<p>This study explores the potential of converting <i>Areca catechu</i> leaf waste biomass into valuable paper/board material using the refiner mechanical pulping (RMP) process, followed by a bio-coating composed of chitosan and beeswax to enhance its mechanical strength and barrier properties for potential applications. The effects of these coatings on the physical, mechanical strength, and barrier properties of the paper were assessed using TAPPI standard methods. The results demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical strength properties for the paper coated with 20% bio-coating, which has a thickness of around 20 microns. Compared to uncoated paper, the coated paper exhibited increases in tensile strength index, tear index, and burst index by approximately 21.9%, 43.9%, and 36.84%, respectively. Additionally, the Cobb₆₀ value of the coated paper decreased by about 96.5%, and its oil resistance time exceeded 1800&#xa0;s, per TAPPI standards. Biodegradation tests indicated that uncoated paper fully degraded in 30 days, while the coated paper degraded approximately 100% in 60 days. Paper sheets produced from RMP-processed areca leaf waste, blended with kraft pulp from the same material bio-coated, offer a promising eco-friendly solution for biodegradable packaging paper/board, meeting IS 6615:1972 standards.</p>