Sustainable by design
Everything we do, we do with sustainability in mind. We only use what nature gives us.
Yet, sustainability goes beyond protecting the environment. We feel that our purpose is to do good for our planet and our people. Not just less harm.
We contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals
A closed loop to protect the planet
We have designed a closed loop. To ensure that our products do no harm to our planet. Naturblatt plates and bowls are fully compostable. This way, we contribute to SDG 12 and help you to consume responsibly.
Growing
In India, areca palms are grown on plantations for different purposes. When the fruits are ripe, the leaves protecting the fruit fall off. This is a natural process.
Collecting
The women working in the collective collect fallen leaves only. This way we make sure that we only use what nature gives us.
Cleaning & drying
The leaves are washed and laid out in the sun to dry and sterilize. The water is recycled so that it can be used again. It’s a closed loop.
Heat pressing
The leaves are shaped using a heat press. All it needs for the leaves to stay in form is heat. No glue. No additives. Just heat.
Trimming
The craftswomen trim the edge of each piece for perfection. This manual work requires a sharp eye for detail, precision, and sensitivity.
Checking & cleaning
Finally, each piece is cleaned and checked thoroughly. Those with cracks, sharp or broken edges or burn marks from the heat press are either smoothed or composted.
Packing & shipping
As our plates are biodegradable, vacuum-packing ensures that they stay fresh for a long time. They are shipped from India to Germany by boat.
Using
Our palm leaf dishes are microwave- and oven-safe. They are hand-washable. We invite you to use them over and over again if you have the possibility.
Composting
After using, please dispose of our dishes in the composting or worm bin. This way the nutrients are given back to the soil. The loop is closed.
A close collaboration to empower women
Our biodegradable plates and bowls are handmade by women collectives in Coimbatore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This was a very deliberate choice.
Because this collaboration ensures that we can sell the products with a clear conscience. The collectives run small, self-organized working units. Meaning they are in control of their working conditions.
Most of these units employ women living in the neighbourhood. Each woman is her own boss. She decides how much she works depending on her availability. Profits are shared based on one’s contribution to the team.
The work is physical, yet safe. The leaf is placed on the press. The hot part of the press is closed off, so one can’t accidentally get burned when using it.
Yet, the most important reason for us to work with them is empowerment. The work in the collectives gives these women autonomy over their lives and financial independence.
We are proud to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by fighting poverty (SDG1) and providing decent work (SDG 8), especially to empower women (SDG 5).
“ I feel very convenient as I do not have to travel long for work. The flexible working times and the saved travel time helps me spend quality time with my young boys at home. This was not possible in my previous work.”
“ Working with other fellow women from the neighborhood makes me feel like home here. We care for each other and are supportive. This bond makes me happy and helps me to grow.”
“I like to take matters into my own hands. This work gives me independence. That makes me happy. I’m very proud of my work. We contribute to a better world. ”
“ With the money I earn here I am able to support the education of my 3 kids and I believe in the power of education. During the Corona lockdown we were unable to work. We arranged advance salary payments in the women group which helped us survive. ”
