Certifications and Partnerships:

• 1% of the Planet: We partner with organizations like 1% of the Planet to minimize and offset our carbon footprint. This commitment to environmental responsibility requires financial investment, which contributes to the higher cost of our plates.
• Composting Manufacturers Alliance: Companies may claim compostability, but CMA tests and certifies those claims. Certification is a costly process that takes time to execute correctly. We have been certified "composter approved" by the CMA, a leader in creating the most practical model for advancing the use of compostables and their acceptance into industrial compost facilities.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): Being a Woman Owned Business certified by WBENC requires meeting stringent criteria. This certification showcases our commitment to gender equality, but it also involves costs associated with the certification process itself.

Sustainable Manufacturing Processes:

• Leaf Sourcing: We make all of our plates from fallen leaves, so we don’t harm trees. However, collecting, cleaning, and preparing these leaves requires additional effort and resources compared to conventional plate materials.
• Water and UV Cleaning: To maintain hygiene standards, we clean our plates with water and UV light. These eco-friendly cleaning methods are typically more time-consuming and costly than using chemical cleaners.
• Heat and Pressure Molding: The process of molding our plates with heat and pressure ensures their sturdiness and durability. However, the use of specialized machinery and energy-intensive processes contributes to higher production costs.

Material Selection:

• No Toxic Additives: We pride ourselves on making plates that are free from harmful substances such as lacquers, dyes, heavy metals, petroleum, BPA, phthalates, PFAS, formaldehyde, and glues. However, our rigorous sourcing and testing of alternative materials without compromising on quality results in more manufacturing expenses.
• Palm Leaves: We use palm leaves as our primary material because they are natural and biodegradable. However, they also require careful sourcing, transportation, and processing, which adds to the overall cost of production.

Ethical Employment and Community Support:

• Rural Job Opportunities: Our manufacturing plant provides employment opportunities to rural communities in both India and the USA. This commitment to social responsibility involves investment in infrastructure, training, and development programs to uplift these communities.

While sustainable products like our plates may come with a higher price tag, the reasons behind this cost are rooted in our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and uncompromising quality.

Certifications, sustainable manufacturing processes, careful material selection, and our support for diverse employees and communities all contribute to the higher price of our plates.

By investing in sustainable alternatives, we contribute to a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come. So, when you choose maaterra plates, you are not just investing in elegance but also in the sustainability of our planet and the well-being of people and communities worldwide.