Waterproof mulberry paper: How technology gives new life to craft paper

Simply Décor Company Limited is a manufacturer of Papa Paper Craft mulberry paper. Papa Paper Craft mulberry paper is made with traditional knowledge passed on from one generation to the next in Baan Ton Pao village, Chiang Mai province.

 

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the market is shifting from plastic to biodegradable materials like paper. Recognizing this trend, Simply Décor CEO Mr. Thanakorn Supasa envisioned a market opportunity for waterproof mulberry paper in green packaging. He was introduced to NSTDA Innovation and Technology Assistance Program (ITAP) – a program that provides experts and funding to help Thai SMEs increase their innovation capacity and enhance their competitiveness.

With funding provided by NSTDA, Dr. Manoch Naksata of Chiang Mai University developed a simple process to produce waterproof mulberry paper involving adding a hydrophobic agent to pulp mixture. Because the hydrophobic agent used in this process is a nature-based material, the waterproof mulberry paper is completely biodegradable and eco-friendly. The company turned this waterproof mulberry paper into products such as paper plate, gift box and gift bag currently supplied to clients in both Thailand and overseas.

This project is a perfect example of technology meeting craftmanship and demonstrates the power of technology and innovation to bring Thailand to a new economy under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) national agenda.