Adaptability of Developing a New Sketch Paper Made of Rice Straws and Banana Trunk (Bani) Combination

Abstract

Background: Environmental concerns and the rising demand for paper have encouraged the use of agricultural wastes as sustainable alternatives to wood pulp. Rice straw and banana trunk fibres are abundant residues with suitable properties for pulp production. Aims: To develop and assess the feasibility of using rice straw and banana trunk (bani) combination as a primary raw material for producing an eco-friendly alternative sketch paper for drafting and artistic applications. Study Design: Experimental research design. Place and Duration of Study: A highly-populated campus of a state-university, Cebu City, Philippines, Academic Year 2025-2026. Methodology Fifty Respondents Participated: 25 drafting students (non-experts) and 25 drafting instructors (experts). Three treatment ratios were tested: T1 (50:50), T2 (60:40), and T3 (70:30 rice straw to banana trunk). The paper-making process involved cutting, boiling with baking soda, pulping, bleaching, blending, straining, mixing with adhesive, molding, and sun-drying. Data were collected using a validated 4-point Likert scale survey assessing feasibility, thickness, texture, and absorbency. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test (α = 0.05). Results: The 70:30 ratio (T3) was the optimal prototype, yielding 28-29 A4-sized sheets per kilogram with a 13-19 sheet successful drying rate. Non-experts rated all indicators across feasibility (mean: 3.44-3.80), thickness (3.32-3.92), texture (3.16-3.76), and absorbency (3.36-3.80) as "Strongly Agree." Experts rated feasibility (3.16-3.80) and absorbency (2.92-3.52) mostly as "Strongly Agree," while thickness (2.76-3.72) and texture (3.00-3.16) were predominantly "Agree." The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.05), with non-experts rating higher than experts. Both groups affirmed the product's functionality and acceptability. Conclusion: The rice straw and banana trunk sketch paper demonstrates viable potential as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional wood-based sketch paper. While it meets general usability standards for educational and artistic purposes, further refinement in fiber processing and surface finishing is recommended to achieve professional-grade quality and enhance commercial viability.