Eco-friendly, bio-degradable and compostable plates from areca leaf

Abstract Over the last few decades, increase in ecological consciousness has led several professionals and researchers to work in sustainable and environmental friendly materials that could partly or entirely substitute the synthetic non-biodegradeable polymeric materials in all-around applications. Currently, extensive interest has been laid down to the development of biodegradable products created from non-food material for use in diverse fields. Researchers are coming out with novel substitute to replace the use of synthetic material and simultaneously deal with the agricultural waste in a valuable manner. Out of the enormous non-food materials, natural plant fibers acquire various advantages specifically plentiful in source, renewable, light in weight, cost effective, lesser processing expenses and most importantly biodegradable in nature. Among the diverse natural fibers present, areca sheath fibers possess immense potential to be applied either directly or as filler material in composites, leading to development of bio-degradable, eco-friendly materials. The present study provides an outline of the growth, use, market, production procedure and future scope of biodegradable dishware from compostable and eco-friendly areca leaves.