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Cambodia: Pilot project to produce plastic-free bowls and plates
A group of environment lovers are launching a pilot project to use the leaves from areca trees in the production of bowls and plates. The use of the leaves to this purpose has advantages in bio-degradability and the potential reduction of the use of plastics in flatware.
Areca nut trees provide a fresh fruit that when ripened is a favourite snack among Khmer grandparents. Its flowers are used as symbolic blessings on weddings day according to traditional Khmer custom.
Hor Chhai Ngorn, owner of Areca Cam Handicraft, which is made up of a membership of environmentalists, said that he sees real potential in the processing of the trees’ dried leaves to make bowls and plates. The machinery to be used in processing does need to be ordered from abroad.
The raw materials needed in the processing are brought from Kampong Cham province, where Chhai Ngorn has made contact with farmers who have planted areca trees on their property
He said last week that the environmentally friendly project will help reduce the use of plastic-made products by replacing them with domestic raw materials and, in doing so, will provide additional income to farmers.
“The bowls and plates and other products produced from areca tree leaves will be specifically marketed to environmentalists, restaurants, hotels and exporters,” he said.
The areca leaf-based plates are planned for sale to people at a cost between 800 and 1,000 riels in order to encourage their usage in the reduction of plastic and its eventual destination in landfill.
According to the owner of Areca Cam, this small business is scheduled to officially open in April 2021. He is currently surveying how best to secure and move sufficient quantities of the needed materials from their source in Kampong Cham province to the point of production and processing
To operate at full production capacity, the company will need to receive 100,000 dried leaves on a monthly basis, Chhai Ngorn said.
He added that he expects a lot of support, given the government’s encouragement in the reduction of the use of plastics and among society as a whole as people become more interested in and actively chose to use environmentally friendly materials in their day-to-day life.
“Our products are not intended to compete with plastic based products. They are complementary products in the market that present consumers with a different choice based on their personal preferences and eco leanings,” he said.
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50821939/pilot-project-to-produce-plastic-free-bowls-and-plates/