The Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative
12 min
Storytelling
Recently, in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, there has been a proliferation of cooperatives (Co-ops) specializing in the production of products made from areca catechu, creating employment opportunities for local women and improving their income as well as enhancing their quality of life. “Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative” is a prime example in the field of producing fashion items from arecanut leaf sheaths.
Did you know?
Tien Phuoc is a mountainous district located in Quang Nam, and it’s well-known for being a prominent area for growing areca within the province. According to the statistics provided by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Tien Phuoc District, in 2023, the total area dedicated to areca cultivation in the district exceeds 1,000 hectares, with approximately 500 hectares already bearing fruit.
The entrepreneurial journey of a woman born in the land of areca
Ms. Vo Thi Thu Thoi – Director of the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative –
is introducing products to customers
Vo Thi Thu Thoi is a woman who grew up in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, a place often referred to as the ‘Areca Capital.’ She has always been concerned with how to harness areca to create environmentally friendly products for the community, providing more job opportunities and improving the lives of the local residents.
In the midst of feeling stuck for ideas, Vo Thi Thu Thoi crossed paths with Le Ba Ngoc, the Vice President of the Association for Handicrafts and Fine Arts Exports. With a deep understanding of handicraft production, Ngoc introduced the idea of using arecanut leaf sheaths to create unique fashion items. From areca fashion handbags to hats, from everyday-life trays and flower pots to exquisite decorative items.
Once she had found her direction, Vo Thi Thu Thoi continued to receive support from the USAID-funded Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation Project (VFBC). They provided training in crafting artisanal areca products for 20 local women in the village. Encouraged by this training, they decided to establish a cooperative called Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative.
The women had just learned to create products from arecanut leaf sheaths and were also experimenting to make them unique and interesting. Initially, everything was quite uncertain because no one could predict whether the products they were creating would be well-received in the market.
When they felt confident about the quality of their products, the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative decided to showcase them at handicraft fairs as a way to promote their items. At these events, their unique handmade products gradually piqued the interest of customers. Some handicraft export companies began to seek collaboration for production.
Up to this point, it can be said that the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative project has made a promising start in transforming arecanut leaf sheaths into a source of eco-friendly and creative products. The confidence, passion, and dedication of Ms. Thoi, Mr. Ngoc, and the women in the cooperative have turned what seemed like a challenging idea into a reality.
What is Areca catechu?
Accordingto Wikipedia “Areca catechu is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa.
Common names in English include areca palm, areca nut palm, betel palm, betel nut palm, Indian nut, Pinang palm and catechu. In English this palm is called the betel tree”
Areca catechu in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Members of the cooperative regularly participate in handicraft fairs to showcase their products.
A beautiful handbag woven from arecanut leaf sheaths (Credit: The Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative)
What are arecanut leaf sheaths?
Arecanut leaf sheaths are the protective coverings or husks that encase the individual areca nuts (betel nuts) inside a mature areca palm fruit cluster. These sheaths are fibrous and somewhat leathery in texture, providing a natural protective layer for the areca nuts as they develop and ripen on the palm.
The arecanut leaf sheaths are typically removed to access the areca nuts, which are widely used in various cultural practices, including betel chewing and traditional medicine.
When arecanut leaf sheaths become old and turn yellow, they will naturally fall off. For us, the Vietnamese people, arecanut leaf sheaths can be used to create many practical items for daily life, and they also serve as toys for children.
Arecanut leaf sheaths: from tradition to modern sustainability
We’d like to tell you a little about how arecanut leaf sheaths were a part of the lives of people in Vietnam in the past.
In the olden days, people in Vietnam would craft various everyday items from arecanut leaf sheaths. These included fans, water ladles, and even some types of footwear.
An elderly Vietnamese woman is making a handheld fan using an arecanut leaf sheath (credit: giacngo.vn and Mo Cau Xu Tien)
For Vietnamese children, these areca nut leaf sheaths hold a wealth of cherished memories. During our childhood, we frequently repurposed these sheaths to play a game called Rickshaw and playfully pull them around.
Vietnamese children often use areca nut leaf sheaths to play a game of rickshaw, with one child sitting on an areca nut leaf sheath while the other pulls (Credit: ky uc mien que, danviet.vn)
Today, the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative continues to make innovative use of the arecanut leaf sheaths, transforming them into a source of eco-friendly fashion products. These sheaths are creatively repurposed into modern and stylish fashion items like bags, hats, caps etc.
These products not only showcase the creativity and craftsmanship but also celebrate the natural beauty of the raw materials, all while promoting environmental consciousness.
Products made from arecanut leaf sheaths are environmentally friendly
Vo Thi Thu Thoi proudly stated that all products produced by the cooperative are very environmentally friendly. She explained:
“The materials for creating our products are sourced from naturally shed arecanut leaf sheaths, without the need to cut down the entire tree. This helps protect the areca trees and improves the regeneration process while minimizing environmental impact.”
