Skyrocketing Plastic Prices: Banana Leaves Could Be the Solution
The surge in plastic prices amid the geopolitical conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran could bring a positive environmental perspective. This price increase is triggered by disruptions in oil distribution and petrochemical raw materials, including the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr Rizkiy Amaliyah Barakwan, a lecturer in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Airlangga, views this situation as a momentum to encourage the transition to eco-friendly packaging. She states that alternative materials such as banana leaves or recycled paper have high biodegradability and can decompose in a matter of weeks. Additionally, their carbon footprint is lower and they contribute to the circular economy.
“The use of eco-friendly packaging also supports local actors, such as banana leaf farmers to recycled paper producers,” said Rizkiy in her statement quoted on Friday (10/4/2026).
Rizkiy assesses that the plastic price surge could be the starting point for broader systemic change, particularly in increasing public awareness. Lately, the trend of SMEs switching to eco-friendly packaging has been buzzing on social media. This is seen as able to drive consumer behaviour change, with people starting to get used to non-plastic packaging.
“Sustainability is not only driven by regulations, but also by market demand. This opens opportunities to break away from dependence on fossil-based materials,” she explained.
However, she also warns that this opportunity will not have maximum impact without good systemic support. Standardisation regarding hygiene, food safety, as well as education for business actors and consumers, are key.
In addition, government policy support such as incentives for SMEs switching to eco-friendly packaging is also considered important. Rizkiy added that this phenomenon has the potential to support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, including sustainable consumption and production to ecosystem protection.
She also emphasised the importance of education so that the transition is not just about replacing materials, but also comprehensively addressing waste management.
“The public can start by reducing plastic use, reusing, and switching to more eco-friendly alternatives,” she said.
Business actors are also encouraged to implement packaging-free systems, such as discounts for customers who bring their own containers or refill schemes. “Business actors also need to be transparent with consumers if there is a cost increase due to raw material prices,” she concluded.