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What Are the Best Compostable Straws for Restaurants?

What Are the Best Compostable Straws for Restaurants?

National fast food chain passing a customer the best compostable straw

Consumers are more conscious than ever about the environmental footprint of their dining experience—and single-use plastic straws are one of the most visible culprits damaging the environment in the restaurant industry. But don’t worry—shifting to the best compostable straws is easier than you might think! Let’s explore the best alternatives to plastic straws, and why compostability should be a key factor in your restaurant’s sustainability plan. 

Why Compostability Matters for Restaurants 

Plastic pollution is a huge challenge, with single-use plastics being a major contributor to global waste. It can be hard to make decisions that affect the bottom line, but it’s imperative to consider the impact they have on the world, not only to meet internal sustainability initiatives, but also to deliver on the quality and features that your customers are expecting. By opting for the best compostable straws, restaurants can showcase responsibility and engage with the growing demand for sustainable practices. 

Challenges for Fast Casual and Counter-Serve Concepts 

You face unique challenges if you run a chain of fast casual eateries because customers are always on the go and efficiency is crucial. Single-use straws must be strong enough to be used continuously throughout the day while also decomposing organically and sustainably when disposed. This makes choosing the right material all the more important.

Top Plastic Straw Alternatives for Restaurants 

There are more options than you might think when it comes to plastic alternatives, but not everyone will meet your needs. Here are a couple of the best for you to consider: 

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) 

PHA is a bio-based substance made from plant sources that are regenerative. It decomposes spontaneously in any setting, not just industrial composting facilities, and is completely biodegradable. PHA straws have the strength and pliability of conventional plastic without the negative environmental effects, making them one of the best compostable straws for quick, casual, and counter-serve restaurants. 

Cellulose Acetate 

Cellulose acetate is a robust, biodegradable substance made from plant fibers like cotton or wood that may be broken down in industrial composting facilities. Because these straws feel just like plastic, customers will have the experience they expect without contributing to harmful plastic pollution. While they aren’t compostable at home or on the side of the road, these straws still offer fast food and fast casual operators with a good mix between sustainability and performance. 

Materials to Avoid 

While compostable straws offer a great alternative to plastic, not all options are created equal. Here are two materials you may want to avoid: 

Paper Straws 

Although paper straws were once a popular solution, they have significant downsides that make them obsolete. Paper straws often lack durability, quickly becoming soggy and disintegrating during use, which frustrates customers and creates additional waste. They also aren’t necessarily created sustainably if the wood they are made from doesn’t come from regenerative forests. If you’re just starting to look for plastic alternatives, know that paper straws have fallen off the market as an option, and for good reason. 

PLA (Polylactic Acid) 

PLA straws, made from fermented plant starch (typically corn), were long considered the best compostable straws compared to petroleum-based plastics. However, PLA straws face challenges in terms of compostability. While they break down in industrial composting facilities, they do not decompose in home compost bins or landfills. Additionally, PLA straws can lose their structural integrity in hot liquids, making them unsuitable for certain beverages. While they can be a good option for some restaurants, evolving sustainability standards encourage the use of truly compostable alternatives. 

Offering the Best Compostable Straws for Your Restaurant 

Selecting the right plastic straw alternative for your restaurant is one of the best ways to minimize waste and rise to customer expectations. By choosing high-quality materials from UrthPact like PHA and cellulose acetate, you get straws that are both cost-effective and better for the world. 

As the foodservice industry moves toward more responsible practices, you should too. Drop our team at UrthPact a line today and take a step towards a greener future. 

Featured Bulk Compostable Straws Material: Cellulose Acetate

Featured Bulk Compostable Straws Material: Cellulose Acetate

Featured Bulk Compostable Straws Material Cellulose Acetate

Cellulose acetate is a sustainable substance that was created over a century ago and still remains an excellent option for bulk compostable straws today. We’ll get right into what makes it so fantastic and why you should give it careful thought if you’re looking for a durable, sustainable material. 

