Mo Cau Xu Tien: The Startup Turning Areca Leaf Sheaths into Eco-Friendly Plates

Introduction

The UN Environment programme reports that our annual plastic waste production has skyrocketed to a staggering 400 million tons. This surge is largely fueled by the rampant use of single-use plastics, including plastic products for food and beverage containers and packaging, which accounts for 36% of all plastic produced. Even more concerning is the fact that approximately 85% of these disposable items find their way into landfills or become unregulated waste, painting a grim picture for our environment.

In the fight against plastic waste, a Vietnamese startup called Mo Cau Xu Tien, based in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, is creating plates and utensils that are good for the environment. They make them from areca leaf sheaths.

Areca leaf sheaths: nature’s gift

The areca palm tree is a familiar sight across Vietnam. Many households in rural villages plant several of these trees in front of their homes to harvest the areca nuts. Traditionally, Vietnamese people use these nuts for the betel chewing custom. Major areas known for growing areca palms in Vietnam include Thuy Nguyen district in Hai Phong city, Son Tay district in Quang Ngai province, and Tien Phuoc district in Quang Nam province.

The areca leaf sheath is the petiole of the areca palm leaf that wraps around the trunk of the areca palm. They are thin and flat, with a fibrous tissue structure. The size of the leaf sheath varies depending on the size of the palm tree, typically ranging from 20 to 30 cm in width and 50 to 60 cm in length, with a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm. When the areca palm leaf withers and falls off, the areca leaf sheath also falls off. At this point, it is usually dry and very tough.

Plates and utensils made from areca leaf sheaths are highly environmentally friendly. After use, they decompose completely in the natural environment within just several months. Areca leaf sheaths are usually harvested from naturally fallen areca palm leaves, without the need to cut down the entire tree.  This sustainable practice contributes to the preservation of the areca palm trees.

Introducing Mo Cau Xu Tien: pioneers of sustainable dining

Phan Vu Hoai Vui – the founder of Mo Cau Xu Tien

Mo Cau Xu Tien is a startup based in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Founded in 2020, the company aims to utilize the abundant local areca leaf sheaths to create eco-friendly products as an alternative to single-use plastic.

Phan Vu Hoai Vui, the founder of Mo Cau Xu Tien, was born and raised in the rural village of Loc Yen, Tien Phuoc. After graduating from university, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to pursue her career as an accountant. Although she no longer lived in her hometown, she always cherished the beautiful memories of the village with its lush green areca palm trees. She fondly remembers her childhood playing in the areca palm gardens with her siblings and friends.

Always concerned about the environment, Phan Vu Hoai Vui observed the growing popularity of single-use plastic in Vietnam and its negative impact.

In 2020, amidst the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, she had to pause her work in Ho Chi Minh City and return to her hometown. One day, while walking in the garden and noticing the fallen areca leaf sheaths scattered everywhere, she pondered – what if those fallen areca leaf sheaths could be transformed into a sustainable alternative?

Sharing this idea with her family, she received strong support from everyone. She used her entire life savings to launch Mo Cau Xu Tien.

Crafting Eco-Friendly Plates: The Process Unveiled

In Tien Phuoc, there’s an abundance of areca leaf sheaths, often seen as waste, which locals typically collect and discard when they fall into gardens. However, now these areca leaf sheaths are being purchased by Mo Cau Xu Tien. This usually happens between March and August each year, the period when areca leaf sheaths fall the most.

Once collected, the sheaths are transported to the factory where workers carefully select the best ones. They discard any that are moldy or damaged. The selected sheaths are then washed, dried, and shaped into various products using specialized machines. Currently, Mo Cau Xu Tien produces 16 different types of products, including serving trays, plates, bowls, spoons, and even hand fans.

After the products are shaped, they are sterilized using ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms. This ensures that the products are safe for use and free of any harmful contaminants.

These products feature distinctive patterns that highlight the natural beauty of the material. Their colors are purely derived from the raw material itself. Additionally, the products emit a delightful natural fragrance without the need for any artificial additives or chemicals.

More than just plates: the impact of Mo Cau Xu Tien

Local residents collect areca sheaths from their gardens, dry them, and sell them to Mo Cau Xu Tien.

Mo Cau Xu Tien partners with local residents by actively buying areca leaf sheaths they previously discarded. This innovative initiative gives new value to what was once considered waste, transforming it into a valuable economic resource for the community. Residents can now earn extra income.

The startup is currently providing employment for 5 women in the local area, helping them earn between $160 and $200 per month. By purchasing mo cau from local people, the company has also created an additional source of income for those who previously considered it a waste product.

Founder

Tuan Nguyen

We connect you with the stories behind genuine Vietnamese products. We travel to traditional villages, meet with artisans, and share their stories so you can experience the craftsmanship of the Vietnamese people.