Corn Husk Lampshade

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Setting

Introduction

Generally, corn husks are viewed as waste and seem to be of no use at all. People only need the corn. Husks are either simply thrown away or left anywhere to rot or burn. It adds a lot to the collected garbage and when dumped along the roads, heaps of corn husks become eye sores and would just decompose slowly if left for a long time. Improper disposal of husks can clog canals, irrigation systems and even bodies of water. Burning husks also poses health and environmental hazards. Being garbage, husks pollute the environment.

Corn husks actually have an interesting surface structure. Husks can be easily patterned into desired shapes. In other countries, this natural material has several uses for food wrappers, as craft material, etc. It was only recently in the Philippines that this waste material is also used for handicrafts or novelty items, in which husks are transformed into attractive decorations. It would also be interesting if corn husks would be used as a material for lampshades. Over the years, lampshade designs have become more and more decorative with materials that range from plastic, fabric, paper, glass and metal.

This feasibility study aims to introduce a unique table lamp to the thriving local handicraft industry; by extracting the husks’ cellulose fibers and using it as a protective and ornamental screen on a lamp. Husks are actually a very interesting material and should not just be thrown away. By turning corn husks into a more valuable item, it can generate money and save on raw materials cost.

Statement of the Problem

This study determines the viability and profitability of the production of lampshade made from corn husk fibers in Sampaloc, Manila.

Specifically, the study seeks answers to the following questions related to the different aspects of business operations:

The Marketing Aspect

* What are the opportunities and threats in establishing this business?

* What are the...