“When areca products no longer have utility, they take only about two months to completely decompose in the natural environment. In contrast, similar products made from plastic can take thousands of years to fully break down.”
“This means that after the product is discarded, it will disappear without leaving microplastic particles or harmful inorganic substances. This helps alleviate waste management issues and minimizes negative environmental impacts.”
The establishment of the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative carries significant importance
In Tien Phuoc, women predominantly work in the agricultural sector, dealing with inconsistent income. The inception of the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative has created job opportunities for over 20 women in the village, enabling them to increase their income, improve their quality of life, and make a positive contribution to the community’s economic development.
It is anticipated that the number of members in the cooperative will grow to 100 in the near future, expanding its impact even further.
The process of producing products from arecanut leaf sheaths
In the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative, the process of producing products from arecanut leaf sheaths typically involves 10 key steps:
1. Harvesting (March – August): Arecanut leaf sheaths are harvested during the period from March to August each year. Approximately four times a year, arecanut leaf sheaths are shed.
2. Selecting high-quality arecanut leaf sheaths: They needs to be purchased in the best possible condition. It should be bright white, free from mold, and purchased right after it falls.
3. Sun-drying arecanut leaf sheaths: The harvested arecanut leaf sheaths are sun-dried to remove natural moisture and ensure quality.
4. Storing arecanut leaf sheaths in warehouses: After sun-drying, they are stored in warehouses. These warehouses are equipped with dehumidifiers to prevent the product from becoming damp and developing mold in rainy weather.
5. Soaking and fiber extraction: The dried arecanut leaf sheaths are then soaked in water to soften it and then the fibers are extracted. The fibers are subsequently air-dried.
6. Weaving the final product: The extracted fibers are woven into the final products.
7. Product Drying: After weaving is complete, the products are placed in drying rooms to ensure they are finished and not damp.
8. Using Bio Adhesive AB: A layer of bio adhesive AB is applied to protect the products from mold and ensure durability.
9. Final Drying: After the adhesive is applied, the products undergo an additional drying process to ensure they are fully finished and free from mold.
10. Product Storage: Finally, the finished products are stored in a warehouse before export. This ensures the safety and quality of the products until they are shipped abroad or sold to customers.
Images of products from the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative.
Hi there!
I’m Anh Tuan Nguyen, an avid explorer of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages.
My passion lies in preserving and promoting these timeless artisanal traditions, and I have a deep appreciation for eco-friendly products. Join me on a journey to discover the rich cultural heritage and sustainable craftsmanship of Vietnam.
Vo Thi Thu Thoi (center) – Director of the Cau xanh Đat Quang Cooperative
What is Areca catechu?
Accordingto Wikipedia “Areca catechu is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa.
Common names in English include areca palm, areca nut palm, betel palm, betel nut palm, Indian nut, Pinang palm and catechu. In English this palm is called the betel tree”
Areca catechu in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
The Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative
Recently, in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, there has been a proliferation of cooperatives (Co-ops) specializing in the production of products made from areca leaves, creating employment opportunities for local women and improving their income as well as enhancing their quality of life. “Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative” is a prime example in the field of producing fashion items from areca.
The entrepreneurial journey of a woman born in the land of areca
Did you know?
Tien Phuoc is a mountainous district located in Quang Nam, and it’s well-known for being a prominent area for growing areca catechu within the province.
According to the statistics provided by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Tien Phuoc District, in 2023, the total area dedicated to areca cultivation in the district exceeds 1,000 hectares, with approximately 500 hectares already bearing fruit
Vo Thi Thu Thoi is a woman who grew up in Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Province, a place often referred to as the ‘Areca Capital.’ She has always been concerned with how to harness areca to create environmentally friendly products for the community, providing more job opportunities and improving the lives of the local residents.
In the midst of feeling stuck for ideas, Vo Thi Thu Thoi crossed paths with Le Ba Ngoc, the Vice President of the Association for Handicrafts and Fine Arts Exports. With a deep understanding of handicraft production, Ngoc introduced the idea of using arecanut leaf sheaths to create unique fashion items. From areca fashion handbags to hats, from everyday-life trays and flower pots to exquisite decorative items.
Once she had found her direction, Vo Thi Thu Thoi continued to receive support from the USAID-funded Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation Project (VFBC). They provided training in crafting artisanal areca products for 20 local women in the village. Encouraged by this training, they decided to establish a cooperative called Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative.
The women had just learned to create products from arecanut leaf sheaths and were also experimenting to make them unique and interesting. Initially, everything was quite uncertain because no one could predict whether the products they were creating would be well-received in the market.
When they felt confident about the quality of their products, the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative decided to showcase them at handicraft fairs as a way to promote their items. At these events, their unique handmade products gradually piqued the interest of customers. Some handicraft export companies began to seek collaboration for production.
Up to this point, it can be said that the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative project has made a promising start in transforming arecanut leaf sheaths into a source of eco-friendly and creative products. The confidence, passion, and dedication of Ms. Thoi, Mr. Ngoc, and the women in the cooperative have turned what seemed like a challenging idea into a reality.
