Arecanut Palm Leaf pressed shapes

Leaves fallen naturally from the Arecanut palm tree can be heat-pressed into 100% biodegradable items such as plates, bowls and cups, with no adhesive or coating required.

Beetle palm with nut bunch.jpgAreca catechu is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa.

Common names: areca (nut) palm, betel palm (because its fruit, the areca nut, is often chewed along with the betel leaf), Indian nut, Pinang palm, 檳榔, கமுகு (bunga), pinang, கமுகு, kamuhu, adakka, adike.

  • 100% natural material (0 chemicals used in manufacture)
  • 100% direct solar energy used in manufacture reasonably easily
  • Hold liquids up to around 5 hours
  • Thermally insulating so good for holding hot (or cold) food
  • Microwave oven safe
  • 100% Biodegradable (compostable/decomposable) within 2-3 months

Uses

  • Traditional occasional use vessels: “Hat palathoppi” in souther India

  • Contemporary single use Food containers: Plates, bowels,cups, trays

Potential Uses

  • Phone/Pad case?
  • Book covers?
  • Panels: bonded together with natural adhesive (like papier-mâché) for architectural/automotive interiors etc?
  • Please comment below with any other Research, Exploratory/student projects, Ideas…

Process

1.  Collect freshly fallen leaves of  Arecanut / Adaka palm tree (trees do not need to be cut down). The leaf which covers the fruit may be the highest quality for this use.
2.  Wash off dirt.  Turmeric can be used as a disinfectant.
3.  Air dry, stretch out and flatten. (*need more information on this step)
4.  Shape using heated press with metal mold.  Multiple items may be possible from each leaf.
5.  Wash clean again and cut off excess.
6. Sun dry

More Information