The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) stands as a timeless symbol of India, gracing the subcontinent for millions of years. Nestled within dense forests, Sal has woven itself into the fabric of Indian culture and industries for centuries. Revered in religious texts and cultures of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the Sal tree is synonymous with enlightenment. In Hinduism, it is associated with Lord Vishnu, and in the epic Ramayana, it represents unwavering vitality. Jainism speaks of the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, achieving enlightenment under its branches. In Buddhism, the Sal tree cradled the birth of Gautam Buddha, as Queen Maya clung to its sacred branch.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Sal, also known as Shala, Sarai, Sargi, and Sakhu, holds economic and medicinal value. Sal and teak are the two primary commercial timbers in India. The leaves of Sal, measuring 10-25 x 5-15 cm, are treasured for their Ayurvedic properties in treating ulcers, wounds, leprosy, and headaches. These leaves are renowned for their anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing qualities.
Sal leaves play a pivotal role in the lives of local communities, particularly in the creation of leaf plates known as patravali. Tribal communities utilize Sal leaves to craft small bowls for serving snacks and offering prashadam to deities. In regions like Orissa, Sal leaves serve as a vital source of income for forest dwellers, who engage in primary-level processing to make cups and plant-based plates. The Sal tree continues to be revered by these communities for providing livelihood security to numerous individuals.
At Taruveda, we have connected with tribal women in Orissa and West Bengal who have long collected Sal leaves from nearby forest areas to earn a livelihood. We have taken steps to enhance their skills and familiarize them with stitching methods to create plates, cups, and bowls from the leaves. After stitching the leaves according to the desired end product, they are sun-dried and then molded using heat in our machines. The molded plates are then carefully threaded and finished before being packed in bunches.
The decision to embark on this venture, expanding the market for plant-based tableware, was a pressing need of the hour. We recognized the urgency to identify and empower indigenous communities that have tirelessly crafted sustainable products for generations. Through our sustained efforts, we have raised global awareness of plant-based cutlery and successfully doubled the income of these tribal women.
Taruveda is a leading provider of eco-friendly and sustainable plant-based cutlery, including plates made from Sal and Palash leaves. Our compostable cutlery is not only biodegradable and environmentally friendly but also offers a wide range of health benefits. The use of Sal and Palash leaves in our products ensures that they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making them safe for both humans and the environment. Our efforts in increasing awareness around plant-based cutlery have gained traction worldwide, and we are proud to have empowered indigenous communities, such as tribal women in Orissa and West Bengal, by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. Our mission is to promote the use of plant-based cutlery as a viable alternative to plastic and contribute to a greener and healthier planet. Choose Taruveda for high-quality, eco-friendly, and compostable cutlery that leaves a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
We have partnered with Vistaraku, an enterprise that shares our passion for bringing sustainability into everyday life - both with our products and in practice. Together, we have been able to take leaf-based products globally with our joint efforts towards reducing waste and reviving soil health to sustain mother nature. Our partnership with Vistaraku is an important and strategic step towards expanding the usage of plant-based cutleries and making a meaningful impact on the environment.