Adding value to wetland plant fiber By design development process and production

Abstract

The research focuses on adding value to wetland plant fiber by design development process and production. The research has three objectives: 1) research and development of wetland plant fibers in Thailand to select what material is suitable for textile processing. 2) development of wetland plant fibers for textile production with quality standards suitable for distribution. 3) design and development of wetland plant products to increase commercial value. This research process employed three methods, which are, combination of research and development, experimental research, and qualitative research. There were two samples based on the purpose of research. The first one is nine groups of handicraft manufacturers, registered in One Tampon One Product (OTOP) in 2010, using wetland plant fiber from provinces of Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, and Yasothon. And another is 375 Thai and foreign nationals at OTOP fair who are interested in handicraft to explore marketing needs. The samples were chosen based on Yamane’s (1973) statistical theory. The researcher employed interviews, experimental record, process observation, and questionnaire as a means to collect data. Then data analysis with statistical percentage, average, and standard deviation followed.

The research results showed there are five species of wetland plants that  are  appropriate  for  textile production  of  OTOP  in  Srisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, and  Yasothorn  provinces  around  the Mool  and the  Chee river, which are: 1) “Kok-Chan-Tha-Boon” (Cyperus corymbosus Rotth.). 2)“Kok-lang-Ka”or“Lhai”(Cyperus   involucratus Rottb.) 3)“Kok-Sam-liam”or“phue”(Actinoscirpus  grossus.) 4)“Thub-lu-Sri”(Typha angustifolia L.) and 5)“Toei-Nam”(Pandanus capusii Mart.) The researcher experimented them with five traditional methods for fiber processing:  rolling, shredding, scarifying, beating, and boiling. We also used two new methods for fiber processing:  scrape stripping, and peeling.

We also experimented various techniques for the development of wetland plants products, i.c.  weaving,  binding, knotting, knitting, and  sewing. We found that each wetland plant fiber is suitable for different processing, and waste fiber and its dust could be recycled for handmade paper.

After design analysis, various sketching designs were selected by nine experts. These selected wetland plant product designs were: cushion, lamp, glass scene, coffee table, and basket. These  five  prototypes  were  evaluated  by  375 participants  and  we  found  that   highest  score  to the  less  one  were : 1. glass scene (4.45)   2. cushion (4.28)  3. lamp (4.28) 4. coffee table ( 4.23) 5. basket (4.00). This research contributes to match products with suitable wetland plant fibers.  Research also share the  knowledge  to OTOP  communities  of  the  researched  area  to  increase the use of wetland plant products and their commercial value.