What is Cellulose Acetate? 

The natural cellulose used to make cellulose acetate is mostly obtained from cotton or wood pulp, and is the most prevalent organic polymer on the planet. To create cellulose acetate, cellulose is chemically modified through a process called esterification. 

The end product is a biodegradable, adaptable substance that is made from renewable, plant-based resources while retaining many of the attractive qualities of plastic. Since cellulose acetate is derived from plant fibers rather than fossil fuels like many synthetic polymer counterparts, it has a major environmental advantage. Additionally, it is biodegradable in the proper environment, which makes it a popular option for producers and customers wishing to offer a sustainable option. 

Why Cellulose Acetate is Perfect for Bulk Compostable Straws 

The materials used to make compostable straws must satisfy several important requirements in the quest for environmentally-responsible single-use products. Here’s why cellulose acetate fits the bill: 

Biodegradability 

In contrast to conventional plastic straws, which take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill, cellulose acetate breaks down naturally and quickly. When exposed to the proper environmental conditions including heat and moisture, it gradually decomposes. For brands wanting to lessen their impact on the environment, this makes it a significantly more sustainable choice than traditional plastic. 

Strength and Durability 

Cellulose acetate is strong enough to withstand prolonged exposure to liquids, even though other biodegradable polymers can break down quickly and lose their structural integrity. For instance, because it won’t collapse or get soggy like failed alternatives such as paper straws, it’s a great choice for beverages of all kinds, including smoothies, iced drinks, and cocktails. 

Non-Toxic and Safe 

Because cellulose acetate is non-toxic, it does not release harmful substances into the environment or into your drinks. As a result, the material is harmless for both people and wildlife.  

Transparency and Appearance 

The appearance of cellulose acetate is one of its main benefits. It mimics the look and texture of conventional plastic straws with a translucent, glossy finish. Given that presentation plays a major role in customer experience, this crucial concern for many brands is resolved with cellulose acetate. 

Compostability 

Cellulose acetate is one of the best bulk compostable straw materials due to its compostability. It provides an affordable alternative to plastic that can break down naturally.  

When to Consider Alternatives 

Cellulose acetate is a great sustainable option, but there are situations where it may not be ideal. It can only break down in unique conditions, meaning it may not effectively decompose in home composting environments, on the side of the road, or in oceans, even though it is a natural material. If these features are integral to your company’s sustainability initiatives, you’ll want to consider one of the other materials offered here at UrthPact, like PHA. 

No Matter the Material You Need, We Have Your Bulk Compostable Straws 

Whether you’re seeking straws made from cellulose acetate or another sustainable material, we’ve got you covered. At UrthPact, we offer a wide range of bulk compostable straws to suit a plethora of needs and budgets. With cellulose acetate’s combination of durability, biodegradability, and sustainability, it’s the material of choice for businesses looking to make the switch from plastic to compostable alternatives. 

Switch to UrthPact straws today and take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future! 

Why Marine Biodegradable Straws Are So Important

Why Marine Biodegradable Straws Are So Important

Non-marine-biodegradable straws and plastics harming the ocean and its creatures

Could something as small as a plastic straw really have an impact on our planet? The truth is that, while seemingly innocuous, single-use plastic straws contribute significantly to marine debris, threatening ocean wildlife and entire ecosystems in the long term. In response to this crisis, more and more focus has been placed on marine biodegradable straws. These innovative products can reduce our environmental footprint and protect marine life by breaking down naturally in aquatic environments without leaving behind harmful by-products.

The Impact of Plastic Straws on Marine Life

Traditional plastic straws have become one of the most visible symbols of the broader plastic pollution crisis affecting our oceans. Each year, millions of plastic straws end up in waterways, contributing to the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic that enter the oceans annually. Many marine animals mistake plastic straws for food, leading to accidental ingestion. Once consumed, these straws can cause blockages in their digestive systems, malnutrition, and death. Turtles, for instance, are often seen swallowing plastic straws, possibly mistaking them for jellyfish, their primary food source.

