Here we list a few manufacturers of biodegradable disposable plates made out of siali leaves . These tableware are eco-friendly and come in various shapes and sizes.
Siali (Bauhinia vahlii), is a creeper with large leaves that that typically grows around Sal trees, and is commonly found in the forests of Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.
On account of its size, texture and durability, siali leaves make for a very good source of raw material for the production of disposable plates and bowls. Tribal women travel deep into the forests to collect these leaves, which are then stitched together with bamboo splits to make disposable plates. These products are a familiar sight as the bowls on which temple prasad or pani puri is served. While they are typically used to serve food at community gatherings such as temple festivals, marriages, and in snack shops, there is immense to scope to propagate its usage in higher value markets and bulk users like multiplex concessions and airlines as well, which typically using disposable plastic ware.
Manufacturers of biodegradable disposable plates using Siali Leaves
Women travel deep into the forest to collect the leaves. The leaf is then bundled into chakkis, where each chakki consists of 80 to 100 leaves. Most people who collect the leaves also stitch them, since it provides them with an additional source of income.
STITCHING
Leaves are stitched together with bamboo splits and are graded intro raw-stitched, medium-stitched and fine-stitched based on the number of stitches holding the leaves together. Raw-stitched plates typically have only 2-3 stitches to attach leaf to leaf and use the poorest quality of leaves. These are typically picked up by traders at very low prices for local markets. In comparison, fine-stitched leaves have about 12-14 stitches and are leak proof.
CUTTING
The stitched leaves are stacked and cut as per the required shape before it can be pressed and moulded to usable serve ware such as plates and bowls.
MOULDING
Once the leaves have been cut, stacks of them are pressed together around a mould to create a plate or bowl shape. A stiff inner layer is required to create a sturdy finished product.
STORAGE
Collection points are set up at villages to store the stitched leaves. Proper storage method eliminates the chances of the leaves getting infested by fungus or insects.
The eco-friendly, biodegradable tableware is then dispatched to buyers in the local and national markets, to be used at community gathering such as weddings, or at restaurants. What has also been observed is that it is possible to take the product to international markets as well, especially since communities across the globe are looking for sustainable solutions that can substitute single-use plastic.
https://industreefoundation.wordpress.com/2018/09/25/forest-to-feast-the-siali-leaf-value-chain/
NVM Bio-Products Enterprises Manufacturers of Biodegradable Disposable Plates
No.17, Anna Cross Street,
Periyar Nagar,
Avadi,
Chennai – 600 071
Tamil Nadu, India
0091 97103 05017
Sri Eco Friendly Products
Head officer: 1-181, Main Street,
Honnali Post
Chowkipata, Mandasa Mandal,
Srikakulam Dist,,
Andhra Pradesh -532264
+91 9398078493
sriecofriendlyproducts@gmail.com
Mr Bhubaneswar Chaudhari
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