16th October 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Bank Limited (NBL), the venerable institution that holds the distinction of being the country’s first commercial bank, has taken a decisive step toward promoting environmental stewardship.
NBL Partners with Leaf Plus
In a landmark collaboration announced on October 15 (Ashwin 29, 2082), the bank formalized a partnership with Leaf Plus Pvt. Ltd., a notable socio-economic enterprise dedicated to sustainable production. This new alliance offers exclusive financial benefits to NBL’s customers and dedicated employees while actively encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly household products across the nation.
Under this strategic partnership, Nepal Bank customers and staff can now receive attractive discounts of up to 20 percent on their purchases of biodegradable tableware from Leaf Plus. This includes a diverse range of products such as plates, bowls, trays, and spoons, all crafted from natural areca (supari) leaves. The process is simple: eligible individuals receive the discount when making a payment using the Nepal Bank mobile banking application for orders placed through the Leaf Plus official website or designated WhatsApp number.
The Core of the Partnership: Driving Sustainability and Digital Payment
The agreement, formally signed by Prakash Kumar Adhikari, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Bank, and Kobit Singh Baniya, Chief Executive Officer of Leaf Plus Pvt. Ltd., is a dual-pronged initiative. It perfectly marries NBL’s corporate commitment to environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction with Leaf Plus’s mission to minimize plastic waste and empower local communities.
This collaboration specifically leverages the ease and security of NBL’s digital platform. By tying the discount to the Nepal Bank mobile banking app, the partnership effectively incentivizes the use of digital payment channels, aligning with the broader national push for a cashless economy. Customers are encouraged to embrace the convenience of making transactions directly from their bank accounts, thereby ensuring a seamless and modern shopping experience for their eco-conscious purchases. The promotion of sustainable products, coupled with an attractive discount, provides a compelling reason for customers to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Why Areca Leaf Products are the Eco-Champion
The heart of this campaign lies in the product itself: the areca leaf tableware. These items are derived from the naturally shed leaf sheaths of the Areca palm tree, which is abundant in tropical regions like Nepal. This sourcing method ensures that no trees are cut down, transforming what was once agricultural waste into valuable, usable products—a true embodiment of the “Waste to Wealth” concept and principles of a circular economy.
The manufacturing process for Leaf Plus products is inherently eco-friendly and chemical-free. The fallen leaf sheaths are simply collected, cleaned with water, and then shaped into durable, stylish dinnerware using heat and pressure molds. This avoids the synthetic chemicals, plastic coatings (like polyethylene or wax), and toxic additives found in many conventional disposable plates and Styrofoam products. The resulting benefits are substantial:
- 100% Biodegradable and Compostable: Unlike plastic, which can take a millennium to decompose, areca leaf products naturally break down and return to the soil within a short period, typically 60 to 180 days, enriching it with organic matter.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Being entirely natural, they are safe for food contact, naturally antibacterial, and do not leach harmful chemicals (like BPA) or alter the taste of food, making them perfect for hot, cold, liquid, or semi-solid items. They are even microwave and refrigerator safe.
- Sturdy and Leak-Proof: Despite their natural origin, these plates are remarkably strong, rigid, and hold their shape well, even with moist or oily dishes, providing a reliable experience that often surpasses flimsy paper plates.
- Zero-Waste Philosophy: Even the manufacturing by-products and offcuts are utilized, often composted or used as animal fodder or biofuel bricks, ensuring a complete zero-waste cycle.
Social and Economic Impact Beyond Discounts
The partnership between Nepal Bank and Leaf Plus is not just about discounts and digital adoption; it is a profound commitment to socio-economic development. Leaf Plus operates on a model that emphasizes community upliftment.
By creating a market for these areca leaves, the company provides an additional source of income for local farmers and actively engages women and marginalized groups in the production chain. This focus on ethical production empowers rural communities, generates direct employment, and supports a network of independent “Leaf Entrepreneurs.” The success of this initiative will directly translate into a stronger local economy and greater social inclusion, giving every purchase a positive, triple-bottom-line impact—benefiting people, the planet, and profit responsibly.
In conclusion, Nepal Bank Limited’s partnership with Leaf Plus sets an important precedent. By offering up to 20 percent off on a high-quality, sustainable product line through its digital banking channel, NBL is effectively using its influence to steer consumer behavior toward choices that benefit both their finances and the future of the planet. This aligns perfectly with the evolving global consumer preference for brands that demonstrate clear social and environmental values.
For More: NBL Partners with Leaf Plus