis
and moisture exposure which are key conducted by Pennington, et al. (2025), from
characteristics required for developing food a case study on the United Kingdom’s
trays (Nissar et al., 2025). Additionally, produced cabin waste, found that there was
coconut coir contains tannins such as gallic an approximate of 89,000 tons of waste that
acid and vanillic acid which gives the entered the UK in 2022, this in turn
material antibacterial properties that control generated 10,400 to 40,500 tons of CO₂ due
bacterial growth to ensure a sterile product to the enforced disposal in landfills. The
(Sirisangsawang & Phetyim, 2023). regulations related to waste prevent
Biodegradability is another key industrial innovations when it comes to
characteristic that coconut coir contains, sustainable waste treatment methods. The
requiring 60 to 90 days to fully form a model provided by the case study was able
to display the treatment of cabin waste the after being used and more than a third of
same as domestic-waste-generated climate those do not enter recollection systems in
benefits of 33,900 tons of CO₂ through order to be recycled properly. To combat the
material and energy recovery. When it food packaging waste, we must use more
comes to sustainability in the aviation sustainable food packaging designs. Muller,
industry, Gerlirli and Yasar (2021, as cited in et al. (2017, as cited by Versino, et al., 2023)
Mascarenhas & Omisakin, 2024) identified stated that more sustainable food packaging
three main criteria (environment, economy, designs typically aim for minimum
and social) that must be used in order to environmental burden at the end-of-life of
steer the airline industry towards sustainable the food product and packaging. It has been
management practices. found that the material for food packaging
consists mostly of paper and plastic, with
In order to address the issues
plastic being the most used material at 37%
pertaining to waste management, especially
and paper at 34%. With plastic taking up the
in the aviation sector, we must first identify
most percentage in terms of food packaging
the sources of these wastes, one source is
material, only further amplifying the issue
single-use plastics. Raghunathan, et al.
that 95% of packaging is being directly
(2024) finds that plastic is used in a variety
disposed of.
of industries. The authors identified that in
order to have a system that is eco-friendly With rising consumption rates due to
but also sustainable, we need to be able to the increasing population, a direct
properly use raw materials and reduce consequence of this is solid waste generation
fossil-based fuel resources with renewable (Cruz, et al., 2025). The authors identified
materials. Bio-based alternatives are often that this must be addressed with innovative
cost-effective, reusable, and reduce solutions that allow societal needs to be
ecological footprint, an example of these are balanced with environmental responsibility.
biopolymers that can be derived from The study further demonstrates that the
biomass, bio-derived substances, or single largest contributor to the plastic waste
microorganisms. The issue of plastic is stream in the Philippines are sachets,
further exacerbated in a study conducted by making up 52% of all plastic waste, which
Versino, et al. (2023) where it is found that pushes the need for sustainable solutions.
most food packaging is directly disposed of Keeping this in mind, coconut husk was
recommended as a sustainable alternative
material for sachet production. In a
comparative analysis of plastic and coconut
sachets, 3D models of both types of sachets
were created and it was found that coconut
husk sachets provided a substantial
environmental benefit, showing a 2x
improvement in carbon emission, 4x
improvement in energy consumption, and a
0.5x and 0.25x improvement in air and
water pollution respectively in comparison
to plastic sachets, with a drawback of
increasing production cost by 53%. Another
alternative by Salva, et al. (2025), is coconut
coir, stating that it is relatively inexpensive
and possesses physiochemical and
mechanical properties that allows it to be
more favorable compared to plastic mulches,
which possess the disadvantage of being
non-biodegradable, soil-degradable, while
having infiltration issues, and economic
limitations. Coir, being a cellulosic material,
is known for its tensile strength, favorable
density, and length. The advantages of this,
along with its utilization, are cost-effective
biodegradable mulches.
CHAPTER III: 1.7. Procedures

MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES Preparation of Dry Ingredients

