An environmentally friendly traditional product with strong production potential in Nepal is Duna tapari (leaf plates and bowls). It is mainly produced in the Terai and Inner Madhesh regions using leaves of Sal (Shorea robusta) and areca nut trees. It is a rural enterprise that can be operated with low investment. Traditionally used in religious ceremonies, feasts, and cultural rituals, Duna tapari is now moving toward commercial production due to rising plastic pollution, government restrictions on plastic use, and growing export potential.
The world is searching for alternatives to plastic. Europe is importing plates made from leaf products. Germany and Finland are also doing the same. Hotels and party palaces in Kathmandu have begun looking for alternatives to plastic.
In this blog, we will analyze the current status of the Duna tapari industry, its production capacity, income potential, export prospects, and global market practices.
Market Potential of Duna-Tapari Across Nepal
The demand for Duna-Tapari (leaf plates and bowls) is high throughout Nepal. Consumption continues year-round, driven by festivals (Dashain, Tihar, religious rituals), temples, hotels, catering services, and household use. With increasing plastic bans and growing awareness of eco-friendly products, demand is rising even further.
Some large industries produce hundreds of thousands of leaf plates daily, while small and medium enterprises are also earning well from this business.
The annual market size is substantial, particularly in the Terai and mid-hill regions. Women’s groups are able to keep production costs low by collecting leaves free of charge from community forests. Export potential is also increasing, especially as leaf-based products (such as those made from betel leaves) are gaining popularity in European and American markets.
Description | Quantity | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
Annual production of the 6 major studied industries | 46 million pieces | Kailali, Dhangadhi, Jhapa, Nawalparasi, Rautahat, and Krishnapur |
Annual plastic displacement by these 6 industries | 454 containers/year | 3 million pieces = 30 containers |
Estimated number of industries operating nationwide | At least 20–25 | Sindhuli, Khotang, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Bardiya, Kavre, Sunsari, Morang, etc. |
Potential additional production from these industries (estimated) | An additional 20–30 million pieces | Average 1–1.5 million pieces per industry annually (conservative estimate) |
Total annual market size of Nepal (estimated) | 60–80 million pieces | Sum of the 6 studied industries + other industries |
Key Messages:
Large & Growing Market: The six studied industries alone are producing 46 million pieces annually. With dozens of similar industries operating across the country, Nepal’s total annual market could exceed 60–80 million pieces. Demand peaks during festivals, and with increasing awareness of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, the market is likely to expand even further.
Opportunity to Replace Imports: Duna-Tapari can substitute imported plastic and thermocol plates. The six studied industries alone are preventing 454 containers of plastic waste annually. This represents a significant contribution to strengthening the local economy while reducing environmental pollution.
Opportunities for Women and Investors: More than 600 women are employed in just the six studied industries. With relatively low investment requirements and high returns (ROI of up to 200%+), this sector presents an attractive opportunity for small-scale investors as well.
Duna-Tapari Production Analysis – District Level
Production, cost structure, and income levels vary significantly across districts and enterprise types in Nepal.
In districts such as Kailali and Nawalparasi, the use of semi-automatic and hydraulic pressing machines has substantially increased production volume and consistency in quality. Machine-based production enables higher daily output, better finishing, and improved market access to hotels, caterers, and bulk buyers.
In contrast, in community forest areas, women’s groups are playing a central role in production. These groups typically collect Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves from community forests at minimal or no cost, which significantly reduces raw material expenses. Production is often manual or uses small-scale pressing machines, resulting in lower output but strong local livelihood impact.
