Analysis of Water Footprint and Cost Structure of Abaca (Musa Textilis Nee) Textile Production in the Philippines Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI)

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arvin B. Vista

Committee Member

Geny F. Lapiña, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This study analyzed the water footprint (WF) and cost structure of abaca (Musa textilis Nee) textile production in the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in order to assess the sustainability and the environmental impact of the industry. Using the WF assessment, it was found that 9,050 liters of water were consumed to produce 25 kilograms of abaca textile. The initial hypothesis was that the higher the amount of water use, the more expensive it is to produce abaca textile; this was confirmed in the cost structure, as the two most expensive processes (dyeing and bleaching) were also the most water-consuming process.

The study utilized the Benefit Transfer Method (BTM) to do a precautionary valuation of the potential impact of the operations to nearby body of water. BTM was used to transfer the wastewater treatment cost benchmarks from Wang, Jiang, and Gao (2020), and adjusted for the Philippine context trough Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). The result revealed that estimated annual environmental cost for untreated wastewater could reach up to PhP 94 million. In contrast, the initial investment cost for a small wastewater treatment facility was estimated to be around PhP 16.3 million.

Although abaca is being marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers, the study revealed that production could still use improvement and innovations, especially in terms of water usage. The study’s results encouraged institutions such as DOST-PTRI to pilot on-site wastewater treatment systems to reduce the potential environmental cost.

Language

English

LC Subject

Abaca industry—Philippines, Textile industry—Research

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 A14 G66

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Document Type

Thesis

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