A Batangas State University and Mapúa University graduate-and-student team unveiled a groundbreaking sustainable innovation to transform the aviation industry. Led by Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon of Mapua and supported by siblings Engr. Michelle Kae Celine Jo-anne E. Bantugon (BatStateU alumna) and Mark Kent E. Bantugon (BatStateU IT student), the team introduced the world to the remarkable Pili Seal. The team was advised by Dr. Jeremiah Millare (Mapúa).

Recognized for their outstanding achievement, the team secured second prize in the RS Innovators Championship, a prestigious global competition that challenges young innovators to develop sustainable solutions to five RS Group challenges to revolutionize industry practices for a better world.
The Pili Seal is a revolutionary sealant derived from the waste of pili tree resin, known as “spent resin” or “de-oiled resin.” This eco-friendly product, specifically designed for aircraft integral fuel tanks, is poised to revolutionize the aviation industry with its environmentally conscious design. The two-component sealant boasts exceptional durability, withstanding exposure to fuels, lubricants, oils, water, and weathering.
During the RS Innovators Championship, the Pili Seal caught the judges’ attention and received high praise for its ingenuity and resourcefulness. The judges commended the innovation as a brilliant and win-win solution for effectively repurposing waste material. They also recognized its significant potential, highlighting its alignment with the 3Ps: People, Planet, and Profit.

The impact of the Pili Seal on the aviation industry and its potential to reduce carbon emissions are undeniable. This sustainable, eco-friendly innovation allows the aviation sector to take a significant stride toward a more environmentally conscious future. The team’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions affirms the importance of safeguarding the planet for future generations.
By harnessing human ingenuity, the Pili Seal stands as a true game-changer, capable of positively impacting both the environment and the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.