Turning the Page
Interview with Jens Christoph, CEO of LEEF Blattwerk GmbH
Whether made from plastic, paper, or glass - packaging is used in diverse ways. And shortly thereafter, it usually ends up in the trash. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2021 Germany generated 19.7 million tons of packaging waste, and the amount of packaging waste per capita continues to rise. This is a trend that LEEF Blattwerk GmbH wants to halt. The company focuses on sustainable products and as a full-range supplier for the gastronomy sector, sets important accents.
With the vision of avoiding unnecessary plastic products and combating waste mountains, LEEF Blattwerk was founded ten years ago and began to introduce environmentally friendly, compostable packaging made from climate-neutral palm leaves to the market. "Products made from palm leaves are 100% natural and sustainably produced," says LEEF CEO Jens Christoph. "We exclusively use fallen leaves of the Areca palm, which we reshape and return to nature after use according to the Cradle-to-
Cradle principle. The material impresses not only in ecological and functional terms, but also aesthetically."
Modern, trendy, sustainable
The quality products were well received, and LEEF grew. Initially, the Corona pandemic temporarily stopped the momentum. "At that time, we only had open products like plates and bowls for the catering industry," says Jens Christoph. "It was advantageous that we were already working agilely. Thus, we adapted to the market and developed products for the booming take-away and delivery market."
Strong Partner in Commerce
Today, LEEF products are primarily used in the food and delivery sectors. LEEF remains one of the few companies that develops new products from palm leaves. Its customers include wholesalers and strong distributors with their own networks. Upon request, LEEF also undertakes White Label productions. Thanks to its own research and development as well as long-standing production partners in India, it can also produce custom-specific products.
It's About Ecology and Economy
Now, LEEF is taking a significant step towards the future. With the acquisition of wisefood within LEEF's holding structure, a company with two attractive brands for restaurateurs and private customers is created. All products are now available on wisefood.eu. "We are thus taking the entire sustainable business model of both companies to a new, stronger level," says Jens Christoph. "The products of both companies complement each other perfectly." The acquisition is linked with the goal to continue growing – and to make society more sustainable.