Lovely May Cainglet

Starting a business that is focused on turning waste materials into particle boards—like mahogany and coconut husks—has been a very creative and fulfilling experience. This project was motivated by a deep-seated dedication to sustainability and a desire to support the development of the circular economy. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, working with local communities, and doing in-depth studies were all necessary to turn waste mahogany and coconut husks into high-quality particle boards.

I am Lovely May Cainglet, a third-year college student at Central Mindanao University, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program under the Institute of Biological Sciences. It's always been one of my goals to help the environment and to develop a way to lessen the waste that we throw towards the planet that we depend on. I couldn't be happier that we, as students, have tried to be more resourceful and caring to the environment to the extent that instead of throwing and disregarding the waste products that we ignore all this time, it can be a help to more industrial and economical solutions that we always aim for. There are a lot of struggles and hurdles in planning and decision-making in regards to the product that we want.

Assigning tasks while juggling with other major loads that we carry this semester was never easy. It results in a lot of conflict and doubt because I and maybe some of my groupmates didn't know where to start or where to put ourselves on a task, so we were a bit confused. As time passed, I understood its purpose and started to adjust. We became more coordinated, pursuing the goal that we set for our product to achieve. From building dependable raw material supply chains to creating effective extraction and processing techniques, there were many obstacles to overcome at first. A key factor in optimizing the manufacturing processes was interacting with local artisans and professionals in material science and woodworking. Coconut husks, which are frequently discarded, contributed durability and improved environmental friendliness to the particle boards, while mahogany, with its deep color and durable qualities, gave them an original aesthetic.

Beyond the technical details, our economic strategy developed to rely heavily on community interaction. Collaborating with neighborhood cooperatives to collect waste not only addressed environmental issues but also benefited these areas economically. In addition to recycling waste, the business helped the areas where the resources were sourced develop job opportunities and improve skill levels. As the business gained momentum, positive feedback from interviewees and recognition within the sustainability sector further validated the vision. The particle boards produced from waste materials gained popularity in construction, furniture manufacturing, and interior design markets, showcasing the economic viability and aesthetic appeal of sustainable practices. We improved the process for making particle board from leftover coconut waste after having a fruitful conversation with our advisor.

The Business Model Canvas proved beneficial in optimizing our  strategies, descriptions, designs, obstacles, inventions, and modifications to the business model. Customer Segment, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationship, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure are the nine fundamental building components that make up this canvas, which functions as a thorough framework. This method not only made the foundation of our project stronger, but it also cleared the way for a more thoughtful and calculated move ahead in our endeavor to turn coconut waste into particle board.

I never knew that I would try something new because of this project, and I'm glad that I did. That was exploring and discovering skills to use for this project to progress. During the planning, interviews, meetings, designing, promotional video, and everything else for this to be done, a lot of sacrifices have been made that have resulted in good progress.

Fig. 1. Photo of camera I used for promotional Video

Thinking back on the process of starting a business out of waste materials reveals the groundbreaking potential of creativity, eco-friendly methods, and community involvement. The successful combination of environmental awareness and economic feasibility was demonstrated by this business venture. In addition to demonstrating the possibility for creative solutions, the dedication to recycling waste materials emphasized the role that sustainability plays in supporting an effective and progressive business model.

Fig 1. BIOTA Conference with the International Speakers

I am Lovely May Cainglet, a third-year college student at Central Mindanao University, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program under the Institute of Biological Sciences. Regarding the accumulation of coconut waste near market walls, we, as members of the biological society and associate members of the Biology Teachers Association (BIOTA)-Bukidnon, have concluded that this is an urgent issue. The community around this situation is at serious risk of contamination, which is why we need to resolve this pending problem by accumulating solutions that tend to support and help both the community and the environment itself. Together with my fellow group members—Rob Daniel Pulmones, Faye Xyra Solivio, Carl Hiendrick Radovan, Rholeine Jane Taña, Jannah Hinay, Louella Magabang, Cutee Sophia Patriarca, and Beyonce Balili—we have decided to use both creativity and resourcefulness to address this environmental issue. By employing the resources at our disposal, we hope to aid in the preservation of Mother Nature.

