Natural dye innovation and its application for sustainable benefits: Mae Ing Shibori Model (Model of Success)
“Mae Ing Shibori Model” is a project that utilizes knowledge and innovation from science and technology to improve the natural dyeing process for manufacturers at Mae Ing Shibori Natural Tie Dye Community Enterprise in Dong-Jan Subdistrict, Phu Kamyao District, Phayao Province. The project aims to address common issues in natural dyeing, such as discoloration, pale color, and uncontrollable shades. The manufacturers are trained in techniques for natural dyeing, specifically for tie dye fabrics. This training allows them to create various pattern designs for products such as bags, shawls, cloth, hats, and fabric for clothing. The unique dying process using natural dyes and modern design techniques result in high-quality products that satisfy customers and can be sold at a higher price point, increasing the manufacturer’s income by 55% compared to the expected target of 10%. For example, the price of a bag can increase from 200 bahts to 2,000-2,500 bahts.
Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a program that has been successful in producing Community Experts and Community Innovators, serving as great role models for promoting the use of natural dyes for sustainable benefits. The project “Mae Ing Shibori” has been recognized and awarded the Social Innovation Award for Excellence in the field of social innovation presentation in 2020. The Mae Ing Shibori Group has also been awarded the Silver Learning Space Award at the 2022 Learning Space Conference organized by the Department of Research at the University of Phayao. Additionally, Mr. Ekkarin Latthasaksiri has been recognized as an Excellent Community Innovator in 2022 by the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A) for his work on the Mae Ing Shibori Project. As a result, Assistant Professor Dr. Kanlaya Jumpatong, the researcher behind the Mae Ing Shibori Project, has been awarded as the Best Researcher for her contributions in creating beneficial knowledge for the community at the 11th Phayao Research Conference on January 27, 2022.
“The project, funded by the Science Research and Innovation Foundation and Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A) in 2023, aims to transfer knowledge on Shibori technique natural fabric dyeing to improve the quality of local fabric products in Phayao Province. The knowledge gained from this project has the potential to create networks in the field of natural dyeing, involving six groups from six different communities:
1) Eco Fabric Printing Saving the World Group in Phra That Khing-Kaeng Subdistrict, Chun District, 2) Weaving Group of Ban Rong Phor in Dong-Jan Subdistrict, Phu Kamyao District, 3) Weaving Group of Ban Mai Rad Bamrung in San Khong Subdistrict, Dok-Khamtai District, 4) Bai Mai Lai Luck Group in Si Thoi Subdistrict, Mae Chai District, 5) Ban Yuan Thai-Lue Group in Yuan Subdistrict, Chiang Kham District, and 6) Hand Weaving and Cutting Group of Wat Muang Chum in Mae Tam Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District. The results of the assessment have shown that this project has a high potential for investment.
In 2024, Mae Ing Shibori Natural Tie Dye Community Enterprise was selected by the Ministry of Commerce (out of 50 groups in Thailand) to participate in the “Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanook” project and represent their products at the Thai Festival Tokyo 2025 exhibition at Yoyo-gi Park in Tokyo, Japan from 11-13 May 2024. The participants showed great interest in the products from Mae Ing Shibori group. Additionally, the group was chosen to receive the Achievement Award for Significant Community Group/Organization in Village Development in 2023 by the Department of Community Development, Ministry of Interior. They will have the opportunity to receive the award from Princess Sirindhorn on 19 July 2027.
The success of this project is the result of the research questions and problem-solving process that the research group focused on in order to address the correct problems and community requirements. The participation of both the university and the community has led to positive changes, increased knowledge, and innovative community-based research. This has also helped to develop and promote community occupations, creating empowerment and sustainability in line with the University of Phayao’s vision of being a “University to Create Wisdom for Sustainable Community Development with Innovations of International Standards.”
Assistant Professor Dr. kanlaya Jumpatong Vice Dean for Administration School of Science, University of Phayao
