“By researching what the current trend in the market is, we found out that coffee is the world’s most consumed beverage in the world. This, along with peoples’ consciousness about handwashing due to the pandemic, made us come up with the concept of coffee papersoap.”
A POCKET-SIZED soap made of paper with activated charcoal from used or spent coffee grounds is expected to be among the additions to the coffee trend in this generation.The product, developed by five students of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (Flight Attendant) in WCC Aeronautical and Technological Institute in Binalonan town, Pangasinan province, late last year won the Sustainability Project contest of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Ilocos Region and the SM City Urdaneta Central.”By researching what the current trend in the market is, we found out that coffee is the world’s most consumed beverage in the world. This, along with peoples’ consciousness about handwashing due to the pandemic, made us come up with the concept of coffee paper soap,” said Karla Española, one of the student-proponents, in a phone interview.By turning the used coffee grounds into activated charcoal through a certain process, it gains its antibacterial component along with its other benefits including skin moisturizing effect, she said.”It is also another way of managing waste,” Española said.”The goal is to create sustainability on the go. It should be travel-friendly,” she said, underscoring the fact that they are taking up flight attendant courses.The other group members are Ericka Antolin, Nathaniel Cabunoc, Ken Espinas and Sheeryl-An Palijo. Prof. Sushmita Sen Chan-Montano served as their adviser.From 300 grams of spent coffee grounds from their partner coffee shops in Urdaneta City and Laoac town in Pangasinan, the group was able to produce around 70 to 80 packs of coffee paper soap, at 15 sheets per pack.Española said the initial production cost amounted to around P3,000 to P4,000 for raw materials and packaging.For a 15-sheet pack, the product can be sold for P43 apiece, she said.For the trial period, the initial batches of finished products were distributed among the members of the group, their friends and some schoolmates.The students started the project in the third quarter of 2023 for their thesis.They expect to finalize it by the end of last year with the hope that it will get the attention of various government agencies for funding, development and mass production.As a winner, they received P5,000 worth of gift certificates from SM and P3,000 from CHED.The Sustainability Project contest was participated in by universities and colleges in Pangasinan and La Union as part of the Getting Ready for Environmental Efficiency in the North project of the CHED Ilocos Region and SM, together with the regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Trade and Industry.CHED Ilocos Regional Director Christine Ferrer said the contest provided a platform for students to showcase and ideate solutions, and explore collaboration and partnerships.SM City Urdaneta Central mall manager Abraham Malicdem said the project proposal was submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the SM Group head office for their consideration.
KEY TAKEAWAYSThe article describes a new eco-friendly product: a pocket-sized paper soap made with activated charcoal from used coffee grounds. This innovative product was developed by five students from Pangasinan as part of their thesis project.Here are some key takeaways:
– Sustainability: The soap is made from recycled coffee grounds, reducing waste and promoting environmental consciousness.– Functionality: The activated charcoal in the soap provides antibacterial properties and skin moisturizing benefits.– Travel-friendly: The compact size and paper-based nature make it ideal for travel, especially for the students pursuing a career in flight attendant services.– Economic potential: The project has the potential to create a sustainable business model, generating income for the students and potentially contributing to local economic development.– Recognition: The students’ project has already won a sustainability contest, showcasing its potential and attracting attention from various government agencies.Overall, this initiative demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.PNA
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