Marine biodegradable straws offer a sustainable, ocean-friendly alternative to harmful traditional plastic straws. Designed to break down naturally in marine environments, these straws provide several crucial benefits that can help combat the current plastic pollution crisis. To better understand the utility of these special straws, we will first need to understand biodegradability as a concept. 

What Does “Marine Biodegradable” Mean?

Marine biodegradable means that when these materials are discarded into the ocean, they are engineered to decompose into natural substances, ideally within a short period, reducing their environmental footprint. Unlike conventional plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose, marine biodegradable products are made from organic materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are produced by microorganisms through fermentation. These materials are specifically formulated to break down in the conditions of ocean and seawater. The process of biodegradation typically involves natural microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which feed on the organic materials in marine biodegradable products.

With concern for the environment on the rise, many businesses and consumers are exploring eco-friendly options; however, these options may not always be fully marine biodegradable.

Not All “Eco-Friendly” Straws Are Ocean-Friendly Straws

Other eco-friendly straw options exist in the market today that do provide advantages over traditional plastic straws, but they likely won’t meet all your business’s needs and won’t be marine biodegradable.

Recovered Ocean-Bound Plastic Straws

Benefits:

  • Sustainable Material: These straws help reduce plastic pollution by repurposing waste that would otherwise end up in the ocean.
  • Contributing to Cleanup Efforts: By using ocean-bound plastic, consumers are promoting efforts to clean up ocean-adjacent areas and reducing the environmental impact of marine litter.

Limitations:

  • Not Biodegradable: Despite being made from recycled materials, they are not marine biodegradable straws and can potentially add to waste streams if not properly disposed of or recycled. In turn, they could re-enter the marine environment, posing the same risks to marine wildlife as traditional plastic products.
  • Energy-Intensive Processing: The process of collecting, cleaning, and repurposing ocean-bound plastic can be energy-intensive and may not always be as eco-friendly as materials that require less processing.

PHA Straws (Polyhydroxyalkanoates)

Benefits:

  • Plant-Based: Similar to marine biodegradable straws, PHA straws are made from renewable resources like plant matter.
  • Temperature Resistance: They can withstand both hot and cold beverages.

Limitations:

  • Industrial Composting Requirement: PHA degrades at natural temperatures in a variety of environments, even on the side of the road or on the beach, without leaving harmful microplastics behind.
  • Limited Marine Decomposition: PHA straws break down in ocean and beach conditions, making them effective against plastic pollution in marine environments.

While ocean-friendly straws such as recovered plastic and PHA straws contribute significantly to reducing plastic consumption, PHA straws best target the unique challenges posed by marine environments.

Turn to UrthPact for Sustainable Straws

At UrthPact, we are dedicated to providing high-quality sustainable straws that positively impact the planet. With each passing year, the plastic crisis becomes more and more dire, so it’s essential to embrace the future of sustainability with biodegradable and recyclable straws. UrthPact offers sustainable straws in multiple varieties that can be customized and ordered in bulk for your business, convenience store or restaurant.

Contact us today to make a difference for our oceans and our future.

Recycled vs. Biodegradable: Straws Wholesaler Weighs In

Recycled vs. Biodegradable: Straws Wholesaler Weighs In

Feature a recyclable/biodegradable symbol like this on your custom straw packaging

With increasing pushback against single-use plastics, recycled and biodegradable straws have seen a surge in interest. As a company that manufactures and distributes biodegradable straws wholesale, we’re here to guide you through the sustainable straw market, not only for compliance with regulations but also for making informed choices that benefit the Earth. In the sections that follow, we will explore the characteristics, benefits, and challenges of recycled vs biodegradable straws, to help you make environmentally friendly decisions that align with your company’s values and needs.

