Sustainability
Our goal is to create products that are good for people and the planet.
What sustainability means to us
At LEEF, sustainability isn't a selling point for us — it's a conviction that shapes what we do every day, from the choice of our one raw material to the conditions under which it's processed. Because for us, sustainability doesn't stop at the product: all our production facilities in India are certified to ISO 45001, and most are also certified to SA8000 — standards for fair wages, regulated working hours, and safe working conditions. Through our LEEF unlimited initiative, we work together with the World Land Trust to protect rainforest at events such as Lollapalooza, Karneval der Kulturen, and Garbic.
Awards for our sustainability
Our product portfolio was awarded the German Sustainability Award 2026 — the jury recognized it as a concept "in the spirit of the circular economy that consistently applies sustainability to foodservice and packaging." We were also awarded Gold for our sustainability management system by the international rating agency EcoVadis — placing us among the top 4% of companies worldwide.
Palm leaf — material of our choice
As palm leaf pioneers, we've deliberately focused on a single material: palm leaves are a by-product of nut production and, like autumn leaves, fall naturally from the tree several times a year. They don't grow on palm oil or monoculture plantations and require no additional farmland, irrigation, or fertilization.
They're processed using only pressure and heat — with no coating and no chemical additives. That makes palm leaf a natively climate-neutral material (certified), and thanks to its natural lotus effect, naturally water- and grease-resistant, as well as sturdy, cut-resistant, and heat-resistant.
Once used, we return the leaves to where they came from: palm leaf is designed by nature to become soil again, and can be composted at home or industrially. We borrow the leaves from nature, give them a second life as tableware — and in doing so, close the loop that nature had already designed.
Carbon footprint report 2022
All product carbon footprints (PCF) across the entire value chain are added up to the Organization Carbon Footprint (OCF), including all downstream emissions. The calculation process complies with international standards.
Ofsetting projects
Through our offsetting partner, and after thorough examination and consultation, LEEF selects projects based on their climate effect, credibility and transparency.
Ofsetting projects
Our logistics partner directly offsets transport emissions.
Certified production standards
Certified production standards
Environmental protection and corporate responsibility are what we strive to live out at LEEF — confirmed by concrete certifications such as ISO 45001 and SA8000.
Food Safety: FSSC 22000, Food Safety System Certification
This certification states the compliance of our manufacturing facilities to the renowned International Featured Standards (IFS Food) of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
It guarantees product safety and monitors the entire supply chain closely.
FSSC 22000 (5.1) and BRC (Global Standard for Food Safety) are the most important food safety standards worldwide.
Food compability: LFGB certification
The LFGB certifies that the laboratory tests also meet FDA standards.
It proves the suitability for food contact: There is no transfer of substances from the packaging material into the food. The products are free of toxic substances that can cause harmful effects
on human health.
Composting: DIN 9P0064, home compostable, DIN CERTCO
This certification provides credible and verifiable proof that palm leaf is a safe material for home and garden composting.
Uncoated Paper: FSC certification
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management worldwide. FSC® develops standards for responsible forest management based on defined principles. These are supported by stakeholders from environmental, social, and economic sectors. For more information, visit www.fsc.org
Production: SA8000 standard for fair and ethical production
SA8000 guarantees a safe and healthy work environ-ment with no child or forced labor. It assures standards on working hours, adequate wages, freedom of association etc. It is controlled twice a year by unannounced visits.
ISO 45001,international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems
It provides a framework to identify, control, and reduce risks associated with workplace health and safety, ultimately aiming to create safer and healthier work environments.
Composting: DIN 13432 industrial compostable, DIN CERTCO
Biodegradable products that decompose completely within 3 months.
Ecotoxicity tests verify that the resulting compost has no negative effects on plant growth.
EcoVadis Gold Rating
EcoVadis has assessed our sustainability management system—from environmental protection and fair working conditions to ethical conduct and sustainable procurement. We rank among the top 4%. [Link]
Recognized for our sustainability
Recognized for our sustainability
Our products and our corporate practices have already been recognized with awards including the German Sustainability Award and EcoVadis Gold.
BMWi, best practice example
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs & Climate Protection presents best-practice examples of innovative ideas and implementations.
Wir sind die Nachhaltigen 222
The Sustainable 222 are defined as the pioneers of sustainable consumption, who accelerate the development of a more sustainable economy.
Finalist Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis 2021
The German Sustainability Award for Design honors products with exemplary sustainable design.