How I Designed the First Dish Cover:
From Tea Towels to a Bright Idea
I've never been a fan of plastic wrap, so I used to cover all our dishes with tea towels while entertaining or preparing meals for my family.
The problem arose when I needed to bring a salad or dessert to someone else's house or store a dish in the fridge. I tried tying and wrapping the towels, but they were bulky and fussy. What I really wanted was something lightweight and breathable that could stretch over different-sized bowls. That’s when the lightbulb went on — and I began making dish covers.
Plastic-Free Food Storage That Works
We have limited power over the single-use plastics that line grocery store shelves — but we have complete control over what we use in our homes. Spaza dish covers are a reusable, plastic-free alternative to plastic wrap, offering a more sustainable way to store food.
Because they’re breathable, our covers allow food to cool quickly in the fridge through evaporation. No condensation. No soggy leftovers.
I’m often asked, “But do they keep food fresh?” And while it’s tempting to believe the myth that “plastic locks in freshness,” freshness actually comes down to one thing: time. Plastic may trap moisture — and even create it — but it can’t pause ripening or decay.
Creating Opportunity Through Handmade Production
When I could no longer keep up with demand, I looked for women who could sew from home. My experience employing mothers and caregivers in past manufacturing roles taught me that the women were worried about children at home in troubled communities.
I developed a model where women could work from home and be there when children returned from school. We provide the materials and equipment, and operate a weekly drop-and-collect system. This flexible approach has helped uplift many women’s lives — and hopefully brought hope to their homes and communities.
From Hand-Carved Stamps to Signature Prints
To facilitate this home-based production, I began printing the covers with stamps that I carved by hand. Today, our covers are screen-printed to meet demand, but the artwork still comes from those original handmade designs.
The Spaza Dish Cover Range
Today we have 12 different sizes and shapes of adjustable organic cotton dish covers in our range. They are available in coordinating packs of 3 of 4 and can be purchased individually if you only need one for a specific purpose.
Whether you're hosting guests or storing leftovers, Spaza dish covers offer a stylish and sustainable solution that’s good for your kitchen — and great for the planet.
Shop our range of SpaZa signature Dish Covers here> Dish Covers