Location | Production Capacity | Price (NPR/piece) | Estimated Income / Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
Kailali | 6,000 pieces per day (2 machines) | Duna: NPR 1, Tapari: NPR 5 | Annual profit increased from NPR 90,000 to over NPR 200,000 (ROI 200%+) |
Nawalparasi | 100,000 pieces per day | NPR 1–6 | Annual revenue: $50,000 (≈ NPR 6.5 million); 30 containers of plastic displaced monthly |
Dhangadhi | 3,000 Duna + 3,000 Tapari per day | Duna: NPR 1, Tapari: NPR 4 | Monthly savings: NPR 25,000; monthly turnover: NPR 100,000; annual savings: NPR 300,000 (ROI 216%) |
Laljhadi, Kailali | Up to 500 pieces per day | NPR 1–6 | Local consumption + exports to Kathmandu/Pokhara; unable to meet demand |
Jhapa | 12,000 pieces per day | NPR 1–6 | FY 2080/81 sales: NPR 16 million (60% export) |
Rautahat | 1,600 pieces per day (600 Tapari + 1,000 Duna) | Tapari: NPR 4; Large Duna: NPR 2; Small Duna: NPR 1 | Monthly group savings: NPR 30,000+; annual savings NPR 360,000 |
Krishnapur (Kanchanpur) | 500 pieces per day | NPR 1–6 (depending on size) | Local consumption only; leaves collected for 2–3 months spoiled due to a lack of market |
Source: The Annapurna Express 18/11/2025; Kantipur 08/05/2024; Kantipur 10/03/2025; Aim2Flourish (n.d); ArthaSarokar (4/7/2025); SinghaDarbar (11/2/2025); KhabarHub (16/3/2025)
Business Insight: There are three different business models in the Duna-Tapari sector. Entrepreneurs can choose a model based on their capacity, resources, and goals:
High-Volume Production Model (Scale-Oriented): The Nawalparasi industry produces 100,000 pieces daily, generating annual revenue of NPR 6.5 million. This model is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to enter large markets (hotels, caterers, wholesale buyers) and can invest in machinery and management systems. While the ROI ranges from 100–150%, total revenue is substantial.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Model (Small-Scale): A woman entrepreneur in Dhangadhi has invested NPR 800,000, saved NPR 300,000 annually, and trained over 60 women. This model is ideal for women or small entrepreneurs who want to gain skills and become self-reliant, or for cooperatives with limited capital. The main advantage here is employment generation and strong community impact.
Community Forest-Based Low-Cost Production Model: Community forest groups in Kailali, Rautahat, Laljhadi, and Krishnapur collect leaves for free and produce Duna-Tapari. This model is suitable for groups with access to community forests, women's networks, or cooperatives. With raw material costs close to zero, it is possible to earn good profits even at competitive prices.
Relationship Between Investment and Profit
In the Duna-Tapari industry, the rate of return (ROI) varies according to the size of the investment. The table below shows different enterprise types with their investment, production capacity, annual sales, profit, and ROI. This helps investors choose the most suitable model based on their capacity and goals.
Enterprise Type | Investment (NPR) | Daily Production | Annual Sales / Revenue (NPR) | Estimated Profit (NPR) | RoI (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small (Dhangadhi) | 800,000 | 6,000 pieces | 1,200,000 | 300,000 | 37.5% |
Medium (Kailali) | 100,000 | 6,000 pieces | 1,000,000 | 250,000 | 250% |
Large (Nawalparasi) | 5,000,000 | 100,000 pieces | 6,500,000 | 1,625,000 | 32.5% |
Export-Oriented (Jhapa) | 40,000,000 | 12,000 pieces | 16,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 10% |
ROI (%) = Total Profit / Total Investment × 100
ROI = 300,000 / 800,000 × 100 ≈ 37.5%
This means that for every NPR 100 invested, you are earning an annual return of NPR 37.50. This is much higher than a fixed deposit at a bank (5–6%) or the stock market (10–12%).
Key Points to Remember: The above table shows that while the rate of return (ROI) in the Duna-Tapari industry varies with the size of the investment, all business models are attractive. With small investments (NPR 100,000–800,000), returns range from 37% to 250%, although total profit is limited (NPR 200,000–300,000). With larger investments (NPR 5 million–40 million), ROI decreases to 10–32%, but total profit is much higher (NPR 1.6–4 million). Investors should choose a model based on their capacity and goals — those seeking quick returns may opt for small home-based enterprises, while those aiming for long-term, larger profits may prefer large commercial industries.
Market Availability and Demand
The market situation of Duna-Tapari industries operating in different parts of the country shows the sector’s strong potential. The case of a community forest group in Rautahat is particularly interesting — they say,
Customers come to our office themselves, but we cannot meet the demand.
A small industry in Kailali is earning an annual profit of NPR 200,000 from the local market alone. A woman entrepreneur in Dhangadhi has expanded her market as far as Pokhara and is generating a monthly turnover of NPR 100,000. A women’s group in Laljhadi exports to Kathmandu and Pokhara, yet still struggles to meet demand.
Another group in Kanchanpur has expanded its market to Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, Dadeldhura, and Attariya. They even receive orders from Pokhara and Kathmandu but are unable to fulfill them due to shortages of raw materials. A group in Dang supplies its products to local hotels, government offices, weddings, religious ceremonies, schools, and fairs. Another group in Ghorahi distributes Duna-Tapari from religious shops to street food stalls, receiving orders throughout the year.
Religious / Cultural Market: Duna-Tapari is almost indispensable in temples, religious committees, and household rituals for holding prasad and other ceremonial items. It is used to hold tika, akshata, and other offerings. Demand peaks during festivals.
Commercial Market: Hotels, restaurants, caterers, and party palaces purchase Duna-Tapari in bulk. They require consistent quality and uniformity, which machine-based production can provide. With the ongoing plastic-free campaigns, this market is expanding.
