Eco-friendly handicrafts from Indonesia combine form, function

Makers are using plant-based fibers or recycling waste materials to create stylish souvenirs, home accents and fashion accessories.

Indonesia's handicrafts industry is leveraging its access to a rich variety of natural resources to expand the selection of environment-friendly designs. Appealing to the growing number of eco-conscious buyers worldwide, many suppliers are adopting rattan, water hyacinth, bamboo, jute and other renewable materials to create products that are visually appealing as well as practical.

Some companies are recycling old newspaper, cornhusks and other items that are considered waste. Dluwang Art in Central Java pairs recycled newsprint with synthetic leather, water hyacinth and other inputs to produce water-resistant bags, slippers, storage boxes, photo frames and souvenir items. Surya Citra Mozaik, also in Central Java, uses recycled glass to create mosaic vases, mirror frames and bottle holders.

For wooden handicrafts, makers are using timber that complies with the requirements of Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK), the national timber legality assurance system, to assure buyers that the wood used is legally harvested.

Design-wise, batik and nature-inspired patterns remain popular. Artwork depicting figures found in local mythology, folklore and religion are also adopted.

Clutch bag made of recycled newspaper

Dluwang Art uses recycled newspaper and synthetic leather to create this stylish clutch bag. This handmade fashion accessory is water-resistant and comes in various sizes.

3D paper art in various sizes

Lowpolypaper Crafts offers custom 3D paper art in wooden frames. Models depicting people's faces come in 30x40 and 40x50cm sizes.

Miniature bicycle in brass

MK Aluminium & Brass offers this brass miniature bicycle with a polished finish. It measures 12.6x5.9x9.8cm.

Wooden figurine with batik motif

Made of pinewood, this statuette from Sanggar Peni features traditional batik patterns. It is handpainted with oil paint and measures 4.7x0.78x8.3in. MOQ is 24 pieces.

Vase with mosaic of recycled glass

This vase from Surya Citra Mozaik features a mosaic exterior made from recycled glass. Various colors are available.

This article and its contents are provided by the Hinrich Foundation, a partner of Global Sources in promoting trade across Asia. The products and the suppliers featured in this article are export assistance program beneficiaries of the Hinrich Foundation.