The development of Peranakan influenced package design using palm paper

Abstract

In South East Asia today, Peranakan is one of the most important yet almost forgotten cultures among new generations. The designation of Peranakan means descendant in Malay language which generally refer to those with Chinese origin who have established settlements primarily in Malacca and then Penang during the time of British colonial rule in Malaya. In securing their livelihoods, the Peranakan community has contributed greatly to the economy by pioneering trades with China as well as the Europeans. Therefore, in pursuit of trade opportunities, the Peranakans owned commercial crops and plantations from gambier, pepper, rubber to later, oil palm. The Peranakans are known as luxuriant, flamboyant and elaborate in their lifestyles with the adoration of ornamental art. They developed embroidery crafts uniquely influenced by the Qing, Malay and European styles. The aim of this study is to investigate the acceptance level of public consumers in the development of palm paper for Peranakan influenced package design. This study used quantitative research and material test methods. A total of 399 respondents from different demographic background in Klang Valley of Malaysia participated in this study and the results indicated significantly high level of knowledge towards material use. Results from the survey shows that more than 87% of Malaysians highly accepted the use of palm paper package as an alternative to plastic and pulp paper package. On the viability of material, more than 80% of Malaysians agreed that palm paper usage is ideal for package design. Moreover, more than 80% of Malaysians supported the benefits of palm paper package to the society, environment and economy. In general, majority accepted the idea of palm paper as a material for package design but pricing remains a sensitive issue.