Production of Kenaf Fiber from Shrimp Shells Compostfor Hand Crafts with Natural Dyes

Abstract

The production of kenaf fiber for industry mostly uses chemical fertilizers with synthetic dyes which will also cause health and environmental problems and have an adverse effect on all forms of life. Increasing awareness of health and the environment makes the production of organic kenaf fiber with natural dyes highly recommended both for handicrafts and for industrial scale because fertilizers and natural dyes are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of consumer preference for organic kenaf fiber with natural dyes. The study used a twofactor randomized block design with the first factor of organic kenaf fiber and the second factor of natural dyes consisting of 4 levels. The study was repeated as many as 2 replications so that there were 10 experimental units. Variables observed in the level of consumer preference for handicraft products from organic kenaf fiber with natural dyes which include colour, texture and odor are tested. This test was carried out by the Hedonic Test method, using a questionnaire with 40 untrained (consumer) panellists with data obtained based on panellist responses using the hedonic scale analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the level of consumer preference for colour, texture and odor from organic kenaf fibers with various natural dyes.