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Areca leaf sheaths, once considered agricultural waste, have been transformed by BIGNANOTECH into useful products such as bowls, plates, and dishes. These products are widely used in both domestic and international markets.

Recognizing the potential of the abundant areca leaf sheaths in Quang Ngai Province—one of Vietnam’s largest areca-growing regions—we conceived the idea of repurposing this waste. This not only helps increase farmers’ income but also serves as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic waste.

In Quang Ngai, fresh areca nuts are harvested, dried, sorted, packed, and then distributed to local dealers or exported directly to markets in China, India, Taiwan, and beyond. The collection and repurposing of areca leaf sheaths into consumer products provide an additional income stream for areca farmers in Quang Ngai.

After being collected, the areca leaf sheaths are cleaned, soaked to soften, and drained. They are then molded into shape using a heat press, sterilized with UV light, and finally packaged.

As the world grapples with plastic waste management and searches for sustainable solutions, the use of areca leaf sheath products as an alternative to single-use plastic dishes is emerging as a new market trend. These eco-friendly products are of comparable quality to disposable plastic utensils and similarly priced. Made entirely from natural areca leaf sheaths, they are environmentally friendly and easy to dispose of.

Products can be made in many diverse shapes, images or text can be printed on the product according to customer needs.

Given the global commitment to green practices and environmental protection, products like those made from areca leaf sheaths are gaining international popularity. Currently, areca leaf sheath products are available in South Korea, Canada, Poland, the United States, and have received positive feedback.

Additionally, our areca leaf sheath products have been adopted by a domestic airline for use in their business class service.

Areca leaf sheath bowls and plates are highly affordable, available in various designs to meet consumer demand, reusable, and environmentally friendly, making them a favorite in foreign markets.

Besides areca leaf sheaths, we have also developed a line of bowls and plates made from the leaves of the coastal tra tree. These products are particularly popular in the U.S. market.