Challenges of Recycled Polypropylene Straws

Recovered plastic from oceans and recycled polypropylene offer materials that reduce waste in landfills and on beaches. Providing straws sourced from these reused materials is a step in the right direction, but businesses should also be aware of its limitations in fully addressing environmental concerns. 

While you are recovering plastics from oceans or leveraging recycled materials, the end product is of course still made of plastic. This means that all straws produced must be collected again to ensure true sustainability, but this is simply not possible, meaning at least some of your straws will still end up in a landfill taking as long as 500 years to degrade. Even if the straws could be recovered every time, the transportation and processing could end up still having a negative effect compared to biodegradable alternatives.

Recycled vs Biodegradable and Compostable Straws

Understanding Compostability and Biodegradability

Compostable straws are made from organic, plant-based materials that can break down in a composting environment, returning nutrients to the soil. Biodegradable straws, while also designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics, may not necessarily compost completely if the materials haven’t been certified by the manufacturer. In either case, the goal of these straws is not to be continually reformed into new products, but to be conveniently disposed of after use without negatively impacting the environment. UrthPact straws are unique in that they are certified to biodegrade in landfills or even on the side of the road if they are disposed of incorrectly.

Choosing Biodegradable and Compostable Straws

Traditional plastic straws can take hundreds of years to decompose, while biodegradable options can break down in a matter of months under appropriate conditions. This is one of the ways biodegradable and compostable straws contribute to the circular economy, a model that emphasizes sustainability by minimizing waste through continuous reuse and regeneration of resources. When these straws are disposed of, they transform into rich compost, enriching soil health and supporting new plant growth. Many wholesale biodegradable straws are made from bioplastics, which are sourced from plants that can be grown on the soil they enrich when composted. By choosing these alternatives, your customers feel good about supporting companies that prioritize environmentally-sound practices, thereby pushing the market toward lower-impact production methods.

A Quick Note on Marine Biodegradable Straws

Marine biodegradable straws take things a step further, as they are specifically designed to break down in marine environments, unlike traditional biodegradable straws that may only decompose with land environment exposure. The key benefit is versatility in disposal. You can’t always control the way that consumers will dispose of your products or where municipal waste companies dump trash, so crafting solutions that will not harm the environment regardless of their disposal method is a major benefit to keep in mind.

Get Your Biodegradable Straws Wholesale from UrthPact

UrthPact recognizes the financial considerations of businesses transitioning to sustainable products. By ordering biodegradable straws wholesale, businesses can benefit from truckload pricing, making it more economical to switch away from single-use plastics. As environmental regulations become stricter and consumers increasingly demand sustainable options, early adoption of biodegradable products can protect businesses from potential future fines and improve customer loyalty. 

While the financial benefits of these products are a major consideration, the main benefit of environmentally sound practices is to our planet. Partner with UrthPact today for your 100% made-in-the-USA biodegradable and compostable straws and become a part of the solution to the plastic epidemic.

 

PHA vs. PLA: Best Bioplastic for Biodegradable Straws in Bulk

PHA vs. PLA: Best Bioplastic for Biodegradable Straws in Bulk

PHA plastic pellets ready to be made into bulk biodegradable straws

If you’ve already heard of PHA and PLA then you’re likely not at the start of your bioplastic journey, but you may be nearing the end! We not only offer both PHA and PLA biodegradable straws in bulk, but we’re here to walk you through the details on each so you can make the most informed decision. Whether your brand is aligned with home composting or industrial composting, we have bioplastic straws for you, on top of offering full customization. 

What is PLA? 

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of bioplastic most often derived from corn starch or sugarcane. Unlike traditional plastics made from fossil fuels, PLA is a compostable material, but it requires specific conditions to break down. 

What is PHA? 

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally occurring biopolymers produced by microorganisms through fermentation. These microorganisms use carbon sources such as canola oil to create PHA, meaning it is a fully bio-based plastic. 

