Lomi

Packaging

Lomi’s packaging reflects strong sustainable design. The company uses plant-based, compostable packaging materials and prints with all-natural vegetable inks. The device is protected in transit by compostable cushioning, even including a biodegradable plastic bag instead of poly wrap. This design means that 100% of the packaging can be recycled or home-composted, avoiding landfill waste. The only noted exception has been the use of plastic shipping tape on boxes (as of 2022), a minor gap in an otherwise plastic-free system.

Material Sustainability

Lomi devices are made from a combination of durable plastics and metals. The outer shell is a recyclable plastic (the brand describes it simply as “recyclable plastic,” likely a sturdy ABS or polycarbonate) and the interior includes a 3-liter aluminum alloy bucket where waste is processed. The grinder and internal components use metals (steel blades, copper wiring, etc.), and the unit weighs ~9 kg, indicating substantial build quality. There is no evidence of recycled plastic or bio-based materials in the device itself. Materials appear to be conventional, petroleum-derived plastic and metal (sourced and manufactured in Asia). However, aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and the device is designed for longevity (many users run hundreds of cycles). The Lomi Bloom model uses essentially the same construction as the original Lomi (with the addition of a clear plastic viewing lid).

Consumables: The LomiPods are small white tablets made of a “unique and nutritious blend of microbes (bacteria and fungi)” plus organic nutrients. These probiotic pods contain no synthetic chemicals; they use naturally occurring decomposer microbes to accelerate composting and add nutrients to the output soil. The activated carbon filters use coconut shell charcoal granules (or similar) housed in a refillable filter cartridge. Users are encouraged to replace just the charcoal (which is compostable in soil) and reuse the plastic filter housing, reducing waste. Lomi also supports use of certified compostable bags and bioplastic items in the appliance. For instance, they’ve partnered to offer Lomi Approved compostable bin liners, cups, and plates made from plant-based biopolymers instead of petroleum plastic. 

Energy Use and Footprint

Lomi has taken significant strides to manage its carbon and energy footprint. The company is Climate Neutral certified, meaning it has measured its greenhouse gas emissions and offsets them to achieve net-zero carbon output. This independent certification signals a high level of transparency and accountability; Lomi invests in Gold Standard-certified carbon credits to offset manufacturing and shipping emissions. Lomi’s production is based in China and products are distributed to North America, Europe, and Australia, so shipping can be carbon-intensive, but the net emissions are neutralized via offsets. Importantly, Lomi also focuses on reduction: the devices are designed with energy efficiency modes. The Lomi uses about 0.6–1 kWh per cycle on average, roughly equivalent to running a dishwasher or coffee maker, and it has a short Eco mode (3–5 hours) to minimize power use for quick waste drying.

Waste Management

Waste reduction is at the core of Lomi’s mission and operations. The very product is designed to mitigate waste: each Lomi can reduce the volume of food scraps by up to 80%, turning would-be trash into usable soil amendment. But beyond helping customers cut waste, Lomi takes steps to minimize waste in its own production and product lifecycle. The company has implemented a refurbishment and resale program to extend the life of its devices: over 8,850 Lomi units have been refurbished (e.g. returned or blemished units fixed up) and resold as “Open Box” models, and more than 1,000 Lomis have been donated to classrooms for reuse in education. This keeps products out of the landfill and in circulation for as long as possible. Lomi also offers replacement parts like extra buckets and lids, and encourages proper e-waste recycling at end-of-life (though an official take-back program for end-of-life units is not yet broadly advertised).

Business Model

Lomi’s business model leans toward “slow consumption” principles, with a focus on quality, longevity, and mission rather than high turnover or trend-based sales. The company essentially has one primary product (in two versions), which is an evergreen item designed for long-term use. New model introductions are infrequent; for example, the Lomi Bloom update came roughly two years after the original, and it was more a functional improvement than a seasonal gadget churn. Lomi does not constantly release new, superficially different products; it avoids a fast style cycle. In fact, it encourages customers to keep using their device for years (offering a 3-year extended warranty option via membership), and it provides software/firmware updates and app features for the WiFi-enabled Bloom to extend its capabilities. This indicates a commitment to durability and customer retention over pushing upgrades.

Lomi’s products are generally non-toxic and safe for users, with careful consideration to avoid harmful chemicals. The appliance materials are typical of kitchen electronics and meet all safety regulations (e.g. no hazardous heavy metals per RoHS, and likely using food-safe internal coatings). The plastic housing is BPA-free (by virtue of being a hard appliance plastic, not a food container) and there have been no reports of problematic chemical off-gassing beyond a brief “new appliance smell.” One area to note is that like most electronics, the plastic components may be treated with flame retardants to meet fire safety standards; it’s not disclosed whether Lomi uses brominated flame retardants (BFRs) or safer alternatives. Given the brand’s ethos, they may avoid the worst additives, but the lack of transparency on material additives leaves a small question mark. Still, all evidence suggests the device’s materials are stable and inert during use.

Fair Labor

Lomi’s parent company (Pela) demonstrates a growing commitment to fair labor practices, though some aspects are still in development. The devices are manufactured in China and other parts of Asia via a subsidiary (Indykko) and partner factories. Recognizing the risks in global supply chains, the company has implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct that prohibits forced labor, child labor, harassment, discrimination, and mandates safe conditions and fair wages in line with ILO standards. In 2024, to comply with Canada’s new supply chain transparency law (S-211), Lomi published a report detailing its efforts to combat forced and child labor. The report indicates that all suppliers must adhere to the Code, and that Lomi will conduct third-party social audits (e.g., via amfori BSCI or Sedex) to verify compliance. As of the report, no instances of non-compliance were found, but the company is in early stages of rolling out audits and monitoring. 

Community Engagement

The company is a 1% for the Planet member, pledging at least 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits. In practice, Pela/Lomi has donated over $1 million to various causes, directing funds to organizations that align with their mission of waste reduction and global sustainability. Notably, Pela has supported initiatives like Save the Waves (ocean plastic cleanup), Surfrider Foundation, and others focused on environmental and social impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they contributed to MedShare for relief, and through Support+Feed they helped provide plant-based meals to those in need, demonstrating a breadth of community concern from health to hunger to environment. These aren’t one-off donations; the brand appears to integrate giving as a continuous effort (the 1% of sales is a year-over-year commitment, and the B Corp status also reflects ongoing charitable engagement).