Myebon earthenwares fade in face of plastic competition

By DMG 30 Mar 2021

DMG Newsroom
30 March 2021, Myebon

The earthenwares business in Myebon Township has begun to fade due to the substitution of plastic receptibles in households across the region and beyond, said the owner of an earthenware business in Myebon town for nearly 40 years.

While a handful of people in the township were players in the earthen pots game previously, one man claims he is now the only one actively involved.

U Wai Tin said he produces multiple categories of pots and other earthenware creations.

“The demand is lower because of the entry of plastic receptacles in the market. I cannot make as many earthen pots as before,” he said.

Previously, people used earthenware as a kind of stove, and as glazed pots, water-holding pots, cooking pots, mortars and vases. Now, people are using gas stoves, plastic barrels and purified drinking water bottles, U Wai Tin explained.

He produces only three types of pots that cannot be suitably substituted by plastic alternatives, he says: drinking water pots, vases and bowls to wash fish.

Earthenware sales are also down due fighting between the military and the Arakan Army over previous years, he added.

“The demand for bowls is not down too much because it is used as a container to wash fish preparing for curry. However, I cannot distribute them to all markets because of the clashes,” he said.