FAQ

  • What are your products made of?
    Our palm leaf products are made from the naturally fallen leaf of the areca palm tree. Technically, the palm leaf has several parts. We use the strong, thick end of the leaf that connects to the tree, called the sheath. Though imprecise, “sheath” is commonly omitted when referring to palm leaf dinnerware.

    Back to the top

  • How are your palm leaf products made?
    Fallen palm leaves are collected, dried, and pressure washed. Then, using a hydraulic press, each leaf is cut and molded into a desired form. From there, the dishes are inspected and sorted for quality, and treated with high heat for retaining shape and sturdiness. Finally, the dishes are sanitized with UV light before packing.

    Back to the top

  • Where do your products come from?
    Our palm leaf products are manufactured in Shimoga, a district in the south western part of India.

    Back to the top

  • Why are there dark streaks, dots, or splotches on your products?
    Just like any leaf, no two palm leaf dishes are the exact same. The color and texture of our products varies according to natural and environmental conditions.

    Back to the top

  • Are your products food safe?
    Yes. Our palm leaf dishes are inspected for quality and sterilized with high heat and UV light.

    Back to the top

  • How durable are your palm leaf products?
    Our palm leaf dishes are lightweight but strong enough to be mistaken as wood. They are suitable for heavy meals, hot and cold foods, and liquids of all types.

    Back to the top

  • Can I clean and reuse your products?
    Yes. Our dishes are intended for single-use, but may be gently hand-washed. Avoid submerging in water and dry facedown. Minor warping may occur.

    Back to the top

  • What temperatures can your products withstand?
    Our palm leaf dishes are oven safe at 325 °F for up to 45 minutes. Higher temperatures may be achieved, but please use caution.

    Back to the top

  • Are your products microwave safe?
    Yes. Our palm leaf dishes may be placed in the microwave for up to 2 minutes on high.

    Back to the top

  • What do you mean by home or backyard compostable?
    Many compostable products such as bioplastics require high temperatures and commercial facilities to efficiently decompose. By comparison, palm leaf dishes may be composted in DIY setups in your home or backyard where temperatures are not as high. Expect the dishes to decompose in about 6 to 8 weeks.

    Back to the top

  • I don’t have a compost bin, pile, or program. What should I do?
    Please dispose of your palm leaf dishes in the regular trash. Palm leaf products will decompose normally in a landfill and at a much faster rate than plastic. Note that palm leaf products may be safely added to any fire similar to wood or paper.

    Back to the top

  • How do palm leaf products compare to other compostable goods?
    Many compostable goods available on the market today require significant energy and resources to manufacture. Bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production, is made from a complex process that includes pulping and bleaching. Bioplastics require a dizzying array of chemicals and vary widely in their ability to efficiently decompose. Traditional paper and bamboo require cutting and clearing. By comparison, the process to produce palm leaf dishes is remarkably simple. Fallen palm leaves are essentially cleaned and shaped and are ready for use. Whichever product you choose, we support your sustainable decision.

    Back to the top

  • How does composting compare to recycling paper and plastic?
    Composting is the best way to dispose of most organic materials including palm leaf dishes. It returns vital nutrients to the ground while diverting waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gases. Recycling also benefits the environment, but it gets complicated when food is introduced. Many plastics like styrofoam as well as soiled paper products like pizza boxes are not recyclable. Please check with your local recycling program to ensure your items may be successfully recycled.

    Back to the top

  • Are palm leaf products related to palm oil?
    No. Our palm leaf products are made from the leaf of the areca palm tree. Palm oil, which is linked to mass deforestation, is harvested from a completely different variety of palm tree.

    Back to the top

  • Do palm leaf products contribute to deforestation?
    Not directly. Areca palm trees are native to India and are grown for their seed. This seed, known as areca nut or betel nut, is a key ingredient in the popular tobacco-like product called paan. For centuries, farmers have grown areca palm trees for this purpose, and fallen palm leaves are considered a byproduct of this much larger industry.

    Back to the top

  • Where can I read reviews of your products?
    The best place to read reviews for our products is on Amazon.com.

    Back to the top

  • Can I place a bulk order?
    Yes. Send us a message and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

    Back to the top

  • What is your return and refund policy?
    Returns are accepted within 30 days for damaged products. If you’re unhappy for any reason, we want to hear about it. Please send us a message and we'll make it right.

    Back to the top