Product Design for Food Containers from Coconut Shell Scraps

Abstract

Coconut shells are natural materials characterized by strength, light weight, and easy local availability; therefore, they have long been utilized for household utensils and handicrafts. However, a survey conducted in the Takian Tia Municipality Community, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province revealed a large quantity of discarded coconut shells, which has caused environmental problems, such as serving as water-holding containers that facilitate mosquito breeding and being disposed of by open burning, leading to air pollution. Accordingly, this research aimed to add value to coconut shell waste through the design of food container products. The study focused on examining and analyzing the physical characteristics of coconut shells as a basis for product design and on evaluating user satisfaction with the product’s form. The sample group consisted of tourists visiting the Takian Tia Municipality Community. Research instruments included interview questionnaires and a product form satisfaction assessment, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that the designed coconut shell food container featured a multi-tiered structure, comprising a base and supporting framework made of hardwood and three layers of coconut shell food compartments, connected by a structure that provides stability, strength, and ease of use. In addition, the product was decorated with natural materials reflecting local identity. The evaluation results showed that satisfaction with the product’s form was at a very high level, demonstrating that the developed product is appropriate in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and the promotion of efficient and sustainable resource utilization at the community level.