WATER HYACINTH: THE FIBER INNOVATION FOR DEVELOPING PRODUCT MODELS TO UPGRADE LOCAL ECONOMY BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Abstract

The aims of this study are 1) to analyze and to test physical properties of water hyacinth. 2) to design handicraft products from the fiber of water hyacinth based on the concept of the power of less. 3) to evaluate the design result of handicraft products from the fiber of water hyacinth. The samples of this study are 400 consumers and tourists in Bangkok and the design experts. This study uses purposive sampling (i.e., specific location) where are 1) Chatuchak Weekend Market 2) Suan Lum Night Bazaar 3) JJ Mall using accidental sampling. The result revealed that 1) The physical properties have the limit of the material in terms of moist absorbency that affects to the occurrence of mold. When the moist absorbency was tested at temperature of 29°C, it was found that the ability of moist absorbency decreased. When the occurrence of mold had been tested for 7 days, there was the growth of the mold that can be seen with the naked eyes. 2) The consumers are most interested in the table mat; they considered the suitability and the utility of it. They are aware of the factors in purchasing the product based on the utility, the price, and the suitable style for the product transformation as per its utility. They have opinions in the manufacturing the eco-friendly products from the fiber of the water hyacinth and the increase in the value of the natural materials. Moreover, the products from the water hyacinth was designed to be sheets, to be a simple style and to be able to produce suitably. 3) The satisfaction of consumers toward the products is in the highest level in terms of the physical utility.