VerTerra

VerTerra Dinnerware: What You Need to Know

CEO Michael Dwork created VerTerra in 2006 after witnessing locals create palm leaf plates on a trip to India. The company still manufactures these plates there as an eco-friendly alternative to paper plates and has added products that range from chef boards to cutlery made from wood and other plantware.

These products can be used in foodservice environments ranging from fast-casual operations to catering, hotels, and bakeries. VerTerra boxes offer potential beyond the foodservice industry: as trendy packaging for artisanal products and gifts.

Common Questions About VerTerra

What products does VerTerra offer?

• Plates, trays, and bowls: VerTerra plates, trays, and bowls are offered in various sizes and shapes for individual service. Made from palm leaves, these items are designed primarily as an alternative to paper and foam plates and trays. Use them in fast-casual restaurants, cafeterias, and catering operations.
• To-go boxes: VerTerra to-go boxes are lightweight and save space by collapsing completely flat for storage. They may include a window or solid lid and come in sizes ranging from 4 by 6 inches and 2 inches deep, to 11 by 15 inches and 3 inches deep. VerTerra compostable wooden to-go boxes include either an open interior or the option for bento box-style compartments as part of the Vento line. Click N Lock boxes include double walls and are ideal for liquid-rich or saucy foods. To-go boxes are made from leftover balsa wood and rice paper that is water and oil resistant and biodegradable.
• Smallware and Servware lines: These trendy, durable serving vessels are made from the same material as VerTerra boxes and range from 2 inches by 3 inches, to 11 inches by 15 inches. They offer a lightweight, disposable option perfect for events such as dinner parties and tastings.
• Eco2 line: VerTerra's Eco2 line includes affordable items still designed to be eco-friendly, such as lightweight wooden boats and cones, and straws made of hay.
• Chef boards: These products are square or rectangular, ranging from a few inches long and wide to nearly a foot long and wide. They are an affordable, yet durable, alternative to reusable chef boards and commonly are used to serve cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches, pizza, or sushi.
• Cutlery: VerTerra offers wooden knives, spoons, and forks in light, medium, and heavy weights, as well as a Click N Eat line that includes an attached knife and fork that diners can break apart to use. This format is convenient for catering and to-go orders. Medium- and heavy-weight products include a special glaze that prevents a wood taste and heavy-weight cutlery includes ridging that is comparable in strength to permanent utensils.

What are the benefits of VerTerra plates made from palm leaves?

VerTerra uses several plant-based materials in its eco-friendly products. It's known primarily for products made from palm leaves.

VerTerra's flagship Dinnerware From Fallen Leaves plates, trays, and bowls are made from two ingredients: palm leaves and water. Fallen palm leaves are sprayed, steamed, and sterilized, resulting in a nontoxic, chemical-free product that doesn't require any trees to be cut down. VerTerra palm leaf plates and other products can withstand heat and are compostable and biodegradable.