You may think the thin veins of peepul leaf, hay, palm frond, naanal and jute are waste materials that cannot be reused.
But these articles are turned into colourful products that serve as eco-friendly showpieces. Some of the products made in Chennai find patronage in star hotels and palatial houses abroad.
In Chennai, at least three units are involved in making such products, which are exported to the United States, Europe and Africa. These products are allowed to be exported only after verification by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Southern Region (WLCCB-SR) authorities.
P. Muruganandam, manager of Decode Trend, one such unit functioning in Padappai near Tambaram, said there is great demand for such articles, mostly because they are all plastic-free materials.
A small box with nine colourful balls made of jute and plantain fibre costs Rs. 200.
A good number of manual labourers are required to make these articles as they require intricate workmanship, said Mr. Muruganandam.
“It takes at least half an hour to make a ball using jute or plantain fibre,” he said. Once it is made, a small quantity of perfume is sprayed on it, and it is ready for export.
These products can be kept as showpieces for at least a couple of years.
S.R.V. Murthy, deputy director, WLCCB (SR), said exporters have to obtain clearance from them, stating no animal part or herbs and shrubs have been used to create the artefacts.