1.6. Materials After materials are sourced, the coconut

husks are first boiled in water for 20 minutes to
The researchers utilized the following for proper sterilization and remove dirt.
materials for the study: coconut coir or husks as Afterwards, it is thoroughly sun dried until
the main component with the binding material parched before blending with a liquidizer to
being 1/4 cup tapioca starch, 2 tablespoons allow the coconut coir to pulverize into a
glycerol, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon relatively fine powder after which it shall be
citric acid. The study will contain 3 different screened through a sieve to remove any further
sample formulations with Sample A being 80:20 debris and ensure consistent size of the raw
coconut coir and binding material ratio or 1/2 material before processing.
cup coconut coir and 6 teaspoons binding
Preparation of Binding Agend
material, Sample B having 70:30 or 1/2 cup
coconut coir and 8 teaspoons binding material, In a separate container, 1/4 cup of
and Sample C will have 60:40 1/2 cup coconut tapioca starch, 2 tablespoons glycerol, 2
coir and 10 teaspoons binding material. As for tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon citric acid
the tools, the following are going to be used: a will be mixed in a low heated pan for 5 minutes
blender for grinding the fibers into fine particles, in order to create a bioplastic that will serve as a
a fine sieve to ensure equal sizes of the blended binding agent for the food tray.
coconut coir, a pan for heating the binding
Incorporation of Coconut Coir to Binding
materials, mixing tools to combine the
Agent
ingredients, measuring cups to for accurate
ratios of components, a mold which shapes the Then, 1 cup of the fine powdered
formulation into a food tray, parchment paper to coconut coir will be incorporated directly into 4
prevent the formulation for sticking onto the tablespoons of the binding mixture until fully
mold, and lastly, PPE (personal protective combined. Following Sample A with a 80:20
equipment) for the safety of the researchers ratio with a coir-heavy build ensuring durability
while making the product. These materials are and proper thickness. The formulation will then
essential in creating the tray product made from be transferred to a mold with parchment paper to
coconut fibers using eco-friendly materials. prevent sticking before drying in a convection
oven at 150°C for 2 hours, allowing the tray to
thoroughly cure and harden.
Drying Process

After the cooking and binding process

are complete, the tray will be left to sun dry for
12 hours before finally completing the tray. This
procedure will be followed for Samples B and C
with accordance to their set ratios.
CHAPTER IV: content .
Table 1.1 Results
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
FORMULATION RATIO 70:30
The researchers’ purpose is to create
Coco Coir Binding Mixture
an environmentally friendly alternative to SAMPLE B
food packaging using coconuts, specifically 1/2 Cups 8 teaspoons

“coconut coir”. This particular material RESULTS

requires additional materials to be added, Based on the experimentation, the sample is able to
withstand a total weight of 4.5kg before showing signs
such as a starch-glycerol-based bioplastic, in of damage while having a weight profile of 127.8 grams
and a fairly smooth texture. For its water resistance
order to mimic properties found in a properties, the sample showed slight signs of damage
after 2 minutes of water exposure and remained reusable
traditional single-use food container. Below after drying while being able to resist exposure to fire,
only burning after 20 seconds of direct fire contact.
is a discussion of our findings.
Table 1.2 Results

