In a world awash with disposable convenience, Pallavi Pande saw an opportunity to bring tradition, sustainability, and social impact to the table – quite literally.
As the founder of Dtocs, a Portland, Oregon-based company crafting elegant, compostable tableware from naturally fallen palm leaves, Pallavi is more than an entrepreneur.
She’s a cultural bridge-builder and a changemaker.
A Childhood Memory, Reimagined
Growing up in India, Pallavi cherished the ritual of eating meals on banana leaves, a practice that connected her to nature and community.
Years later, as a mother and businesswoman in Oregon, she transformed that memory into a mission. And that is to replace wasteful paper and plastic disposables with sustainable, stylish alternatives.
In 2019, she launched Dtocs, a play on “detox,” creating single-use plates, bowls, and trays from Areca palm leaves. This tableware is chemical-free, microwave-safe, and compostable within 90 days. They’re available in the US and Canada through their website and retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Etsy.
A Product that Empowers
Dtocs goes beyond eco-friendly tableware. It’s about empowering people.
The company partners with women artisans in India, providing them with fair wages and resources like sewing machines through collaborations with non-profit organization Anmol Sahara.
In the US, Dtocs supports education equity by donating to organizations like Greater Than PDX.
This dual-impact model earned Pallavi recognition in 2024 as a CO-100 Customer Champion by the US Chamber of Commerce.
A Voice for Founders, A Force for Good
Pallavi’s journey to become a purpose-driven founder is a testament to resilience and vision. Her participation in programs like SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator, backed by Walmart.org, has helped scale Dtocs while staying true to her values.
She brings a rare blend of cultural insight, business acumen, and social impact to Oregon’s startup ecosystem. Her story resonates with founders navigating the challenges of scaling a mission-driven brand in a competitive market.
Her insights on building a business that serves both people and the planet are invaluable, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established innovator.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with Pallavi Pande at the Oregon Startup Conference, where she is part of the Success Panel. Come and hear how she’s turning leaves into legacy, and learn how you can do the same.
Register for the Oregon Startup Conference here.