Harnessing the Potentials of Bamboo Textiles

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In today's rapidly evolving world, where sustainability and environmental consciousness reign supreme, a groundbreaking innovation emerges, promising to revolutionize the textile industry. 

Introducing the Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile from Bambusa philippinensis, a true game-changer crafted by the ingenious minds at the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Spearheaded by inventors Jared Vincent Lacaran, Josanelle Angela Bilo, and Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr., this innovation represents a significant leap toward sustainable and eco-friendly textile production.

According to the Spring Open’s journal on Bamboo as a renewable textile fiber, Bamboo plants are found in almost all parts of the world except those places having extremely cold climates like Europe though some species can be successfully introduced in mild temperate zones, making it more accessible to the textile industry globally.

The Technology

At its core, this technology embodies the essence of sustainability. Leveraging a distinct bamboo variety, the process ensures an eco-friendly production cycle, meticulously crafted to minimize environmental impact. What sets it apart is not just its utilization of bamboo, a highly renewable resource, but also its innovative approach to recycling chemical waste, drastically reducing both waste material and environmental footprint.

(Bamboo Fibers) Photo Courtesy: DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute

In their desire to maximize the potential of local bamboo as a vast natural resource, the DOST- PTRI promotes its bamboo textile processing technology to produce natural blended yarns and woven fabrics. Noting that bamboo has the highest textile fiber yield among other textile fibers like pineapple, banana, or abaca, more significant opportunities will be provided for income generation from upstream to downstream for the natural textile industry sector. The institute’s technology has been optimized following mechano-chemical processes and has given a significant increase in the value of the bamboo pole to its transformation into bamboo textile fibers (BTF) in a spinnable form to spun yarns.

Competitive Advantage

The competitive advantage of this bamboo-based textile is undeniable. With exceptional tensile strength, it proves its mettle across various textile applications, offering durability that withstands repeated use and washing. Furthermore, its inherent antibacterial and antifungal properties provide a natural shield against harmful microorganisms, catering to the health-conscious consumer base. Moreover, the rapid growth of bamboo without the need for pesticides or fertilizers makes it an attractive option for environmentally-conscious consumers seeking sustainable alternatives. Its versatility in blending with other fibers like cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers expands its applications, while its thermal-regulating properties ensure comfort in diverse climates.

It is also notable that the developed process is community-centric and sustainable in converting poles to textiles, the processing being one other than the regeneration route popularly known as the viscose process, an open system known to affect the environment adversely. Diversifying and expanding bamboo use through sustainable textile processing is a step to mainstreaming bamboo as a natural textile. 

Utilization and Market Potential

The utilization and results of this technology speak volumes. Through exhibitions and fashion shows, DOST-PTRI has successfully heightened public awareness about the immense potential of bamboo, showcasing tangible outputs that captivate the imagination. Establishing partnerships with regional stakeholders through the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub further amplifies its impact, paving the way for widespread adoption.

In the market landscape, bamboo textiles have captured the attention of European consumers,driven by their eco-friendly properties and sustainability. The demand for sustainable textiles has propelled the popularity of bamboo-based fabrics, offering softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties ideal for various clothing applications. However, concerns linger regarding the environmental impact of conventional bamboo textile production methods. Herein lies the significance of PTRI's innovation, offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations.

What We Look Forward

Looking ahead, the vision for bringing this invention to the global market is ambitious yet attainable. It envisions a paradigm shift in consumer consciousness, where sustainability and ethical production practices take center stage. By empowering farmers and weavers while revolutionizing textile production, this technology heralds a new era of eco-friendly innovation.

The Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile stands as a beacon of hope in an industry grappling with sustainability challenges. With PTRI's unwavering dedication and visionary approach, this innovation holds the key to a more sustainable and vibrant future for the textile industry. As the world embraces the ethos of sustainability, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a greener, more resilient tomorrow. ** This feature is a part of the "Shape the Future" campaign, highlighting nine Philippine inventions featured in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2023. Competing for gold awards, these innovations also aim to promote local technologies for potential international technology transfer and commercialization.

By Matt Jerome Casequin

Photos Courtesy: DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute

On-the-Go Water Purification: Introducing the Mobile Disinfection System

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In this world struggling with climate change, natural disasters, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable development, the quest for safe and accessible drinking water remains paramount. 

Every year, the Philippines experiences an average of more than 20 typhoons and it has become stronger, more lethal, and more devastating. Access to safe drinking water during these kinds of emergencies or calamities is critical for public health.

This is where the SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System enters the scene, a groundbreaking invention that pledged to revolutionize water treatment in disaster-stricken communities and rural areas worldwide. Developed by a team led by Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito, this innovative system is compact, mobile, and energy self-sufficient, offering a lifeline to those in need.

The Ingenious Solution

The SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System represents a paradigm shift in water treatment technology. Unlike traditional systems tethered to fixed infrastructure and reliant on electricity, SafeWaTrS is a beacon of versatility and resilience. Powered by solar energy, it can operate even in the most remote or resource-constrained environments, providing a lifeline during calamities, emergencies, or disruptions in water supply. “Our invention makes dirty water clean and safe to drink”, Engr. Prima Margarito answered when asked about how the invention works using layman’s terms, she said that it has three main parts – the chemical treatment system; the post-filtration system; and the solar power system.

The chemical treatment system cleans the water using the chemicals to make pollutants clump together. Think of it like gathering dirt into big clumps so they can be easily removed. After the chemical treatment, the water goes through the post-filtration system equipped with three different filters to remove the remaining particles. There's also an activated carbon filter to remove the smell and color. For sterilization, a UV sterilizer is used, which is very effective at killing germs without using chemicals.