An areca nut leaf sheathfalls to the ground (Credit: Mo Cau Xu Tien)
An elderly Vietnamese woman is making a handheld fan using an arecanut leaf sheath (credit: giacngo.vn and Mo Cau Xu Tien)
Vietnamese children often use areca nut leaf sheaths to play a game of rickshaw, with one child sitting on an areca nut leaf sheath while the other pulls (Credit: ky uc mien que, danviet.vn)
What are arecanut leaf sheaths?
Arecanut leaf sheaths are the protective coverings or husks that encase the individual areca nuts (betel nuts) inside a mature areca palm fruit cluster. These sheaths are fibrous and somewhat leathery in texture, providing a natural protective layer for the areca nuts as they develop and ripen on the palm.
The arecanut leaf sheaths are typically removed to access the areca nuts, which are widely used in various cultural practices, including betel chewing and traditional medicine.
When arecanut leaf sheaths become old and turn yellow, they will naturally fall off. For us, the Vietnamese people, arecanut leaf sheaths can be used to create many practical items for daily life, and they also serve as toys for children.
Arecanut leaf sheaths: from tradition to modern sustainability
We’d like to tell you a little about how arecanut leaf sheaths were a part of the lives of people in Vietnam in the past.
In the olden days, people in Vietnam would craft various everyday items from arecanut leaf sheaths. These included fans, water ladles, and even some types of footwear.
For Vietnamese children, these areca nut leaf sheaths hold a wealth of cherished memories. During our childhood, we frequently repurposed these sheaths to play a game called Rickshaw and playfully pull them around.
Today, the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative continues to make innovative use of the arecanut leaf sheaths, transforming them into a source of eco-friendly fashion products. These sheaths are creatively repurposed into modern and stylish fashion items like bags, hats, caps etc.
These products not only showcase the creativity and craftsmanship but also celebrate the natural beauty of the raw materials, all while promoting environmental consciousness.
Products made from arecanut leaf sheaths are environmentally friendly
Vo Thi Thu Thoi proudly stated that all products produced by the cooperative are very environmentally friendly. She explained:
“The materials for creating our products are sourced from naturally shed arecanut leaf sheaths, without the need to cut down the entire tree. This helps protect the areca trees and improves the regeneration process while minimizing environmental impact.”
“When areca products no longer have utility, they take only about two months to completely decompose in the natural environment. In contrast, similar products made from plastic can take thousands of years to fully break down.”
“This means that after the product is discarded, it will disappear without leaving microplastic particles or harmful inorganic substances. This helps alleviate waste management issues and minimizes negative environmental impacts.”
The establishment of the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative carries significant importance
In Tien Phuoc, women predominantly work in the agricultural sector, dealing with inconsistent income. The inception of the Cau xanh Dat Quang Cooperative has created job opportunities for over 20 women in the village, enabling them to increase their income, improve their quality of life, and make a positive contribution to the community’s economic development.
It is anticipated that the number of members in the cooperative will grow to 100 in the near future, expanding its impact even further.
The process of producing products from arecanut leaf sheaths
In the Cau Xanh Dat Quang Cooperative, the process of producing products from arecanut leaf sheaths typically involves 10 key steps:
1. Harvesting (March – August): Arecanut leaf sheaths are harvested during the period from March to August each year. Approximately four times a year, arecanut leaf sheaths are shed.
2. Selecting high-quality arecanut leaf sheaths: They needs to be purchased in the best possible condition. It should be bright white, free from mold, and purchased right after it falls.
3. Sun-drying arecanut leaf sheaths: The harvested arecanut leaf sheaths are sun-dried to remove natural moisture and ensure quality.
4. Storing arecanut leaf sheaths in warehouses: After sun-drying, they are stored in warehouses. These warehouses are equipped with dehumidifiers to prevent the product from becoming damp and developing mold in rainy weather.
5. Soaking and fiber extraction: The dried arecanut leaf sheaths are then soaked in water to soften it and then the fibers are extracted. The fibers are subsequently air-dried.
6. Weaving the final product: The extracted fibers are woven into the final products.
7. Product Drying: After weaving is complete, the products are placed in drying rooms to ensure they are finished and not damp.
8. Using Bio Adhesive AB: A layer of bio adhesive AB is applied to protect the products from mold and ensure durability.
9. Final Drying: After the adhesive is applied, the products undergo an additional drying process to ensure they are fully finished and free from mold.
10. Product Storage: Finally, the finished products are stored in a warehouse before export. This ensures the safety and quality of the products until they are shipped abroad or sold to customers.
Hi there!
I’m Anh Tuan Nguyen, an avid explorer of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages.
My passion lies in preserving and promoting these timeless artisanal traditions, and I have a deep appreciation for eco-friendly products. Join me on a journey to discover the rich cultural heritage and sustainable craftsmanship of Vietnam.
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