Saying “No” to plastic waste is no longer just a slogan – it’s become a key point in minimizing the negative impact on the environment. In the central province of Quang Ngai, areca nut leaf sheaths have been used to make disposable bio-degradable plates, replacing utensils made from plastic.
Areca nut leaf sheaths were previously only used in the countryside to make fans, but when electric fans became common in villages, people soon forgot about the sheath variety. As efforts increase to reduce plastic waste, however, the sheaths have made something of a comeback. They are cleaned, dried, and pressed to form useful utensils.
This sheath processing facility can make up to 60,000 products each month, which are sold at prices ranging from a penny to a dime, for monthly revenue of more than 4,000 USD.
Products are also sent to many areas around Vietnam, such as Hai Phong, Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCM City, and there are plans to export them to foreign markets.
Tuyen’s sheath processing facility collects from 500-1,000 leaves each day, helping to generate income for local people.
Non-toxic, with unique designs and a gentle fragrance, and reusable for several times, these trays made from sheaths have won over consumers at both home and abroad./.
