The Palash tree, scientifically known as Butea Monosperma, has deep-rooted cultural significance in Indian heritage, being referred to as Dhak or Flame-of-the-forest. Its vibrant colors and ephemeral presence throughout the year have captured the imagination of generations.
According to Hindu mythology, the Palash tree originated from the fallen feathers of a falcon soaked in somarasa, a divine drink offered to the Gods. In many subcultures, the Palash tree is believed to symbolize wealth and health and holds great religious significance.
Originally found in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, Palash leaves and flowers have economic and medicinal value in India. The production of lac, a resinous substance used in pharmaceutical and jewelry industries, from Palash has supported farmers and small indigenous industries for centuries. Palash flowers have also been traditionally used in tribal jewelry, and the colorful appeal of Palash flowers is harnessed by organic industries to make colors for the festival of Holi.
In addition to its cultural significance, Palash also offers numerous health benefits. Its leaves are known for their antimicrobial, astringent, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Palash leaves have been used for making compostable plates for many years, and Palash leaf plate stitching has become a major livelihood activity for various tribal groups in India. These plates are extensively used in occasions like marriages, religious festivals, and community gatherings.
At Taruveda, our commitment to empowering tribal and rural communities led us to explore grassroots-level initiatives. We have employed women who have been making plant-based leaves at a small-scale level for years and provided them with training sessions to familiarize them with the plate-making process using the right machinery. Our procurement and production facilities are mainly located in Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal.
The cutlery-making process is simple, involving stitched Palash leaves (with dried twigs) being placed on hard brown papers with a polycot. They are then put between heated frames of the desired size and shape, with the leaf facing up. With a temperature between 60-90 degrees centigrade, pressure is applied for about 15 seconds, with the starch-based gum on the hard brown paper, making the leaf stick to it.
Since the inception of our operations, we have been able to positively impact tribal and rural women by increasing their income by 100%. We are also committed to expanding our training sessions to upskill more local women and provide them with newer employment opportunities. With the help of these women, we have been able to inspire local communities to adopt sustainable living practices and produce more compost with the help of food scraps.
At Taruveda, our mission is to reconnect with our ancestral roots and provide accessible biodegradable solutions for the packaging and food industry on a global scale. We produce, procure, and package all our products with the help of our all-women staff. Our 100% compostable plates not only offer a solution for reducing plastic waste, but they also contribute to improving soil health. Biodegradable and compostable tableware is a practical and sustainable solution to the growing concern of plastic waste. 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.