The Journey from Leaf to Plate
Businesses are like relationships. To be sustainable in the market, a businessman requires patience, consistency and strong understanding of the market, just like for any relationship. The manufacturing industry of Areca Palm Dinnerware is full of challenges, right from the procurement of leaves till they reach the customer, nationally and internationally. However, a strong upsurge in wave of sustainable development has created a potential market for areca dinnerware manufacturers.
The process starts from procurement of fallen leaves (areca sheaths) that are the raw material for making plates and bowls. Earlier, these fallen leaves were considered as waste and farmers used to burn them. But when Roli and Harsh, the founders behind Adaaya, saw an opportunity in manufacturing areca dinnerware, went onto convincing farmers from village to village, to not burn them but rather collect them and sell them to Adaaya. Once farmers realised that this initiative would help them earning additional income, they were convinced. Today, Adaaya has collaborated with 300 farmers that supply them areca sheaths.
Areca is a seasonal crop and is harvested after the rainy season, arising the need for storage of these sheaths. Manufacturers therefore need huge storage spaces where these sheaths can be kept very carefully and need to ensure tht no moisture gets in contact with these sheaths, else fungus starts growing on them. Adaaya has rented storage warehouses at various locations in Karnataka.
Land is again required for carrying out the manufacturing process. Roli and Harsh realised that there are several vacant rice mills where no work is being carried out and thought of it as an alternative. They made the best use of these unused mills and converted them into manufacturing plants for areca plates.
Now comes the issue of labour and workforce. All of Adaaya’s labour is of women workforce, who are the breadwinners of their families because men generally opt for contractual labour in Karnataka. Thus sustainable growth and women empowerment form the key aspects of Adaaya.
The last step includes selling the plates nationally as well as internationally. Adaaya caters to 28 countries in the world and hence, is one of the largest manufacturer exporters in India. With an aim to eliminate the need of middlemen, Adaaya directly sells its products to local as well as global clients. In India, bulk orders are received from hotels and restaurants who then flaunt their dishes in areca plates when serving to the customers. Apart from these, areca plates are also used in functions and events like marriages, parties or religious events. These eco-friendly disposables are gradually replacing thermocol and plastic disposable which are otherwise hazardous for the environment.
To run a business is not a cake walk, but nothing is impossible if you are determined and dedicated. With all the challenges prevailing in this industry, Roli and Harsh took this venture and established Adaaya, with the motive to bring a change in the society.