Value adding r-PET Loincloth Tourism Product from Community Recycle Plastic to Enhance Carbon-Neutral Tourism of Nong Khao Subdistrict, Kanchanaburi

Abstract

This article aimed to study (1) investigate visitors' demands for tourism items in Nong Khao Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province 2) Develop and analyze the community's potential for adding value to tourist items made from recycled plastic. 3) Develop prototype tourist goods. 4) Determine the carbon footprint and economic value constructed. By conducting participatory research and development with an accidental sample group of 400 tourists, a group of 120 key informants and network partners by purposive selection. The research tools were questionnaires, focus group, activity record form. Data analysis by descriptive statistics, carbon footprint assessments, and thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that 1) the majority of visitors were familiar with the community's diverse range of loincloths. The intended product attributes were eco-friendly materials, low weight, and a price range of 100 - 500 baht. Desire to make purchases directly at tourist sites. and interact via Facebook. 2) The results of the development and analysis of community potential found that the community has established guidelines for developing rPET loincloths to add value. 3) The developed products include loincloths, shoulder bags, eyeglass bags, and key chains made from fabric scraps. 4) Carbon footprint assessment results. It was found that 100 meters of fabric has a greenhouse gas content of 1.6015 tonCO2e. Benefit-cost ratio was 1:1.52. The research contributed a model for rPET loincloth production management from the community participation process