Photo: Beth Hyatt/Total Landscape CareAfter making its debut at last year’s GIE+EXPO, Leaf Burrito arrived on the scene again this year with more bags to sell and more success stories to tell.
“GIE last year was our first trade show, and we were overwhelmed because we knew we had something here,” says Marc Mataya, inventor and owner of the Leaf Burrito. “We ramped up everything this year. We now have orders from Singapore, Hawaii and Canada.”
Leaf Burrito is a reusable yard waste removal bag designed to replace single-purpose plastic bags. The bag is constructed of industrial-grade mesh and heavy-duty YKK zippers, allowing it to unfold like a tarp for loading yard debris and then transforms into a bag. Leaf Burrito comes in both a 5-foot and 7-foot size.
“There’s a sustainability side because we aren’t using plastic bags, there’s an ergonomic side and then there’s just the professional side where you can have your landscaping company name written on it, so you look more like a pro,” says Mataya.
Recently, Mataya says the company moved its manufacturing to a plant in Kentucky, which allowed the company to reduce the cost of the bags. Last year, the big bag retailed at $124 and this year it is $84, and the smaller bag previously was $99 and is now $69. Another benefit of the move, Mataya notes, is that it’s creating numerous local jobs that require minimal experience and skillsets.
Mataya says the commercial-sized Leaf Burrito has 10 handles and is designed for bigger, heavier loads. It can hold ¾ yard of mulch or six to 12 bags of leaves, and the custom mesh allows the Leaf Burrito to hold up to 500-600 pounds. Mataya also adds that even if the material is cut, it will not continue to tear.
“We added some handles to the bigger Burrito to make it more utilitarian,” says Lauri Eberhart with Leaf Burrito. “The overarching theme for the whole product is saving the planet. We’re getting rid of plastic and single-use bags or even tarps because this is reusable. Tarps are flimsy and can rip, then all of that waste goes into the landfills, and if you use a Leaf Burrito, you’re eliminating all that waste.”
Photo: Beth Hyatt/Total Landscape CareWith more and more customers desiring and, in some areas, demanding sustainable waste disposal options, Eberhart says landscapers could benefit greatly from having the Leaf Burrito as an option for leaf collection.
The ultimate goal, Mataya says, is to make the bags out of 100 percent recycled products so that once a user is finished with the Leaf Burrito, they will be able to dispose of it without worrying about the environmental impact.
In the near future, Mataya says the company plans to create a 12-foot option to accompany the two it currently has, as well as rebranding the company name to Burrito Brands, Inc. in January 2020. This, Mataya says, will allow the company to expand the line to include smaller tote bags for homeowners who aren’t able to lift the 5-pound bags, Boat Burrito for sailing equipment, Beach Burrito, Gear Burrito and more.
