Entrepreneur finds alternative to make areca plates safer after US ban
Mangaluru: Entrepreneur and researcher Nivedan Nempe has developed an innovative, eco-friendly alternative following the recent US ban on arecanut leaf sheath dinnerware. His intervention comes at a crucial time, as areca growers and industry experts from Karnataka's areca belt have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the lifting of the restriction.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an import alert banning dinnerware made from areca catechu sheaths, citing the presence of naturally occurring toxins that may migrate into food at unsafe levels. The FDA's concerns significantly impacted India's $400-500 million areca plate industry, with nearly 80–85% of exports directed to the US. Most manufacturers are concentrated in Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga, and the ban threatens the livelihoods of many families.
Nivedan, founder of Areca Tea and operating in Udupi and Shivamogga, acknowledged the FDA's concerns and told TOI: "As a preventive step, the FDA banned imports. But this severely affects Indian manufacturers. The Indian industry made efforts, including writing to the FDA, but the industry is at risk."
In response, Nempe engineered a food-grade, anti-microbial paper lining that acts as a barrier between the food and the areca plate, preventing toxin migration and fungal growth.
"The material is certified, heat-resistant up to 300°C, durable, printable, and gives a premium finish. It meets international safety standards without altering the existing production process," he said.
While the innovation may increase production costs by 10–15%, Nivedan believes that it is the best way forward. "Our lab results were positive on all parameters. It even looks better than bagasse plates. My goal is to safeguard the industry and support the farmers by supplying this new food-grade paper."
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