According to Curry (2019), acrylic yarn is derived from the synthetic compound acrylonitrile, which is produced using fossil fuels and releases harmful toxins into the atmosphere. Additionally, washing acrylic yarn releases microplastics into water systems, with studies showing that up to 85% of man-made waste on shorelines consists of microplastics, which can take up to 200 years to degrade. In contrast, bio-yarns, such as those made from algae-based fibers, offer a more sustainable solution by reducing water use, energy needs, and waste. The researcher used Sodium Alginate as a thickening agent, Vegetable Glycerin as a plasticizer, Sunflower Oil as a filler, Water as a solvent, and a 10% Calcium Chloride Solution as a curing agent. These ingredients work together to create a bio-yarn with desirable characteristics, though interactions between them can affect the final product's consistency.
This study evaluates the acceptability of bio-yarns as an alternative to acrylic yarns, focusing on characteristics, functionality, biodegradability, and environmental impact. Ten evaluators from Pembo, Taguig City, skilled in crocheting, assessed the bio-yarn using an observational checklist. The study follows a quasi-experimental design using purposive sampling, with data analyzed through summation, percentage, and overall mean. The results show that the formula used to create the bio-yarn was not consistent throughout the process, affecting the final appearance and characteristics, such as flexibility and durability. Despite these variations, the respondents had a great time using the bio-yarn for crocheting, with some expressing surprise at the fact that yarn could be made from the ingredients used.