Seal good, peel good : finding a sustainable alternative to aluminum foil using granola potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels / by Julian Raphael P. Abad, Gerraine Lorice G. Almonte, Loraine T. Gierza, Jon Rayner G. Mayormente, and Maria Chloe Samantha Louise P. Zabal.

This study aimed to determine the viability of using Granola potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels as both a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to conventional aluminum foil. A quantitative experimental research design was employed and conducted in a controlled setting. Potato peel-based foils were produced using four (4) different ratios (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and mixed with psyllium husk as a binding agent, while traditional aluminum foil served as the control material. The samples were evaluated based on four operational parameters: moisture retention, thermal insulation, tensile strength, and biodegradability, using modified procedures adapted from standard testing methods. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were used to assess the performance of potato peel-based foils in relation to aluminum foil. The results showed that the potato peel-based foils demonstrated comparable moisture retention and thermal insulation properties and exhibited significantly higher biodegradability. Although their tensile strength was lower than that of aluminum foil, the material remained suitable for short-term food storage and low to moderate heat applications. Overall, the findings suggest that potato peel-based foil is a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional aluminum foil. This concept supports waste reduction and the responsible use of resources, aligning with environmental sustainability efforts and the school's advocacy of caring for creation.

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