Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maple Origins products made out of?
Our bowls are made out of an innovative material called Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). The material combines
sawdust or other organic material like flax, rice hulls or coconut shells, with safe, certified plastic polymers. The
result is a product that is more substantial, durable and wood-like than products made from 100 percent plastic. In
fact WPC is so durable it is commonly used as decking, as the material produces the look and feel of real lumber
The sawdust we use is recovered from U.S. furniture manufacturers. Instead of being incinerated and contributing
to CO2 emissions, we’re giving it new life in our bowls!
Maple Origins partners with a plastic injection molding manufacturer in Connecticut with more than 40 years of
experience producing high quality, precision parts for the healthcare, automotive and aerospace industries. We are
bringing the best qualities of WPC to bowls and all other products we manufacture for any market
How are Maple Origins products colored? Do you use paint?
No. We NEVER use paint. We derive our color through the use of strictly tested and certified colorants that are
molded in during the production process. Our colors are NOT sprayed or painted on to the material, so they will
never flake, peel or smudge.
Are Maple Origins products recyclable?
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) can be recycled with other WPCs and re-used, but because it’s so new, most
localities have not set up a recycling stream for this material. As more WPC decking and building supplies come on
the market, this will change, but for right now, the best way to recycle Maple Origins products is to give it a second
life by donating it to someone who can use it.
Is Maple Origins dinnerware made out of 100% recycled material?
Not yet. Sustainability is a journey, and we are only at the beginning. When we did our Kickstarter Program, we had
to use a WPC that was made with virgin (new) plastic and recycled sawdust. We have tested a fully recycled WPC
formulation, but we are not satisfied with the results to move it into full production
We are working with various suppliers to manufacture and bring fully recycled products to market, but in the
meantime we need to go with the safest, cleanest products we can buy. New types of recycled materials are coming
out all the time as more consumers demand sustainable products. We expect to find new ways to take advantage
of the innovations that are already in the pipeline.
Why is Made in the USA so important?
Roughly 85 percent of the world’s kitchenware is made in China where myriad safety issues have plagued multiple
industries, including the houseware industry. We set out to create a better bowl. A fun bowl. A safe bowl. The only
way to ensure safety is to use the highest quality materials available, and manufacture our products in the USA.
where production is monitored and tested every step of the way. Because of that, we know the material content of
our products down to the fraction of a percent. The end results are bowls that far exceed industry safety standards.
Furthermore, manufacturing jobs are important to the basic health of our economy. By employing Americans at fair wages, we can harness the superior productivity and quality that Americans bring to a job while making high quality products at competitive prices. Designers, toolmakers, injection molders, testing labs, packaging manufacturers, it’s a big list but we are doing our part to provide job opportunities for Americans. Everyone involved is paid a living wage and works in an ethical environment. Quality, safety and American jobs sounds like a win-win to us!