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Lacquerware’s Sustainability
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Strengthening Sustainable Development of Traditional Myanmar Lacquerware
Sustainable raw materials for lacquerware
Myanmar’s traditional lacquerware is 100% biodegradable and produced with natural raw materials, sourced locally in Myanmar. The main raw material is the sap of the lacquer tree, Melanhorrea usitata (“Thitsi” in Myanmar Language), which gives the lacquerware the signature black or red colour. The lacquer tree grows in 21 plantations around Myanmar, which are protected by the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry and the Myanmar Lacquerware Association (MLA).
The sustainable harvesting of lacquer sap is regulated. Each lacquer tree is given 4 to 5 years to heal after harvesting the sap, to prolong the life of the tree and to gain the highest quality lacquer sap.
Other raw materials such as wood, bamboo, natural dyes, and decorative gold leaves are also sourced locally. This makes Myanmar’s traditional lacquerware a product manufactured with environmental conservation in mind.
The sustainable harvesting of lacquer sap is regulated. Each lacquer tree is given 4 to 5 years to heal after harvesting the sap, to prolong the life of the tree and to gain the highest quality lacquer sap.
Other raw materials such as wood, bamboo, natural dyes, and decorative gold leaves are also sourced locally. This makes Myanmar’s traditional lacquerware a product manufactured with environmental conservation in mind.
Working with the Lacquerware Technology College (LTC) for a sustainable workforce
Myanmar’s traditional lacquerware is entirely handmade, using techniques handed down from generation to generation since the 11th century. Due to this unique nature of the craft, the sustainable development of Myanmar lacquerware needs new generations of expert lacquerware workers with a business development mindset.
LTC (under the Small-Scale Industries Department, Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development) and MLA provide different lacquer techniques training programs for the younger generations, every year since 2003. The lacquerware technology course is a two-year diploma course, with an option to join the University of Cooperative for upgrading to a bachelor’s degree course in business management.
MLA and LTC also offer advanced lacquer techniques training courses 4 times a year, to upgrade the craftsmanship skills of lacquerware workers. During the last five years, LTC conducted 20 courses and produced 1,200 trainees – 70% of whom are women. The training programs aim to achieve a sustainable and skilful workforce, ensure employment opportunities and guarantee production capacity of this unique heritage handicraft.
LTC (under the Small-Scale Industries Department, Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development) and MLA provide different lacquer techniques training programs for the younger generations, every year since 2003. The lacquerware technology course is a two-year diploma course, with an option to join the University of Cooperative for upgrading to a bachelor’s degree course in business management.
MLA and LTC also offer advanced lacquer techniques training courses 4 times a year, to upgrade the craftsmanship skills of lacquerware workers. During the last five years, LTC conducted 20 courses and produced 1,200 trainees – 70% of whom are women. The training programs aim to achieve a sustainable and skilful workforce, ensure employment opportunities and guarantee production capacity of this unique heritage handicraft.
Regional cooperation for sustainable development
LTC and MLA also participate in Asian Lacquer Crafts Exchange Research Programs to share and promote Myanmar lacquerware Techniques with other countries – such as Japan, China, Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. At present, LTC is working together with the Universities of Arts in Japan, China, and Thailand to exchange lacquer crafts. There have been cooperation and teacher exchange programs between Myanmar and development partner Japan since 1953. Japanese lecturers have conducted intensive courses for the local lacquerware professionals.
Every year, LTC and MLA organise domestic lacquerware exhibitions and creativity competitions to promote the sustainable development of Myanmar lacquerware.
Myanmar lacquerware manufacturers also participate in international trade fairs to access international markets. In 2022, Myanmar lacquerware manufacturer “Ever Stand” presented their products to buyers from the EU, the US, and other markets as one of the Myanmar exhibitors at Maison & Objet in Paris.
Every year, LTC and MLA organise domestic lacquerware exhibitions and creativity competitions to promote the sustainable development of Myanmar lacquerware.
Myanmar lacquerware manufacturers also participate in international trade fairs to access international markets. In 2022, Myanmar lacquerware manufacturer “Ever Stand” presented their products to buyers from the EU, the US, and other markets as one of the Myanmar exhibitors at Maison & Objet in Paris.
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