RECIPE for change

An exhibition showcases designer Weerapon Wongtawan's plan to create sustainable packaging and empower local businesses

- STORY: SUWITCHA CHAIYONG

When Weerapon Wongtawan, founder of Lukyang Studio, was selected by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture to work with a community enterprise in Phetchaburi, he redesigned the packaging of their traditional rice crackers and suggested they be made in smaller sizes.

“When I spoke to the elderly in the community, they told me that young people are not familiar with this kind of rice cracker. They aimed to make rice crackers known among the younger generation so that they would remain in the market,” he said.

Rice crackers in Phetchaburi are unique because they are made of palm sugar, which is their traditional recipe. However, their size is rather large, which means they break easily during transportation. When this happens, vendors often ask for replacements. Therefore, Weerapon advised locals to make the rice crackers smaller.

“It took time to find the right size for consumption that would not break so easily. Currently, rice crackers are available in squares, strips and triangles. There are three flavours available: traditional, kale and sam glur, which is a combination of coriander root, garlic and pepper. The products received positive feedback at tastings,” explained Weerapon.

“I asked local people to find a person who could weave banana ropes into a bag, so that they could put the rice crackers in the woven bag. I was impressed to know that my request encouraged elderly people to become active. These jobless elderly people stayed at home, so they felt useful when they could use their skills to weave the bags.”

The rice crackers in Phetchaburi are on display at the exhibition “Well Pochana Design By Lukyang: Creative Lectures” at TCDC Common, Seacon Square Srinakarin.