SOHRAB HOSSAIN

In a major step towards green and sustainable industry, a new factory in Patuakhali is transforming fallen betel nut leaf sheaths, locally called khol, into durable, biodegradable tableware.

The initiative provides an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics while creating local employment opportunities.

The factory, set up by 28-year-old Toukir Ahmed Sabab, founder of Alpath Group, is built on 35 decimals of his ancestral land in Rajakhali village of Dumki upazila. Full-scale production began on October 24 this year. Factories of this kind already exist across Bangladesh, showing the growing importance of sustainable manufacturing in the country.

Betel nut palms are widely grown in the coastal districts of the country, producing an abundant supply of fallen sheaths. Traditionally, these sheaths were used as fuel in rural stoves. Recognising their natural biodegradability, Toukir saw a bigger opportunity.

“Our country is being harmed by single-use plastics,” Toukir said. “Most industries use chemicals, but betel-nut leaf sheaths naturally return to the soil. That inspired me to create eco-friendly products that do no harm.”

The factory sources raw materials from Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Bhola through local agents. It produces sturdy, reusable items, including plates, bowls, spoons, forks, knives, trays, and salt containers -- items typically made from plastic for hotels and restaurants.

“Our products can be reused many times, unlike plastic tableware, which bends after one use,” Toukir added.

Demand for these sustainable products is rising, with national retailers, hotels, and restaurants showing interest. Alpath Group’s products are now available in Dhaka at Aarong, Baitul Mukarram, New Market, and online.

In addition to biodegradable tableware, Alpath Group also runs a plastic-recycling unit. Collected plastic waste from the Barishal division is sorted by colour, washed, and processed into durable household items such as chairs, tables, mugs, glasses, and bottles.

“We want to make sure discarded plastic doesn’t stay in the environment,” Toukir said. “Recycling gives plastic a second life and keeps our communities clean.”

EMPOWERING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

The initiative is already boosting the local economy. The factory employs 20 workers, including 13 women, providing much-needed jobs.

For many women, the factory has been life-changing. Sukhi Akhter said, “We never imagined such beautiful products could be made from betel nut leaf sheaths. After training from experts in Chattogram, we now work confidently. This job has brought stability to my family.”

Bithi Akhter, once hesitant to use electric machines, now works without fear. “My income has improved our family life and my children’s well-being,” she said.

Plastic-recycling worker Farida Begum also said that the job has helped ease her financial struggles.

Factory manager M Jalilur Rahman said the company aims to make eco-friendly products widely available while promoting plastic recycling nationwide.

The local administration praised the initiative. Dumki Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abuzar Md Ijajul Haque called the factory “a shining example of green industrialisation” and promised full support for similar projects in the region.