Matter
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
7 out of 10
10 out of 10
6 out of 10
about
Matter makes compostable alternatives for common single-use plastic items like cutlery and tableware.
highlights
100% compostable products (mixed home compostable & industrial compostable only)
Plant-based materials and upcycling
Toxin-free
sustainability
score:
7 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Matter does not publicly disclose details about its product packaging or shipping materials. There is no specific information on whether the retail packaging for its cutlery or tableware is made from recycled or compostable materials.
Ingredient Sustainability
Matter’s products score high on material sustainability by replacing conventional plastic with plant-based inputs. The disposable forks, knives, plates, cups, etc. are made from natural, renewable fibers and biopolymer resins derived from plants. The brand uses agricultural waste (such as crop by-products) as its raw material instead of wood pulp from trees, which reduces strain on forests. Matter avoids potentially unsustainable additives like petroleum-based coatings or toxic chemicals that would impede biodegradability.
Energy Use and Footprint
Matter claims an “eco-smart” manufacturing process focused on efficiency. According to the company, producing its plant-based products uses far less energy than conventional plastic production, which contributes to a smaller carbon footprint throughout each product’s lifecycle. However, quantitative details are not provided and the brand does not publish data on its factories’ energy sources or emissions. There is also no mention of renewable energy usage or carbon-neutral shipping practices.
Waste Management
Waste management is at the core of Matter’s mission, as the products themselves are the solution to waste caused by single-use plastics. All Matter items are designed to compost at end-of-life instead of accumulating in landfills. However, many of Matter’s products are industrially compostable – it needs to go to a commercial compost facility to fully biodegrade. This means impact is positive where composting is available and consumers participate. There is no public information on how Matter handles manufacturing waste.
Business Model
Matter operates as a mainstream consumer goods brand with a sustainability ethos. Staple items are intended for evergreen availability.
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
Matter explicitly assures that no toxic substances are present in the material makeup. All Matter products are certified as non-toxic for everyday use. This means the biopolymers and fibers contain no added chemicals that could harm human health or the environment. For instance, Matter’s latest compostable cup release was confirmed to contain zero conventional plastic, no PFAS, and no BPA (PFAS are often used in disposable foodware for grease resistance but are linked to health and environmental hazards). Additionally, the materials meet food safety standards – they are noted as FDA approved for food contact and free of heavy metals.
social responsibility
score:
6 out of 10
details:
There are no publicly available statements about fair labor certifications, worker welfare, or diversity and inclusion practices. It’s likely that as a U.S.-based company manufacturing proprietary products, Matter oversees its production process closely, but without explicit info or third-party audits, we cannot evaluate labor conditions. Matter supports Folds of Honor, a nonprofit providing educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Additionally, Matter engages in consumer education as a form of responsibility.