Fig 2. Research picture example of using coconut husk as a resource for sustainable building material

After engaging in a productive discussion with our advisor, we made some further improvements to the method for making particle board from residual coconut waste. In order to coordinate our strategies, descriptions, designs, obstacles, inventions, and modifications to the business model, the Business Model Canvas proved to be an indispensable tool. With its nine fundamental building blocks—Customer Segment, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationship, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure—this canvas functions as a comprehensive framework. These particular components were essential in helping us better comprehend the suggested business. They gave the group an organized method for making decisions, assisting us in assessing and refining many facets of our endeavor. Our startup was viewed more comprehensively courtesy to the Business Model Canvas, which made sure we took into account important elements including target market, value delivery, distribution methods, customer interactions, income generation, essential resources, important activities, collaborations, and cost considerations. This method not only made the foundation of our project stronger, but it also cleared the way for a more thoughtful and calculated move ahead in our endeavor to turn coconut waste into particle board.

Fig 3. Silmaro Furniture, MMR Construction Services, and eeeDesign+Build, Maramag, Bukidnon base furniture stores and businesses.

For us, building important alliances—and concentrating on developing supplier-buyer connections in particular—was essential to growing our business. Identifying possible customers for our product was the group's main objective. Our decision to look for important partners among furniture stores and businesses that employ contractors situated within the Maramag to Valencia, Bukidnon region. Our inquiry in the municipality of Maramag led us to three possible customers for our products: Silmaro Furniture, MMR Construction Services, and eeeDesign+Build.

Fig 4. Jmbelgira Furniture, MLD Upholstery Furniture, and XY Builders, Valencia, Bukidnon base furniture stores and businesses.

In the meantime, two furniture manufacturers in Valencia, Jmbelgira Furniture and MLD Upholstery Furniture, showed aptitude and expressed interest in our products. We also identified XY Builders, a Valencia City-based business that uses a lot of particle board, as another possible important partner for our project. Our goal of sustainable and regional collaboration in transforming coconut waste into value particle board products is aligned with our strategic approach to finding and forming partnerships with local firms that also expands our market reach.

Each team member conducted on-site interviews with employees from various shops and companies, while others gathered insights from individuals who had prior experiences using particle boards. Subsequently, a collaborative discussion ensued, centering on two hypotheses: (1) the market demand for particle board made from coconut husk and mahogany is shaped by customer perceptions of its unique composition, with a quantifiable willingness to buy on a 1-10 scale; and (2) Customer preferences for sustainable and environmentally friendly particle boards are influenced by specific features and attributes, with perceived value being a significant factor in their purchasing decisions. The hypotheses were addressed through the following questions:

Are there particular details that you are looking for in a sustainable and environment-friendly particle board that will make you buy it?

As the product suggests the mixture of coconut fiber and mahogany for particle board production, do you think this product would be in demand in the market?

How much per product for a customer’s budget?

What do you think is the edge of a sustainable and environment-friendly particle board than the other competitors in the market?

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. How willing are you to buy this kind of product?

Concerns over the emergence of cheap, artificial particle board were voiced by a few interviewees. Particle boards normally go through lamination with a planned layer to provide a covering, thus this was not thought to be a major issue. It's interesting to note that many buyers were mainly drawn to the particle board's increased tensile strength. Our set of interviewers, who were well-versed in the commercial particle board that is now on the market, repeatedly brought up this fact. Fortunately, by adding mahogany waste as an extra component to the coconut waste, our business offering seeks to specifically solve this concern. Mahogany waste is purposefully added to the particle board in order to increase its tensile strength. This feature is unique when compared to other particle boards and corresponds with the desires that were noted throughout the interview process.

