AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PAPER FROM AGRICULTURAL BY-PRODUCTS OF GALANGAL AND LEMONGRASS FOR SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: A CASE STUDY OF BAN NAM KHAM PHATTHANA COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the development of paper sheets from agricultural waste of galangal and lemongrass, 2) investigate the physical properties of the paper made from galangal and lemongrass, and 3) develop and design paper-based packaging for the Ban Nam Kham Phatthana Community Enterprise Group in Phetchabun Province. The research addressed the community's need for packaging development, transitioning from using plastic bags for surplus vegetable products to more sustainable packaging solutions. Agricultural waste from galangal and lemongrass from the community enterprise was cleaned, boiled with 5% sodium hydroxide by weight to volume, pulped, and molded into sheets weighing 700 grams each. Seven paper formulations were prepared, including ratios of galangal stems, galangal leaves, and lemongrass leaves as follows: (3:0:0, 0:3:0, 0:0:3, 1.5:1.5:0, 1.5:0:1.5, 0:1.5:1.5, and 1:1:1). The physical properties of the paper were tested, and the formulation with galangal stem and galangal leaf in the ratio of 1.5:1.5:0 showed the best characteristics, with a standard paper weight of 201.13 g/m², moisture content of 6.93%, water absorption of 304.64 g/m², and the highest tear resistance index of 33.17 Nm²/g. Based on these properties, six types of packaging were designed, with experts selecting the second design as it was the most convenient to carry, allowed visibility of the product inside, and could be effectively produced. The galangal and lemongrass paper-based packaging received the highest satisfaction rating from the sample group, with an average score of 4.70±0.48.