This past May, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate AAPI heritage by recognizing the creativity, culture, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander founders shaping the ecommerce space. There are about 3 million AAPI‑owned businesses in the U.S., employing some 5.2 million people and contributing over $700 billion to the economy each year, and many of these founders are building brands with deep purpose and powerful impact.

At Clearco, we launched the AAPI Ecommerce Excellence Award to celebrate brands that go beyond great products. We’re spotlighting businesses that are rooted in values, community, and bold ideas. The winner receives $1,000 USD to continue creating a future that’s both sustainable and meaningful.

Congratulations to our 2025 award recipient: DTOCS!

DTOCS: A Mission-Driven Brand Making Eco-Friendly Hosting Simple

DTOCS focuses on what happens when tradition meets innovation, and when sustainability is baked into the heart of the business. Founded by Pallavi Pande, DTOCS creates single-use tableware made from naturally shed Areca palm leaves. These plates and bowls are elegant, compostable, chemical-free, and safe to use in the microwave. Hosting a party or running a food venture? DTOCS makes it easier to care for the planet without giving up convenience or style. That vision earned them the NEXTY Award for most innovative sustainable product at the Natural Products Expo in 2019.

The Story Behind DTOCS

DTOCS started with a memory. Growing up in India, Pallavi often ate meals served on banana leaves. Years later, as a mom living in Portland, Oregon, she wanted to bring that same connection to nature into daily routines. So she created DTOCS. The name plays on the word “detox,” capturing her mission for a cleaner lifestyle through thoughtful design and sourcing.

Roughly two‑thirds of Americans say sustainable packaging influences their purchasing decisions, and DTOCS aligns with that growing demand with products that are both beautiful and earth-friendly. Every purchase supports women artisans in India who craft the plates and receive tools like sewing machines and training through local nonprofits. In the U.S., part of each sale goes to Greater Than PDX, a nonprofit helping underserved children access education. Pallavi’s commitment to people, planet, and purpose won DTOCS a NEXTY Award for innovation and a spot on the INC 250 Female Founders list.

Growing a Brand That Gives Back

From small beginnings to nationwide shipping across the U.S. and Canada, DTOCS has become a trusted name for eco-conscious consumers. Events, weddings, catering services, and everyday homes now turn to DTOCS for earth-friendly alternatives to paper and plastic. Nearly half of consumers say they’re willing to spend a little more for products with sustainable packaging, and DTOCS meets that mindset with tableware that reflects both care and intention. It’s a brand with a strong voice and a clear message: your choices matter, and responsible living is possible without sacrificing ease or beauty.

Celebrating DTOCS: Clearco’s 2025 AAPI Award Winner

We’re thrilled to honor DTOCS as our 2025 AAPI Ecommerce Excellence Award winner. Pallavi’s drive brings sustainability and community upliftment to the center of ecommerce. Her story reminds us that when AAPI entrepreneurs lead with heart and integrity, business becomes a powerful tool for change.

Congratulations again, Pallavi and the DTOCS team. We’re so excited to support what you’re building.