Given that the particle board was manufactured using leftover materials from the coconut and mahogany industries, prospective customers believe that if it was more affordable than other particle boards on the market, there ought to be a demand for it. Since particle boards are less expensive than solid wood, they have been in use for a long. This brings up another point, the tensile strength, which ought to increase the product's demand in the marketplace. Certainly, the group took into consideration both of the issues.

We learned that traditional particle boards with comparable specs were being sold for more money, usually more than 80 pesos, after speaking with a local furniture manufacturer. Given its waste-derived nature, we decided to offer our particle board at a lower price point in an effort to attract consumers who are looking for both quality and cost reductions. Our interviewers have emphasized the potential benefits of our product, highlighting its eco-friendly composition, competitive pricing, and enhanced tensile strength, all of which together create a compelling value proposition for consumers in the market.

The introduction of this business product has played a significant role in mitigating environmental pollution on Earth. The collecting of wastes, namely coconut husks and fibers, and also mahogany waste, which would otherwise take a long time for natural biodegradation, is the first step in the production process. This environmentally friendly strategy helps to reduce environmental harm overall in addition to addressing the problem of waste accumulation. Furthermore, the beneficial influence reaches out into the community, attracting interest and backing from those who are passionate about protecting the environment. As merchants in later interviews pointed out, this is especially important for people who might not know how to properly dispose of coconut waste. The program not only offers a workable trash management solution, but it also increases community understanding of the significance of sustainable behaviors. We provide an eco-friendly substitute while also making a positive impact on a cleaner and healthier world by turning coconut trash into a useful product.

When it came to their willingness to purchase the product of the possible buyers, the majority of interviewees gave perfect scores. However, some answered 7-9 out of 10 since some preferred wood since they could afford a more stable utilization of materials. Even still, a lot of people were drawn to the eco-friendly product since it not only met consumer demands but also benefited the society. Environmental impact was guaranteed even during the particle board production process.

The objective of this research is to address the pollution issue in our hometown and minimize its impact on future generations. Our group, consisting of Beyonce Balili, Robinson Galon, Jannah Hinay, Louella Magabang, Cutee Sophia Patriarca, Rob Daniel Pulmones, and Faye Xyra Solivio, aims to utilize available resources and innovation to save Mother Nature.

Researching and determining viable remedies for pollution is our present goal. According to our research, there are a number of ways to reduce air pollution, including conserving energy, taking public transportation, maintaining your car properly, choosing environmentally friendly items, and avoiding long car trips. Cleaner commutes, avoiding excessive idling, and postponing gasoline-powered activities can all be beneficial on days with high ozone or particle levels.

We are committed to addressing these environmental issues and reducing their influence on coming generations by utilizing the resources at our disposal as well as creative thinking.

Coconut Husks

Reusing coconut shells for crafts, briquettes, and horticultural items are just a few of the many possible uses. items that can be created from coconut fibers (coir) include coir mats, erosion control items, coir pots and planters, coir doormats and floor coverings, coir-based biofilters, and coir rope and twine. The group decided on a particle board made of coconut husk because the material could potentially be commercially viable, especially in the furniture, design, and infrastructure industries. It is also relevant to a number of different student projects. All labor, raw material transportation, adhesive compounds, and other production-related expenses are included in the production costs. Crucially, since the raw materials are garbage that is easily gathered, we can ensure a cost-effective final product and charge less for the particle board than that of competing products. Each member of my group has been interviewed by a total of eight persons. We made the decision to survey individuals who frequently use coconuts for their businesses or who use them to make coconut juice to sate their cravings. I have conducted interviews with four students, two customers, parents, and one merchant of coconut juice. As stated in the privacy permission, the respondents' personal information was kept private. First, we inquired as to where they had disposed of their coconut waste and if they were aware of the potential environmental harm that their disposal strategy may have caused. Inquiring about potential methods to mitigate the adverse consequences of inappropriate disposal of coconut waste should enable us to make a contribution and tackle the issue.