General Objective
FOOD TRAY RATIO 60:40
The researchers are motivated to
Coco Coir Binding Mixture
innovate an alternative packaging material SAMPLE C
1/2 Cups 10 teaspoons
to replace the current materials employed in
RESULTS
single-use food trays using organic and
endemic materials, with special emphasis on After the experimentation process, the sample is able to
withstand a total weight of 5kg before showing signs of
its applicability in the aviation industry. damage while having a weight profile of 131.2 grams
and a fairly smooth texture. For its water resistance
properties, the sample showed structural strength yet
4.1. Results breaks down after 2 minutes of water exposure and
remains reusable after drying, while its components
weaken when in direct contact to fire, eventually turning
into char after 30 seconds.
FORMULATION RATIO 80:20
Table 1.3 Results
Coco Coir Binding Mixture
SAMPLE A
1/2 Cups 6 teaspoons
After careful and measured testing,
results have shown that Sample C (60:40)
RESULTS
coconut coir to binding material ratio) had
The result presented slight durability, withstanding
a total weight of 2.2kg before showing signs of the most effective durability traits,
damage while having a weight profile of 124.6
grams and a mildly rough texture. As for water withstanding up to 5kg of weight compared
resistance abilities, impairment of its integrity
occurs after the first minute of water exposure
to Sample A (80:20) coconut coir to binding
while for fire resistance, it burns after 5 seconds of material ratio) which can handle only up to
direct contact to fire due to its higher coconut coir
2.2 kg and Sample B (70:30) coconut coir to The results suggest that coconut coir
binding material ratio) which handled up to is a potential alternative material for
4.5kg of weight. In terms of texture, Sample single-use plastic food trays. Having shown
A exhibited the roughest surface feel with a satisfactory results from the experimentation
rigid integrity due to its higher coconut coir process such as its durability, being able to
content, Sample B had a balance of smooth resist weight stress while still being
and roughness in texture with a flexible considerably lightweight. Its texture also
structure, Sample C on the other hand possessed desirable results, not causing any
possessed the most refined smoothness and skin irritation nor does it hinder eating
flexible structure. All samples did not show during use. As for its water and fire
any potential for skin irritation or discomfort resistance, results showed the resilient
when handled. After weighing the products, properties a food tray requires to ensure a
Sample A had the lightest weight profile of quality product while retaining its
124.6 grams compared to Sample B which sustainable and biodegradable features.
was 127.8 grams and Sample C that weighed
The key characteristics that coconut
131.2 grams. As for the water resistance
coir has such as its strong structural
factor, Sample B and C were able to
integrity, resilience to moisture and mold,
maintain structural integrity for up to 2
antibacterial properties, and biodegradability
minutes of exposure, compared to Sample A
proved to be effective for its use while
which broke down after the first minute of
having positive environmental changes.
testing. Finally, Sample C was the best in
Additionally, being an agricultural
terms of fire resistance, showing visual signs
byproduct would significantly benefit
of burn after 30 seconds of direct fire
industries as well as to aid in handling
exposure in comparison to Sample B which
coconut coir wastes in the country (Nissar et
showed signs of burn after 20 seconds, and
al., 2025). The results suggest the potential
Sample A with the least capabilities of
of CocoTrae to be utilized and accepted in
resisting burn after 5 seconds of direct
real-world applications (Hassoun et al.,
contact.
2023).
4.2. Discussion
Although there is still some room for
improvements, such as further improving
texture, molding processes, and exploring
different formulations and possibly other
alternative materials such as cassava starch
in place of tapioca starch. It was crucial for
the researchers to follow through the
procedures to ensure replicability and
accuracy of results, as well as to adjust any
proportions of ingredients in the mixture to
achieve its maximum quality. Overall,
coconut coir showed satisfactory results as a
potential alternative material to single-use
plastic food trays.
CHAPTER V: and greater support for global
biodegradability.
CONCLUSION
CocoTrae shows strong potential for
This segment shall contain the
real-world use as a sustainable replacement
concluding remarks of this science
for single-use plastic trays. While it is highly
investigatory project, serving as the
suitable for the aviation industry, it can also
culmination of a systematic and intensive
be used in restaurants, cafeterias, catering
experimentation on the feasibility of a
services, and other food-related sectors. Its
coconut-coir based food tray. The following
materials are made from coconut coir, which
present a comprehensive overview of the
help reduce waste and promote responsible
outcomes of this endeavor.
use of natural resources. After use,
After experimenting on different CocoTrae safely breaks down and returns to
formulations and ratios of the chosen the environment without causing harm. This
ingredients, the product showed satisfactory supports a circular system where waste is
results. It held a firm texture, making it reused instead of discarded. By adopting
capable of handling various foods while CocoTrae, industries can reduce plastic
retaining smoothness to ensure no residue or pollution and support environmentally
particles of the material would mix with friendly practices. In the long run, this can
food. The formulated product also held a contribute to a cleaner environment and a
faint sweet and coconutty aroma. In more sustainable future (Azime Özkan
addition, the product showed results of Karabacak et al., 2024).
water resistance, making it possible to use
sauces, although soup and other liquids
dissolved the material. There were no found
changes in the taste of food during
experimentation, allowing users to enjoy
food without its original taste being
compromised, nor did it cause any skin
irritation. Furthermore, the results support
the effectiveness and functionality of the
product, allowing potential for mass utility
CHAPTER VI: RECOMMENDATIONS drying and to avoid warping. Precision in
the shaping and drying process will ensure a
This segment of the study shall
clean and professional finish to the tray.
contain the detailed and comprehensive
offering of practical guidance from the Lastly, the researchers would
culmination of our investigatory project. recommend looking into possible partner
materials for the coconut coir with similar
The researchers strongly recommend
fibrous characteristics for a potentially
using an industrial-grade chipper/grinder or
improved blend. While Coconut Coir is a
ribbon blender to process the coconut coir
good choice for producing containers,
into finer strands and in larger batches
considering its properties, exploring other
together with screening it through a fine
available resources is an opportunity for
sieve. This approach will ensure that the
enhancing the product created.
final product will have a smooth texture
once finished with the molding and drying 6.1. Summary of Recommendations
process. To maintain a strong structure for A. The use of ribbon blenders in the
the tray, the researchers also recommend the processing of the coir is paired with
use of a convection oven to rapidly and a screening through a sieve.
evenly distribute heat during the drying B. Addition of a “buffer” layer when
process to ensure maximum durability and molding to act as allowance for
efficiency in the final product. shrinkage and trimming.

In terms of quality and appearance, a C. Use of metal screens in drying

buffer of ⅔ of an inch of extra material allows better ventilation when drying

should be included in the product formation in a convection oven.

in order to allow trimming for a smooth D. Possibility of developing a blend of

edge and stronger overall structure. It is also materials with coconut coir acting as

advisable to use fine metal mesh molds in the main material in future

the shaping of the product to allow even investigatory projects.

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