The invention runs on solar energy, which means it is powered by sunlight. This makes it eco-friendly and able to operate even in areas without electricity. This compact system is designed for simplicity, allowing ordinary individuals to operate it with ease. Its batch-type operation can produce up to 170 liters of safe drinking water per cycle, ensuring a steady supply for communities in need. What sets SafeWaTrS apart from the others is its mobility; outfitted with the material of castor wheels, it can be swiftly transported to areas where it is most needed, delivering hope and relief to those facing water scarcity

Addressing a Global Challenge

The significance of the SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System extends far beyond its innovative design. It tackles head-on the pressing issue of water scarcity during disasters, strong typhoons, and in rural areas plagued by contamination or disruptions in supply, providing access to safe drinking water, not only meets the immediate needs of communities but also contributes to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.

The technology has been tested using flood water, surface water, and groundwater to produce drinking water conforming to the standard parameters prescribed in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) of 2017, including heavy metals.

The Visionary Inventors

At the helm of this groundbreaking invention is Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito, a Senior Science Research Specialist at the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute. With a background in Chemical Engineering and expertise in water and wastewater treatment, Engr. Margarito embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication to societal impact. Alongside a team of brilliant minds, including Rochelle L. Retamar, Dante C. Vergara, Reynaldo L. Esguerra, Rodelma D. Perez, and Reymundo K. Adan, Engr. Margarito has spearheaded the development of a technology poised to reshape the landscape of water treatment. During the Research & Development phase, they conducted several experiments to determine the most cost-effective and efficient chemical for treating flood or contaminated water. ”I vividly remember spending countless hours reading journals to compile a shortlist of chemicals, particularly those effective in removing heavy metals. In a collaborative brainstorming session with my teammates, we finalized the list considering its availability in the local market. Subsequently, we conducted experiments together to determine the optimum dosage and pH, laying the foundation for our prototype”, said Engr. Margarito, as she remembers the struggles they experienced in building the system.

Leveraging the diverse expertise of their team members, they have come up with a prototype powered by solar energy. The moment of truth arrived when they tested their prototype with floodwater, and the results were incredibly fascinating.

Paving the Way for a Brighter Future

As the SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System gains traction, Engr. Margarito envisions a future where clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. With patents filed and funds secured, the path to market readiness is clear. The journey, however, does not end there.

Engr. Margarito's legacy as an inventor and researcher lies in her commitment to driving positive change and inspiring a new generation of innovators. Through collaboration, sustainability, and unwavering dedication, she aims to shape a future where innovative solutions address the most pressing challenges facing humanity.

“Seeing the smiles on people's faces as they benefited from our technology was truly heartwarming. Hearing their gratitude and knowing that our invention provided them with a source of potable water was a testament to the significant impact our technology had on their lives”, as Engr. Margarito recalls the satisfying moment on one of their deployment activities in the Philippines.

In a world teetering on the brink of uncertainty, the SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System stands as a beacon of hope—a testament to the power of ingenuity in overcoming adversity and forging a path toward a brighter tomorrow. As communities around the globe face ever-increasing threats from climate change and natural disasters, Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito and her team offer not just a solution, but also a lifeline—a promise of safe water for all, today and for generations to come.

** This feature is a part of the "Shape the Future" campaign, highlighting nine Philippine inventions featured in the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2023. Competing for gold awards, these innovations also aim to promote local technologies for potential international technology transfer and commercialization.

By Matt Jerome Casequin

Photos Courtesy: DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute

Taste the Future: Philippine Salt Innovation to Entice Global Palates

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the fast-paced world of culinary innovations, one Filipino invention is turning heads, delighting taste buds, and reshaping traditions. Enter Ms. Maricar Carandang, one of the creative minds behind the Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning invention developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). With a blend of scientific savvy and culinary flair, Maricar and her dedicated team are flipping the script on what it means to season with style.

A Journey of Innovation: From Lab to Kitchen 

Maricar Carandang's adventure in innovation started with a curious mind and a love for chemistry. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Central Luzon State University and a hunger for discovery, she found herself at the laboratory of the DOST - ITDI, where her passion for experimentation collided with the world of testing and analysis. Little did she know, her journey would take her from the lab to the community outskirts, and now to the dinner table, sprinkling a little magic along the way.

“When I started working, I always thought that I would only be confined in the four walls of the laboratory. However, I soon discovered opportunities to share our expertise with the public. It has taken me to numerous provinces across the Philippines, allowing me to engage with diverse audiences and spread awareness about our work beyond the confines of the lab”, Maricar shared. 

Reflecting on her creative process, Maricar speaks of a passion for learning and a boundless curiosity. It is this insatiable thirst for knowledge that propels her forward, constantly pushing the boundaries of possibilities in science and technology. Trained by industry veterans, she credits her mentors for molding her when she was a very young researcher into an inventive powerhouse where she is today. 

From Concept to Creation: The Birth of Flavored Salt

Despite being an archipelagic country, the Philippines relies heavily on salt imports to meet its needs. In the early 1990s, provinces like Bulacan, Pangasinan, Occidental Mindoro, and Cavite supplied 85% of the country's salt needs. However, by the turn of the millennium, various factors led to a significant decline in domestic production. Today, local production only accounts for a modest 17% of the country's salt requirement, with Occidental Mindoro leading the charge according to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.

by Marvin Eric O. Dela Cruz