Which Is More Biodegradable? 

This is the big question when comparing these two materials for your biodegradable straws in bulk, as one breaks down much easier than the other. When considering degradability, the biggest factors are the temperature at which something will break down, and if it needs the help of any microorganisms

PHA can degrade at natural temperatures in a variety of environments, even on the side of the road or on the beach, without leaving harmful microplastics behind. PLA, on the other hand, requires industrial composting conditions of 136.4°F and the presence of a specialized microbial community. While PLA is still bioplastic and more environmentally friendly than conventional plastic options, it may not break down efficiently in home composting or natural environments, limiting its effectiveness as a completely biodegradable material. 

Common Uses & Limitations 

Based on the information above, PHA is the option most used in single use packaging solutions as it offers full biodegradability. PLA can be used in many of the same ways, but it can become brittle over time, so product use is an important consideration. PHA is the material we recommend for anyone in need of bulk biodegradable straws who wants to have the least impact on the environment. 

What Types of Straws Are Available in PHA & PLA? 

At UrthPact, we can utilize both materials to make virtually any variety of bioplastic straw your business needs. Our most common sizes are giant, jumbo, and cocktail. Giant straws are ideal for milkshakes, smoothies, and other thick drinks, whereas jumbo straws are for your average drinks like iced coffee and soda, and cocktail for smaller drinks. We even make boba straws and can work with you to develop a product that meets your specifications. 

Are Both Options Customizable? 

We are happy to report that our PLA and PHA straws are both fully customizable when you partner with UrthPact! Each comes in a full spectrum of colors and offered with the same fully customizable packaging. If you have unique needs around pallet dimensions or order quantities, we’re happy to work with you no matter which option you choose. 

Your Source for the Best Biodegradable Straws in Bulk 

Choosing PHA vs. PLA for your biodegradable straws depends on your priorities. We work with businesses of all sizes, from local restaurants to national chains with hundreds of locations, so we know a lot goes into making the right decisions at a high level. When you consult with our expert team, we’ll field all your questions, from biodegradability to customization and beyond, and help you select the best material for your business. 

Give us a call today and get started on your journey to single-use sustainability!

Bioplastic Manufacturing FAQ: Are Organic Straws Compostable?

Bioplastic Manufacturing FAQ: Are Organic Straws Compostable?

Home composting system ready for bioplastic compostable straws from UrthPact

With environmental consciousness on the rise, more and more consumers are demanding eco-friendly options from their favorite companies. Keeping up with ecologically-sound production processes, like bioplastic manufacturing, is not only important for keeping your brand identity aligned with the attitudes of your target audience, but also for the health of our planet. Today we provide some valuable insights into the plastic industry, and answer your questions surrounding organic straws.

Bioplastic Manufacturing Makes a Difference 

The uses we expect of plastic simply aren’t going away anytime soon. Plastics are produced and utilized somewhere along the way in just about every industry there is. But there are still ways we can shepherd change. For example, our customers are phasing out traditional plastic straws in favor of organic, renewable options. Single-use plastic straws are thrown out and end up sitting in landfills for hundreds of years before degrading, or even making their way into our waterways. Ocean-bound plastic is eventually worn down into microplastics. Somewhere around 51 trillion microplastic particles are floating through our oceans today.  

If we can make a transition towards single-use organic straws that are fully biodegradable, they can be easily disposed of without wreaking the ecological havoc of traditional plastic products.

Are Organic Straws Compostable?

When referring to organic straws, most often people are speaking to paper straws made from grass, wheat or bamboo; plant-based plastic alternatives that are indeed compostable and leave “zero-waste.” This doesn’t mean they simply disappear after use, but rather that these substances are biodegradable. When thrown out, even on the side of the road, they will naturally break down and re-enter the soil without an adverse effect on the soil health. However, there is another option that is still under the organic umbrella without the sacrifice of function that your customers expect from plastic straws; bioplastic straws.

