Potsdam start-up Leef Blattwerk receives sustainability award for tableware

Potsdam start-up Leef Blattwerk receives sustainability award for tableware

A breath of fresh air is blowing through the catering industry: Leef Blattwerk GmbH from Potsdam has made a name for itself with its innovative approach to producing compostable tableware from palm leaves. Next December, the start-up will be awarded the German Sustainability Prize. This honor is another milestone for the company

t in 2014, committed to the sustainable production of catering products and packaging solutions. Managing director Jens Christoph emphasizes that disposable products are not inherently reprehensible if they are designed to be environmentally friendly, such as his company's products. Claudio Vietta came up with the idea when he came across dishes made from palm leaves in India, which are made from waste products from betel nut plantations.

Sustainable materials and fair production

The palm leaves that are used to make the dishes come during the harvest season and were often burned beforehand. Using these leaves not only avoids waste, but also guarantees sustainable production that does not involve clearing the rainforest. The products are also free of chemicals and have an excellent CO₂ balance. According to Lifeverde, the palm leaf tableware is, among other things, heat-resistant, liquid- and fat-resistant and cut-resistant. This makes it a practical and hygienic alternative to conventional disposable tableware.

Production takes place under fair conditions and employs 400 to 500 people in India, mostly women. This local manufacturing directly supports the community and provides workers with fair wages and working conditions. The production process includes several steps: from collecting and washing the leaves to drying and pressing to sterilization with UV light.

A real all-round package

Leef Blattwerk has specialized in a wide range, which now includes over 1000 different products. These are not only available at Christmas markets or major events such as the Potsdam Palace Night, but also in our own online shop and on platforms such as Amazon and eBay. The positive response to the products was reinforced, among other things, by partnerships with major events such as the Carnival of Cultures 2017.

Another extremely interesting concept is the company's commitment to environmental protection: for every plate sold, one square meter of rainforest in South America is protected against deforestation. So far, over 100 hectares of rainforest have been saved - an important step in preserving our planet.

Leef Blattwerk has not only established itself in Germany, but has also taken international steps. A branch was founded in Panama in 2020, and the sales regions also include Europe and Latin America. Despite the international transport, the company has a favorable CO₂ balance, which further underpins the sustainability strategy.

With sales of around 1.7 million euros in 2024 and 20 employees, Leef Blattwerk shows that a combination of economic success and ecological responsibility is possible.