Renewable source of raw material
Our Palm leaf plates and bowls are made from the leaves/sheaths of the Betel-nut tree also known as the Areca Palm, which is a renewable source. Hence no trees are cut for the manufacturing of our products.
The Betel-nut trees are grown in hilly areas without any assistance of fertilizers and hence there will not be any trace of pesticides in the leaves.
The sheath which primarily protects the Betel-nut in the tree falls naturally once it is dried. The fallen leaves are collected fresh from the farm and stored properly.
These leaves were cleaned with fresh water before manufacturing the plates. There are no chemicals or additives used in any of the process.
Comparison with alternative products
PROPERTIES | ARECA LEAF PRODUCTS | BAMBOO PRODUCTS | PLASTIC PRODUCTS | PAPER PRODUCTS | CANE BASED PRODUCTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIODEGRADABILITY | Naturally degraded (in soil) in less than 60 days after the products are disposed | Generally biodegradable in 4-6 months | Products made from plastics are non biodegradable | Manufactured with wax laminates hence not biodegradable | Biodegradable in 3-7 months |
COMPOSTABILITY | Areca products will breakdown and act as fertilizer after disposal | Bamboo is not compostable. Unless burnt, it ends in landfill. | Products made from plastics are not compostable | Mfd. with wax laminates hence not compostable. Products will add to the land fill | Not Compostable |
RAW MATERIAL SOURCE | Renewable source. Products are made from fallen dry leaves which otherwise is wasted | Products are made from Bamboo trees that are being cut for making plates | Plastics are petroleum by products and cannot be considered as renewable | Majority are made from recycled waste papers & chemically processed for achieving the quality | Made from sugarcane waste using chemically pulped & bonding agents |
THERMAL RESISTANCE | Do not transfer heat & maintains shape. Can hold heat & cold liquids | High possibility of product losing its shape & rigidity if in contact with hot liquid foods | Can hold hot foods and liquids without any deformation | Products will transfer heat. The laminates will help to hold liquids | Transfers heat. Often the product deforms when served with hot liquids |
MICROWAVE / OVEN USAGE | Can be used to microwave foods. Also safe for oven cooking to certain temp. | Not microwave oven safe as the laminate could mix with the food items. | Some are microwave safe. Mostly not suitable for oven cooking. | Can be used for Microwave, but not for oven cooking | Few can be used for microwave, but not oven safe. |
Quality, Testing and Safety
The Quality of the product is monitored by our manufacturer throughout the entire process to ensure that you are receiving only the absolute best!
Filtering occurs during:
1. Leaf Selection | 2. Washing | 3. Before Feeding | 4. After Pressing | 5. Trimming | 6.Cleaning | 7. Pre- Packing& Delivery
Microbiological testing
These tests are carried out in order to access the presence of fungus, E.coli, and assessment of plate count.
The results show the Areca leaf products have no presence of E.coli and clean from any other micro-organisms and safe for food contact.
Presence of heavy metals testing
These tests are carried out in order to find the presence of metals like Iron, Lead, Copper, Zinc, and Aluminium Phosphide.
The results show the heavy metal presence is below detectable level and safe for food contact.
Sensory & Migration Test
These tests are for done in order to assess the products reaction with the food served in it.
The results show that the products passes the test and fit for food contact both dry and liquid foods and passes EC No. 1935/2004
Biodegradability and Compostability testing
The Areca leaf products will pass the biodegradability and Compostability testing
ASTM D6868-03, ASTM D6400-04, ASTM D5988-03, ASTM D5338-98
The above testing will prove the Areca leaf product is completely biodegradable and Compostable in nature.