Company Name: Dtocs
Location: Portland, Oregon
Year Founded: 2019
Website: Dtocs.com
Dtocs, an eco-friendly, compostable tableware company based in Portland, Oregon, has been named a 2024 CO—100 Top Honoree in the Customer Champion category.
Since 2019, Dtocs has been disrupting the disposable tableware market by taking both a customer-centric and an environmental approach, offering sustainable solutions to promote a plastic-free world. Through a focus on customer engagement and eco-conscious practices, this woman- and minority-owned business has thrived in a competitive market while supporting rural Indian farmers and driving environmental change.
"I approach our operations with a strong commitment to inclusivity and community-building, especially when working with rural Indian artisans," said Pallavi Pande, Founder and CEO of Dtocs. "Understanding the importance of fair trade and transparency, I prioritize partnerships that uplift local communities and actively seek out resources that align with our values."
Sustainable solutions for today's eco-conscious consumer, rooted in time-honored traditions
In a market dominated by single-use, nonbiodegradable products, Dtocs stands out by focusing its business model on high-quality compostable tableware made from naturally shed palm leaves.
"[Our] products decompose within 90 days in a backyard compost setting, offering a guilt-free, disposable option that caters to both private consumers and businesses in the food service industry," explained Pande.
The company has built its reputation in sustainable tableware by meeting the growing modern demand for single-use dinnerware with minimal environmental impact. However, the practice of using leaves as dinnerware is far from a new concept. In fact, it's a long-standing tradition that Pande has followed since childhood.
"Growing up in India, we used banana leaves as plates," she told CO—. "I thought, 'Why not blend this cultural practice with a brand that stands for sustainability?' And just like that, Dtocs was born."
With strategic pricing and efficient production processes, the company keeps its products affordable for consumers while maintaining profitability and adaptability to changing market conditions.
"[Our] robust e-commerce strategy, focused on direct-to-consumer sales channels, has … allowed for better control over pricing and promotions, making it resilient against inflationary pressures," Pande said.
By blending ethical practices and financial sustainability, Dtocs has built a loyal and engaged customer base and solidified its position as a model for sustainable entrepreneurship. Real customer stories are a testament to this: Pande said that Dtocs customers often share anecdotes about how their pets play with the company's products after use, or they've been able to have a "zero-waste" camping trip by throwing single-use Dtocs products into their campfire instead of in the garbage.
"Additionally, we've proudly sponsored events like the Vegan Women Summit, National ACE Unity Conference, and partnered with caterers at WBENC BOLD Conference, where our brand left a lasting impression," Pande added. "People reached out afterward, excited to support a mission-driven company."
Our dedication to providing eco-friendly products resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. We emphasize our mission of sustainability in all our marketing efforts, reinforcing our brand’s value to our customers.
Pallavi Pande, Founder and CEO of Dtocs
Engaging customers through creativity and technology
Capturing and retaining consumers' attention in a rapidly growing market required Dtocs to leverage creative marketing and technology. One standout initiative involved user-generated content through partnerships with influencers on platforms like Minisocial.com.
"We engaged 50 influencers to create authentic content showcasing Dtocs products," said Pande. "This campaign significantly boosted our social media presence, resulting in a 500% increase in engagement."
Dtocs integrates advanced technology into its business model to optimize the customer experience. The company's e-commerce platform uses artificial intelligence to personalize recommendations and offer deeper customer insights, leading to a 2.5 times increase in revenue.
"Our dedication to providing eco-friendly products resonates with environmentally conscious consumers," Pande explained. "We emphasize our mission of sustainability in all our marketing efforts, reinforcing our brand's value to our customers."
Embracing the 'ripple effect' of a unique entrepreneurial journey
Pande describes being a woman and minority-owned business owner as "a powerful journey with an unexpected ripple effect."
"I've been blessed to meet women and minorities from all backgrounds who tell me they see a piece of themselves in my hustle — my grit, my commitment, and my passion for community," she said. "It's incredibly rewarding when people reach out saying I've inspired them to keep going or take that first leap."
Along this journey, Pande has encountered numerous surprises, learning curves, and invaluable lessons, including the importance of agility and adaptability while staying true to her mission.
"I've learned that staying committed to our mission of sustainability while balancing costs and quality is essential," she shared. "Each challenge we face only strengthens Dtocs, fueled by community support and resilience, to drive positive change in the market and beyond."
Supporting communities and driving social impact
Beyond its customer-focused approach, Dtocs is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it touches. Notably, the company sources its palm leaves — the key ingredient at the heart of the business — from rural areas in India.
"Dtocs empowers talented women artisans [in India] by providing stable, dignified work that transforms natural materials into beautiful, sustainable products," Pande said.
The company also donates sewing machines to women who stitch Dtocs cloth bags for customers.
"Knowing that we're directly supporting their livelihoods, families, and communities is deeply fulfilling," added Pande.
On the local front, Dtocs participates in environmental cleanup initiatives and supports educational outreach programs, including scholarships for underprivileged children in India and Portland, Oregon.
"Being part of the Portland community inspires me to bring eco-friendly choices closer to home, offering sustainable alternatives that help protect the environment we all share," Pande said.
Dtocs' leadership in community engagement extends to its involvement with the Anmol Sahara nongovernmental organization in India, where the company has donated sewing machines to help local women gain vocational skills and economic independence.
"One woman's journey to starting her own tailoring business to support her family and another who opened a fashion school to teach sewing to other women are testaments to the profound ripple effect of our efforts," Pande said. "These stories are a beacon of hope and motivation, compelling us to push forward and amplify our impact."
Additionally, every online purchase contributes to the nonprofit Greater Than, which supports educational resources for children in Portland.
Pande shared that Dtocs plans to expand into new markets after selling in the United States and Canada to Amazon Japan and Europe, proving that global businesses can flourish by putting customers and the environment at the core.
"This expansion … will allow us to grow our customer base, increase product and brand visibility, and introduce more people to sustainable tableware options rooted in Indian culture," she said. "[It] is not only about increasing sales, it's about broadening our mission to reduce single-use waste and provide eco-friendly tableware alternatives globally."
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