What Is Bioplastic? 

Bioplastics are a revolutionary group of materials that utilize natural plant-sourced components to create a new form of biodegradable plastic. Unlike the other plant-based straws we outlined before, which are made directly from the material of the plants themselves, bioplastics are created by extracting polymers from something called biomass. Biomass is just a scientific way to describe the plant sourced materials used to create this plastic, such as corn or vegetable oils. This doubles up on environmental best-practices by effectively reducing food waste while creating more eco-friendly products from the resultant bioplastics. 

On the Forefront of Innovation 

Through the microbial fermentation of biomass, a newly formulated material known as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) has been at the forefront of our bioplastic manufacturing operations for years. This form of polyester bioplastic combines the durability and versatility of traditional straws with the biodegradability expected from organic straws for a best-of-both-worlds result.  

Straws made from this material are 100% compostable, even in at-home compost piles, and even marine biodegradable. This means that these straws break back down into environmentally neutral, natural components. These components can re-enter the ocean without negatively affecting the marine ecosystem, as opposed to other straws which could break down into harmful substances or not break down at all. 

Why UrthPact? 

Here at UrthPact, we are invested in creating a sustainable alternative to harmful single-use plastics wherever possible. But we’re also dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experience to all our customers. We prioritize your satisfaction with our industry leading product quality, flexible approach to bulk-ordering, and one-of-a-kind customization options. You can promote brand recognition with memorable, high-quality products made with sustainable bioplastic manufacturing

Place an order today with UrthPact and become a part of the future of sustainability. 

How To Choose a Biodegradable Straw Manufacturer

How To Choose a Biodegradable Straw Manufacturer

Biodegradable straw manufactured to decompose in the ocean sustainably

You’ve decided to reduce the environmental footprint of your business by using eco-friendly compostable straws. The next step is choosing the right biodegradable straw manufacturer to partner with. As customers increasingly expect sustainable practices from the businesses they patronize, the quality and versatility of your straws can set your brand apart.  

Selecting a manufacturer that emphasizes integrity, customization, and best-practice policies will help you boost your business and protect the planet from the damage of single-use plastic. Let the trusted team at UrthPact guide you through the selection process! 

What Are Biodegradable Straws? 

Biodegradable straws are made from materials that break down naturally over time, returning to the earth without leaving harmful remains. Unlike traditional plastic straws, which sit in landfills without composting, biodegradable straws are designed to minimize environmental harm.  

A quality biodegradable straw manufacturer should offer a range of materials, from cellulose-based formulations to revolutionary polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Now that we have a clearer understanding of the product, we can dive into some of the other key factors that should guide your selection. 

They Should Work Around Your Needs 

Every business has its unique demands, and the right straw manufacturer should be willing to work around your requirements and standards. Whether you need a specific order quantity, rush delivery, or assistance with product design, a flexible, customer-first manufacturer can accommodate your requirements.  

Choose a partner who understands the ebb and flow of your business and can provide solutions tailored to your needs. Flexibility and reliability are signs of a manufacturer that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Remember, the way a company treats its clients is a litmus test for the effort they put into every other aspect of their business. 

Your Straw Manufacturer Should Offer Full Customization 

Beyond the materials you select, a worthy manufacturer should understand the importance of customization to your brand. Maintaining your brand identity even in the smallest of aspects speaks volumes about your commitment to your customers. That’s why you should partner with a manufacturer that offers a range of customization options—whether it’s your company logo or message on the wrapper, specific colors, or any other unique designs you choose.  

One-of-a-kind straw designs not only strengthen brand recognition, but also enhance your customers’ experience. Prioritize manufacturers that provide extensive customization options, so you’re not just getting a straw, but a tool for marketing and brand loyalty. 

Does The Manufacturer Offer Marine Biodegradable Straws? 

