Researchers at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University (NPRU) have successfully turned agricultural waste into something of commercial value by transforming sugarcane leaf ash into high-value glass jewellery inspired by Dvaravati culture.
The initiative targets agricultural burning in western Thailand, spanning Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom, where farmers harvest around 269,000 hectares of sugarcane.
Over 60% of the harvests involve burning leaves, creating severe air pollution, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide emissions, while leaving farming communities with low incomes.
Assoc. Prof. Nattapon Srisittipokakun, head of the research project under NPRU's Faculty of Science and Technology, said the project converts "agricultural waste into innovative assets" through materials science.
Funded by the Science Research and Innovation Fund and the Program Management Unit for Area-based Development, the research found that sugarcane leaf ash collected in Nakhon Pathom consists of 68.87% silica and 18.98% calcium oxide by weight, the primary components used in commercial glass production.
The team formulated a glass mixture that melts at under 1,200°C, lower than typical industrial glass manufacturing temperatures, reducing energy consumption and production costs. By introducing various colour oxides, such as copper, cobalt and chromium, researchers produced a wide palette of hues tested for physical and optical quality.
The glass was then crafted into prototype jewellery, including bangles, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, drawing on ancient Dvaravati cultural motifs from Nakhon Pathom combined with contemporary designs.
A cost-benefit analysis showed that local investment in standard melting equipment reaches a break-even point within two years, with finished pieces retailing at accessible prices of 200 to 500 baht while offering strong profit margins for local makers.
Under a technology downscaling and co-production model, the university acts as a central pilot facility to process raw ash, rice husk ash or waste glass into standardised, high-quality glass blocks using high-temperature kilns.
These raw materials are then distributed to local artisans and small enterprises, who shape the final products using low-cost tools without needing to buy expensive laboratory-grade kilns.
The program currently operates across two primary sites, namely a lampworking artisan group in Bang Krabao, Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom, and a community enterprise network in Tap Luang, Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani, which partners with major sugar mills facing high volumes of residual leaf ash.
The initiative has also expanded into global supply chains through a research memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a major international gem and jewellery manufacturer based in Lamphun province to develop alternative raw materials for the global market.
