THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reams have been written about plastic and its ill-effects on our environment. Yet, one way or the other we still use it in our everyday life, at least for waste disposal. Though there are many alternatives to plastic, nothing could affect the sale and use of plastic bags.
It is in this scenario that ‘Olive Bagz’, a Pathanamthitta-based paper-bag shop, assumes a lot of significance, owing to its eco-friendly nature.
Founded by Madhu Kadampanad, a former cameraman, and his wife Ambika, Olive Bagz was the result of the couple’s determination to offer a practical and earth-friendly option to people. “We wanted people to choose an alternative to plastic and at the same time promote paper bags as it is easily bio-degradable. We started making them as an experiment initially.
After learning the art of making bags using craft paper, we set up a small unit at Kadampanad. We wanted to give only quality products, so we started experimenting with different kinds of papers,” says Madhu. It has been a year since this unit has been formed. The couple has three women employed under them, who are trained for the task.
“We have certain parameters and we ensure our employees stick to it,” Madhu adds. The paper used is specially ordered from Bengaluru. The paper is brought in rolls and sheets which vary in size, shapes and colours. They also make customised paper bags with designs and names embossed on it. Being a nature-lover, Madhu has always been using eco-friendly products and naturally, the profit isn’t his priority.
“The price of our products may vary from Rs 9 to Rs 16 but people who know the importance of using these paper-bags can only use it judiciously. Many people may think that buying these paper-bags at Rs 16 may be a loss for them but they don’t look at the thought behind it.”
He laments that though several such small paper-bag units have cropped up in the state, they are not given much support, as a result of which many hesitate to promote eco-friendly products. “We are into this for a cause. But, without support, we won’t flourish.” Madhu, along with his wife, children and employees, makes more than 2,000 paper-bags a day as they get orders from Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.