Study on the Use of Recycled Materials: Contemporary Block Batik
Kajian Penggunaan Bahan Terpakai: Batik Blok Kontemporari
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i1.827Abstract
ABSTRACT
The batik industry is an important textile art heritage in Malaysia that relies on various components, including the use of batik blocks as the main tool in pattern formation. In line with technological advancements and the need for sustainability, the use of alternative materials in batik block production is gaining increasing attention. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the reuse of discarded mechanical nut fasteners as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative material. Mechanical nut fasteners, which are commonly regarded as waste materials in vehicle workshops, have been identified as having potential for reuse in the production of batik blocks. Using a descriptive research method, this study focuses on the entire production process, starting from material collection at workshops, arrangement according to design, to the formation of blocks ready for fabric printing. The use of these materials not only helps reduce industrial metal waste but also produces more unique and modern patterns compared to conventional blocks. The findings indicate that the use of recycled mechanical nut fasteners can reduce production costs, as these materials can be obtained at a much lower price compared to traditional materials such as wood or specialized metals. In addition, the designs produced are more experimental and innovative, making them particularly appealing to younger generations who favour distinctive batik designs. However, several challenges have been identified, including difficulties in arranging materials that vary in size and shape, the durability of the blocks for repeated use, and user acceptance, which still tends to favour traditional batik blocks. Therefore, outreach and educational efforts for batik practitioners should be enhanced to introduce the advantages of these alternative materials. Further studies are also recommended to improve production techniques and test the durability of the blocks so that this innovation can be more widely adopted, thereby supporting environmental sustainability and enriching the dimensions of local batik art.
Keywords: Recycled Materials, Contemporary Block Batik
Abstrak
Industri batik merupakan warisan seni tekstil penting di Malaysia yang bergantung kepada pelbagai komponen, termasuk penggunaan blok batik sebagai alat utama dalam pembentukan corak. Seiring perkembangan teknologi dan keperluan kelestarian, penggunaan bahan alternatif dalam pembuatan blok batik semakin mendapat perhatian. Kajian ini bertujuan memberikan gambaran menyeluruh tentang penggunaan semula pengikat mekanikal nat terpakai sebagai bahan alternatif yang lebih lestari dan menjimatkan kos. Pengikat mekanikal nat, yang lazimnya dianggap sebagai bahan buangan di bengkel kenderaan, dikenal pasti berpotensi untuk digunakan semula dalam penghasilan blok batik. Melalui kaedah kajian deskriptif, fokus diberikan kepada keseluruhan proses pembuatan, bermula daripada pengumpulan bahan di bengkel, penyusunan mengikut reka bentuk, hingga pembentukan blok yang siap digunakan untuk mencetak kain. Penggunaan bahan ini bukan sahaja membantu mengurangkan sisa logam industri, malah menghasilkan corak yang lebih unik dan moden berbanding blok konvensional. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan pengikat mekanikal nat terpakai mampu mengurangkan kos pengeluaran kerana bahan tersebut boleh diperoleh pada harga yang lebih rendah berbanding bahan tradisional seperti kayu atau logam khas. Selain itu, reka bentuk yang dihasilkan lebih bersifat eksperimental dan inovatif, menjadikannya menarik khususnya kepada generasi muda yang menggemari kelainan dalam rekaan batik. Namun begitu, terdapat beberapa cabaran yang dikenal pasti, antaranya kesukaran menyusun bahan yang tidak seragam dari segi saiz dan bentuk, ketahanan blok terhadap penggunaan berulang, serta penerimaan pengguna yang masih cenderung kepada blok tradisional. Oleh itu, usaha penyuluhan dan pendidikan kepada pengusaha batik perlu dipertingkatkan bagi memperkenalkan kelebihan bahan alternatif ini. Kajian lanjut juga dicadangkan untuk menambah baik teknik penghasilan serta menguji ketahanan blok agar inovasi ini dapat diaplikasikan secara meluas, sekali gus menyokong kelestarian alam sekitar dan memperkaya dimensi seni batik tempatan.
Kata Kunci: Bahan Terpakai, Batik Blok Kontemporari
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