New Absorbent and Stress-Relief Products from Tea Wastes

Cooperating agency for this topic:
National Research Council of Thailand and
Chiang Rai Horticultural Research Center
Department of Agriculture
Fax : (66 53) 714024
E-mail: chorti@doa.go.th, 2004-11-01

In Thailand, the total area planted to tea is approximately 15,575 ha with a total production of 33,950 MT of fresh leaves in 2004. Chiang Rai is the largest tea producing province, while other commercially important provinces include Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Sorn. With increasing production, the tea wastes (i.e. low grade and used tea leaves) (Fig. 1) are likewise gradually increasing, which may pollute the environment in the near future. To help solve the problem, new household products from tea wastes were developed for absorbability and stress relief purposes.

Materials and Methods

The tea wastes were collected from various plantations, factories and shops, then dried in the sun for 1-2 days before packing in plastic bags for further use. For the purpose of absorbability and stress relief, five types of products filled with dried tea leaves were developed by an active village women's group. These products include: small tea containers, cushion pillow, slippers, hat, and sleeping pillow (Fig. 2). Twenty-five testers had the chance to use each product for three weeks. Consumer preference test was conducted by using Hedonic rating scale for acceptance in terms of design, aroma, quality and likeability. The score for acceptance was based on a five-point scale (1 = very poor; 2 = poor; 3 = satisfactory; 4 = good; 5 = excellent). Scores were decoded and analyzed by mean ± SD using the SPSS statistical software.

Results

All products were found acceptable among the testers, with an average score of over 3 (5 is maximum). The piority of preference among consumers is as follows:

• 1Cushion pillow in medium size was the most popular. This product was found suitable in deodorizing medium-size areas such as car, bedroom, or sitting room.
• Small tea containers in various designs (e.g. bags, baskets, sachets, potpourri or small smock cushion) are used for absorbing unpleasant smell in small areas such as refrigerator, wardrobe, drawer or shower rooms.
• Sleeping pillow for refreshing air and to sooth tension.
• Hat for absorbing smell and to relieve tension.
• Slippers for absorbing unpleasant foot odor.

Benefits

At present, the popular products are being promoted in Ban Hua Rin Come, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai as unique local handicrafts. The products are now available in many department stores in Bangkok and Phuket. The project does not only create new livelihood opportunities to farmers but also generate more income for the community.

Index of Images

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  Figure 1 Types of Tea Wastes

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  Figure 2 Types of Products from Tea Wastes

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