The Creation of Single-Use Packaging from Leaves to Reduce the Plastic Waste

Abstract

This research aims to analyze design criteria for creating single-use packaging from leaves to reduce plastic bag waste generated by street food and T-shirt purchases along with evaluating tools for producing these biodegradeable packages. Design Thinking was utilized as a conceptual research framework. The research covered consumers, street food vendors and packaging producers. Observations and interview forms were used to collect data on the characteristics of different leaf varieties and street food, plus related user behaviors and needs. After data analysis, prototype packages were created: hard structure packaging made from fresh Noni leaves and bamboo strips and soft structure packaging made from dried leaves from the Purple Orchid tree and Banana tree derived cords. These multipurpose containers address the design criteria: supporting the food's weight, carrying both dry finger food and moist food and being held with one hand. Evaluation of the tools producing the packaging suggested development gaps related to simplicity were recognized.