Household Market: Ordinary consumers use Duna-Tapari during festivals (Dashain, Tihar, Maghe Sankranti), weddings, and other auspicious occasions. As environmental awareness grows, even daily-use demand is increasing.
Export Market: There is rising demand for premium-quality Duna-Tapari in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Australia. Especially as chemical-free, eco-friendly products, Nepali Duna-Tapari has significant potential in the global market. Nepali diaspora communities are also key consumers.
Public / Institutional Market: Government offices, schools, and cooperatives increasingly use Duna-Tapari in meetings, feasts, and events. Some local governments’ declarations of plastic-free offices have further boosted demand.
Market Expansion Potential: Plastic-free campaigns by local governments have increased the demand for Duna-Tapari. In Arghakhanchi, after a municipality declared a plastic-free zone, demand for Duna-Tapari rose significantly. Some municipalities in Dang have also imposed restrictions on plastic. Demand for premium-quality Duna-Tapari is increasing in Europe and the USA. Availability on international online platforms has further expanded access to global markets. All these factors indicate that the Duna-Tapari market has the potential to grow much larger.
Potential Risk in Duna Tapari Business
Investing in the Duna-Tapari industry involves various risks, which, if not properly managed, can lead to losses. It is important to understand these risks before entering this business.
Raw Material Shortage & Seasonal Production: Sal leaves can only be collected during the season. In Kanchanpur, orders could not be fulfilled due to a lack of raw materials. In Laljhadi, leaves collected in Falgun–Chaitra rotted due to a lack of market. Until proper storage arrangements are made, this risk persists.
Market Price Volatility: Prices rise during festivals and drop in off-season. Volatility makes long-term planning difficult.
Dependence on Machines & Technology: Most industries rely on machines. Machine breakdowns halt production. In Nawalparasi, a fire destroyed machines, stopping production. Lack of skilled technicians can cause prolonged downtime.
Intermediary Dominance: Complaint from a woman entrepreneur in Dhangadhi: “Others buy my products, put their own logo, and sell at higher prices.” Without packaging and branding, small enterprises cannot get fair prices. Intermediaries buy cheaply and capture most profit.
Export Competition: India provides export incentives under the RoDTEP scheme, making Indian products cheaper and more competitive. This puts Nepali products at a disadvantage internationally.
Quality Certification Challenges: International export requires quality certification. Exporting plates and bowls made from betel leaves may still require certification from international laboratories.
Global Growth of Leaf Plate Market
The market for eco‑friendly leaf plates (including palm and areca leaf products) is rapidly expanding worldwide. Analysts project the global eco palm leaf plate market to grow from ~USD 12.86 billion in 2024 to over USD 32 billion by 2034.
Lesson from Bangladesh: Growing Demand & Production Increases
In Bangladesh, biodegradable plates made from areca palm leaves are becoming popular as alternatives to plastic tableware. The industry has expanded from about 20,000 plates per month in 2021 to roughly 500,000 plates per month, reflecting threefold growth in production over a few years. One producer, Bright Areca, supplies local markets and has started exporting to the U.S., indicating international demand.
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/05/with-areca-leaves-and-rice-bran-bangladesh-replaces-single-use-plastic-tableware
This shows that local leaf plate production can scale quickly when linked to domestic demand and export markets — a model Nepal can adopt for Sal leaf products like Duna‑Tapari.
Lesson from India: Cultural Use to Commercial Market
In India, leaf plates (locally called patravali or pattal) are deeply rooted in cultural and social practices, used widely in festivals, weddings, and community feasts. Historically created by tribal and artisan groups, these leaf plates now also represent a livelihood activity with socioeconomic importance. Reports note that biodegradable leaf plates have vast potential in the international market if quality and design standards are met.
https://www.kiranglobalexports.com/Products/search/biodegradable-disposable-plates-worldwide/1
There are also large exporters of areca and palm leaf plates, shipping products to global destinations (including the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia), and meeting quality standards like ASTM compostability certifications for export.
Final Conclusion: Does Duna Tapari Have a Future as a Business?
In Nepal, the Duna-Tapari market does not face a demand problem; it faces a supply problem. In Rautahat, customers come to the office themselves, but production capacity is low. In Kanchanpur, orders from Pokhara and Kathmandu could not be fulfilled due to raw material shortages. In Laljhadi, leaves rotted. This means the industry has not yet reached its full potential.
Those who can:
- Solve the storage problem; Invest in packaging and branding; Advocate for supportive policies; Maintain a regular supply can establish a strong position in this large market.
The future of Duna-Tapari is bright — because it represents the intersection of tradition, environment, and business.