Why I ditched plastic cutting boards and founded BÖNDE
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From One Home Cook to Another: The Origin Story of BÖNDE
I’m Pete, the founder of BÖNDE. I love to cook, which means I’m usually the one in charge of the kitchen chores in our family. Over the years, I kept running into a recurring problem. This problem sat right where our meals are prepared, where vegetables are chopped, and where those quick daily snacks are made. Yes, on the cutting board.
Through many conversations, I realised this wasn't just my problem. It was in everyone’s kitchen. I’ve always been one to look for solutions. That’s why I threw away my old oil-based plastic cutting boards and started the journey that led to BÖNDE.
A plastic cutting board was a small thing, until it wasn’t.
Like many of us, I had spent years viewing plastic cutting boards as convenient, worry-free, and tireless kitchen workhorses. Gradually, I began to learn about things I hadn't considered before. Microplastics, the wear and tear of kitchen tools, as well as harmful PFAS compounds (so-called "forever chemicals") that neither nature nor the human body can break down, started to pop up into my map.
A deeper look provided an understanding I could no longer ignore. When you use a oil-based plastic cutting board, it releases microplastics that go directly into your food and eventually into your body. In addition to microplastics, these boards may release harmful forever chemicals (PFAS), which traditional oil-based plastics often contain. I looked into the research, and the scientific evidence was there.
I examined the scratched surfaces of my own cutting boards and realised that microplastics and forever chemicals had been a permanent part of my diet for a long time. Even worse, I had been serving them as an unwanted "side dish" to my children, my spouse, and my guests.
That realization sparked a change. Plastic boards. Out. Now.
Forever chemicals – Why harmful PFAS compounds don't belong in the kitchen.
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are substances used in packaging, textiles, and plastic products to improve repellency. They are functional, yes, but there’s a catch: they don't break down—not in nature, and not in the body.
The EU and health authorities warn that exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of liver damage, thyroid issues, fertility challenges, and even cancer. So, no forever chemicals in the kitchen, in the food, or on the plate, please! Not for me, not for my kids, and not for our guests.
But what should replace the plastic cutting board?
What is the better alternative?
When you look for a new cutting board, you quickly realize there are practically two main choices:
- Wood: Natural, beautiful, and nice to use. However, maintaining a wooden board is a lot of work. It’s challenging to clean (not dishwasher safe), requires special oiling/treatment, and absorbs odors. Not the easiest tool for daily life.
- Plastic: Easy to use and clean, but serves up microplastics and forever chemicals (PFAS) as a bonus.
It was hard to find a functional solution between these two. A board that was as practical as plastic but without the downsides, or as natural as wood but easier to maintain. My inner entrepreneur started rolling up his sleeves: could I make it myself?
A Finnish material innovation made everything click
I dove deep into the "material rabbit hole." And what did I find? A Finnish material innovation that seemed like the perfect solution to the problem at hand. A material to replace oil-based plastic that is:
- 100% plant-based
- Capable of sleek, functional design
- Completely free from permanent microplastics and forever chemicals
- Dishwasher safe
This was the start of BÖNDE.
BÖNDE was born from a simple question: Where did nature disappear from our kitchens?
BÖNDE isn't just a company. It’s a reaction. A reaction to how much plastic, chemicals, and "throwaway culture" has moved into our kitchens.
The word bönde (Finnish slang for "countryside") takes us back to the place where people work with their hands, close to nature - even in partnership with it. BÖNDE brings products back to the kitchen that are better for both people and the environment. Products that are safe, convenient and sustainable. Helping you through the busy times of life.
The BÖNDE Board delivers on the promise.
The 100% bio-based cutting board by BÖNDE is a safe, convenient, and sustainable choice, designed and manufactured in Finland. Its simple, functional design follows the Scandinavian aesthetic.
The BÖNDE Board is a healthier bio-based option for oil-based plastic cutting boards and much easier to maintain than wood. It is specifically designed to fit in the dishwasher, where it can be washed safely (we recommend washing it in an upright position).
The BÖNDE Board is made for people like you and me. Those who want to choose a better option without making daily life more difficult. It’s the product I wanted to buy for myself, but it didn't exist.
So, I decided to make it.