Skip to content

You are using an outdated browser

Internet Explorer is not supported by this site and Microsfot has stopped releasing updates, therefore you may encounter issues whilst visiting this site and we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser for modern web functionality, a better user experience and improved security.

Upgrade my browser

This Thailand supermarket uses banana leaves to avoid excessive plastic packaging

3 min read

Sustainable Planet
This Thailand supermarket uses banana leaves to avoid excessive plastic packaging
Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai

Rimping supermarket in Chiang Mai came up with an ingenious way to reduce plastic packaging by wrapping their fresh produce in banana leaves instead.

Rimping Supermarket has come up with a rather interesting alternative to full plastic packaging

This banana leaf packaging can be found in the Rimping Supermarket in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A local real estate company in the city, Perfect Homes, posted photos of the banana leaf packaging to their Facebook page and it quickly gained widespread attention, with over 16,500 shares.

A promo video for the forward-thinking supermarket in Chiangmai This is a supermarket primarily aimed at non-Thai customers who live, work or stay in Thailand for extended periods. It is packed with “farang” (foreigner) food from all nations, for that familiar taste of home. Source: YouTube/RimpingSupermarket
The use of banana leaves instead of plastic for packaging vegetables is a great way to reduce single-use plastic.
packaging doesn’t get any greener The use of banana leaves instead of plastic for packaging vegetables is a great way to reduce single-use plastic. Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai
While it looks like they use some plastic for adhering the label, this method significantly reduces the amount of plastic required.
System greatly reduces need for plastic While it looks like they use some plastic for adhering the label, this method significantly reduces the amount of plastic required. Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai
Produce is simply wrapped in a banana leaf and secured using a flexible piece of bamboo Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai
Banana leaves are a great alternative to plastic as the leaf is large, thick and supple enough to be folded.
A great green alternative Banana leaves are a great alternative to plastic as the leaf is large, thick and supple enough to be folded. Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai
In tropical locations, banana leaves are readily available locally and could be acquired for free depending on the quantity needed.
Consider the relative cost of plastic versus banana leaves In tropical locations, banana leaves are readily available locally and could be acquired for free depending on the quantity needed. Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai
In more temperate locations the use of banana leaves could be significantly more expensive than plastic. However, using local biodegradable products could be a good alternative in locations where bananas don't grow.
Local biodegradable solutions could work for other geographical locations In more temperate locations the use of banana leaves could be significantly more expensive than plastic. However, using local biodegradable products could be a good alternative in locations where bananas don’t grow. Source: Facebook/PerfectHomesChiangMai

The use of banana leaves to wrap food in has a long history

In some tropical regions of Mexico, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves. Hawaiians use banana leaves during pig roasts to protect the pig from the hot lava rocks. They are also used to wrap sticky rice in southeast Asia. —Forbes

With biodegradable shopping bags, durable cloth bags, zero styrofoam, reused cardboard boxes, and a .50 Baht donation for every purchase without the use of plastic, Rimping Supermarket really is a “Green Grocer” in every sense. For more details of their green initiatives, click this link?
Rimping really is a “Green Grocer” With biodegradable shopping bags, durable cloth bags, zero styrofoam, reused cardboard boxes, and a .50 Baht donation for every purchase without the use of plastic, Rimping Supermarket really is a “Green Grocer” in every sense. For more details of their green initiatives, click this link? Source: Rimping.com
Make an Impact

9 REASONS REASONS TO REFUSE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC + 9 TIPS FOR LIVING WITH LESS OF IT

We need a massive shift in our collective behaviour and we all have the power to make change when we own our actions and their consequences. Check out these proactive tips for living with less plastic.