Mahatma Gandhi’s solution, ‘Production by masses rather than mass production’ has been the model and principle behind Tamul Plates, a UN-awarded social enterprise that was started by Arindam Dasgupta in a small town of Assam called Barpeta back in 2010.
Over the past twelve years, Tamul Plates Marketing, has successfully produced and marketed biodegradable disposable dinnerware made from arecanut through community-owned microbusinesses located throughout North East India. Arecanut is known as Tamul in Assamese, which is why the company name was chosen since it was important for the locals to identify with the name. By the way, India is the largest producer of arecanut in the world.
Tamul’s biodegradable tableware offers premium green alternatives to urban and international customers and creates locally sustainable livelihoods for young people and women in rural areas. By 2025, the company plans to replace 2,000 metric tons (MT) of harmful disposable plates while creating jobs for 20,000 rural people.
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