Not every eco-friendly straw is specially formulated to degrade safely in marine environments, reducing the risk to ocean life. This is a crucial feature if your business has locations in coastal areas or if you want to take your commitment to sustainability a step further.  

Considering projections that, by 2050, plastics in the ocean will outweigh fish, ensuring your straw manufacturer is committed to the health of our planet’s waterways is paramount. Always ask potential manufacturers if they offer marine biodegradable straws and verify that their products are certified BPI and TUV compostable. 

UrthPact is Customer Forward and Customer First 

The best way to select a top-quality biodegradable straw manufacturer is to find a company with shared goals to your own. If you’re passionate about the environment as well as maintaining a unified brand identity, then UrthPact is the clear choice. By considering factors like customization, marine biodegradability, and customer service, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision that benefits both your brand and the planet. 

Take the next step towards sustainability and inquire about our biodegradable straws now. 

Top Tips for Getting Your Compostable Straws Customized

Top Tips for Getting Your Compostable Straws Customized

Plentiful color options for your company's new compostable straws in bulk

Sustainability is much more than a buzzword; choosing compostable straws for your business is a simple step toward reducing your environmental footprint. Additionally, getting your compostable straws customized with UrthPact enhances your brand’s visibility and reinforces your company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices in the minds of consumers and clients. 

We’re here to guide you through the creation of your custom straws, step-by-step. Learn where you can put your personal stamp and how these materials help our planet—from recycling pre-existing single-use plastics to newly-formulated biodegradable compounds. 

Choose Sustainable Materials That Fit Your Mission 

Selecting materials that align with your brand’s sustainability mission is the first and most valuable step in the process. Typical single use plastic straws are everywhere, especially in landfills and even in our oceans. Selecting sustainable, recyclable, and regenerative materials for your customized compostable straws is a powerful step to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the world. 

Recycled Plastic Straws 

Did you know that 97% of all plastics ever made still exist? This is because plastic is not biodegradable. The question is, what can we do as business owners to deal with this wasted plastic epidemic? Sourcing materials from post-industrial, post-consumer, or ocean-bound plastic to create branded straws for your franchises is one solution. While plastic is not compostable, recycling plastic that has already been manufactured is still a great way to reduce our environmental impact. 

Cellulose-Based Straws 

On the other hand, straws made from cellulose—a compound derived from plant fibers—are fully compostable and biodegradable. They break down naturally in composting environments, making them an excellent choice for your business. Prioritize reducing your effect on the planet with these sturdy straws capable of handling both hot and cold beverages. Ensure customer satisfaction while staying true to your eco-friendly goals and make the switch to cellulose-based straws. 

PHA-Based Straws 

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are an innovative, newly developed biodegradable polyester material for compostable straws. Made from microbial fermentation of organic materials, PHA straws are 100% compostable and even marine-degradable. This means they won’t have any adverse effect if they end up in the ocean or rivers. For brands at the forefront of sustainability and innovation, PHA-based straws are a revolutionary option. 

Create Brand Recognition with The Perfect Color 

After you’ve selected an eco-friendly material, you can begin customizing the look of your UrthPact straws. Color plays a vital role in brand recognition. It may seem like a small consideration, but customizing the packaging hue of the best compostable straws to match your brand can make a lasting impression on customers. For example, do you think of a specific brand when you see a dark green straw? 

Every aspect of your presentation has a part to play in the way your customers remember their experience, right down to the color and material of the packaging on the straw they use. Stand out from the competition with unique straws that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability while maintaining your carefully chosen brand aesthetics. 

Tell Your Message 

Customization through UrthPact doesn’t stop at selecting colors. Your straws can carry memorable designs and messaging. Reinforce your brand identity while engaging with customers on a deeper level: consider adding a short phrase, your logo, or even a call to action on your straws’ packaging. You could encourage them to visit a page on your website that explains your sustainability efforts, or offers a discount on a future purchase, creating a memorable experience and potentially a return customer. 

