Today we’d like to introduce you to Pallavi Pande.
Hi Pallavi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in India, I ate meals on banana leaves—an everyday tradition that was simple, beautiful, and naturally eco-friendly. Years later, living in the U.S. and hosting parties of my own, I found myself staring at trash bags full of plastic plates and feeling uneasy.
With over a decade of experience in warehousing and inventory management, I kept asking myself: There has to be a better way—one that reflects who I am and what I value. That’s when the lightbulb went off.
Why not create a brand that honors my culture while helping people step away from the sad world of single-use disposables? Using renewable palm leaves and bamboo fiber, DTOCS was born—a cleansing journey of nasty single-use disposables, created for People + Planet + Parties.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I faced skepticism around whether sustainability could scale globally, navigated complex Tariffs and supply chains across countries, and balanced entrepreneurship with motherhood. Learning to fund, build, and grow a mission-driven brand—while proving that purpose and profitability can coexist—was one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges of the journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dtocs & Dtocs Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DTOCS is a sustainable tableware brand that replaces single-use plastic with compostable products made from renewable palm leaves and bamboo fiber. We specialize in elevated, eco-friendly solutions for everyday meals, celebrations, and events—where convenience often meets waste. What sets us apart is our blend of cultural roots, thoughtful design, and supply-chain expertise, proving sustainability can be beautiful, scalable, and practical. I’m most proud that DTOCS helps people celebrate responsibly while creating real impact for both people and the planet.
DTOCS Consulting is a boutique e-commerce and Amazon growth consultancy that helps purpose-driven and consumer brands scale sustainably. We specialize in marketplace strategy, operations, compliance, and optimization—bridging the gap between brand vision and execution. What sets us apart is our operator-first mindset: we’ve built and scaled our own brands, so our advice is practical, data-driven, and grounded in real-world experience. We’re known for helping brands grow profitably while staying aligned with their values.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
What truly sets DTOCS apart from competition is our story, and impact that breathes life into our brand every day. We’re a the only brand thats People and Planet First Certified in this niche creating unforgettable moments—like when after a party and using our products a customer’s bulldog turned our plate into a chew toy and loved every second of it, or when rabbits gathered in a backyard after a BBQ to “party” with our used tableware leftovers. These quirky, heartwarming tales remind us of the personal touch that makes DTOCS special. But it doesn’t stop there. Customers often flood our social media with admiration for our eco-friendly mission and how DTOCS elevates events like weddings and corporate dinners—offering unique designs and shapes that are different from the competition in the market making them exclusiv, stylish, and free from the hassle of renting heavy, boring chinaware. What drives us even more are the ripple effects of our initiatives. When we provided sewing machines to women of the Anmol Sahara NGO in India, the results were life-changing: one woman launched her own tailoring business to support her family, while another opened a fashion school to teach others. These stories are inspiring. They’re proof that our work is creating tangible change. We’re also constantly innovating. Many consumers today prefer brands that not only sell good products but also contribute to societal betterment. In thr last 6 years, DTOCS has eliminated 10M+ single-use units of tableware from events in the USA and Canada. DTOCS stands out as Top 100 Businesses in America by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Stevies GOLD award winner for Women in Business, and the only palm leaf tableware brand investing in 100% compostable packaging, moving away from plastic and recycled wraps. Plus, we differentiate ourselves by offering patented leaf straws— that stay strong for 6 hours in liquids, solving a major pain point in sustainable sipping! Every plate, straw, and initiative we undertake is a step towards People, Planet and Parties! Dtocs advances SDGs by producing sustainable tableware, thus reducing waste (SDG 12) and promoting responsible consumption. We’ve replaced thousands of single-use plastics, significantly lowering environmental impact. Our community initiatives educate on sustainability (SDG 4), fostering eco-conscious behavior. Collaborations with local artisans support decent work conditions (SDG 8), contributing to economic growth and community well-being. Beyond professional accolades, I am deeply committed to empowering women within my local community. I’ve taken the initiative to build a women’s community in Portland called Portland brown mommies consisting of 2000 local moms, focusing on providing support and resources specifically tailored to women of Indian and Asian cultural backgrounds. This initiative is designed to create a nurturing environment where women can connect, share experiences, and access opportunities for personal and professional growth. Dtocs, under my leadership, has garnered significant recognition as my leadership in the Environment Stewardship Committee for the Mayor for City of HIllsboro and media attention for its community and sustainable approach to disposable tableware. I am INC 250 female founders in 2024 recognised for our growth and doubling our sales every year since 2019.
Pricing:
- wholesale pricing available on website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dtocs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtocsplates/,
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtocsplates
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-pande-bb5abb1b/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Dtocsplates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fvPs051hLboYHa_XjxlUg
