Philippines-based science agency the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced that it initiated a research on new raw materials for the manufacture of paper bags, owing to increase in demand for ‘green’ paper bags.
DOST secretary Mario Montejo said additional income opportunities can be provided to people by making the production of paper packaging more accessible.
"The greater use of paper packaging is in line with our current initiatives that protect the environment and uplift the ecosystem," Montejo added.
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), a DOST arm has completed research studies on alternative raw materials such as low-grade abaca fibers, banana fibres and palm oils' empty fruit bunch fibers for packaging paper.
FPRDI, part of the Department of Trade and Industry is also working with the University of the Philippines Los Banos' Institute of Plant Breeding in studying hybrid abaca as reinforcement fiber.
At least 27 local government units including Los Ba os in Laguna, Makati, and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila and nearby areas were among the first to ban the use of plastic, compelling stores and vendors to use paper bags in wrapping their wares.