We Are Your Source for the Best Compostable Straws 

Getting your compostable straws customized begins by partnering with a source that shares your values. At UrthPact, our certified compostable straws can help improve customer experience and brand recognition. But most importantly, you will be making a positive change towards sustainable, environmentally friendly practices that can have a lasting impact on our planet. 

For reliable, economical, and durable products and packaging sourced from renewable resources, connect with UrthPact today. 

UrthPact Launches Home Compostable Boba Straws and New Color Options at the National Restaurant Association Show

UrthPact Launches Home Compostable Boba Straws and New Color Options at the National Restaurant Association Show

Leominster, MA. (May 20, 2023): UrthPact – the global leader in certified compostable foodservice ware manufacturing—announces the addition of Boba straws to its line of home and industrial compostable and marine-degradable products. UrthPact is also expanding its customizable color options for its sustainable straws and you can see them at booth #9620. 

UrthPact’s new Boba Straw is designed for your customer’s satisfaction and your sustainability business goals. Made from natural, certified compostable materials, the straw is home compostable and biodegradable. They break down into organic matter within months, returning nutrients to the soil and avoiding pollution in our oceans and landfills.

In addition, we offer customers the ability to customize straws to reflect their brand, a promotional color of their choice, and printed messages on the wrap. New colors include orange, cornflower blue, and shades of green and black, which were introduced last year.

UrthPact’s new Boba Straw offers a delightful drinking experience for your customers. The smooth texture and unique design make it perfect for enjoying boba teas, smoothies, milkshakes, and other cold beverages. The straw is also durable and will not break down or become soggy, ensuring your customers can enjoy their drinks to the last sip.

“Our straws not only help mitigate the single-use global plastic problem, unlike paper straws, consumers constantly tell us they function like legacy straws. This ensures they have the same experience they’ve come to expect,” said UrthPact CEO Paul Boudreau. “This straw is just an example of our ability to develop a custom solution to meet any specific requirement,” added Boudreau. 

UrthPact straws are available through multiple regional and national distributors. They are used by restaurants, juice bars, hotels, convenience stores, and other businesses offering sustainable straws. 

By choosing an UrthPact Straw, your business takes an important step towards a more sustainable future. And your customers will feel good knowing they are reducing their environmental impact. 

Manufactured in Leominster, MA, and Lincoln, CA, UrthPact straws reduce the pollution caused by plastic waste, including the pollution generated by shipping plastic straws from China, CO2 pollution, and damage to our forests during the production of paper straws.   

For more information about our new Boba Straw, colors, or our other sustainable products, stop by Booth #9620. 

Founded in 2013, UrthPact’s mission is to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on our environment by creating single-use products that are certified compostable by BPI and TUV that meet the needs of businesses and their consumers. Products have included compostable cutlery lines that work in a dispensing unit, industrial compostable one-way degassing valves,  compostable drinking straws, and the world’s first 100% compostable single-use coffee pod used in Keurig brewers.

UrthPact’s Certified Compostable Straws are good for your customers, environment, and business

UrthPact’s Certified Compostable Straws are good for your customers, environment, and business

Straws may not be #1 on your list of sustainable packaging objectives. However, single-use plastic bans, including straws, are impacting multiple cities, counties, and states across the US and other parts of the world.  

We all know the benefits of eliminating or minimizing single-use plastics in our environment.

So, ask yourself, why should straws be on your list?

A significant value is generated when you switch from single-use plastics to sustainable alternatives. It’s a solution to a problem. Replacing your plastic straws with a certified compostable solution, such as those offered by UrthPact, can help your business in various ways.

For example…

  • Does your business have an ESG goal? 
  • Did you sign the Climate Pledge?
  • Are you looking to address the current plastic bans?  
  • Do you need to reduce your overall carbon footprint?  
  • Would you like to offer your customers a more sustainable, customized solution?
  • Do you need a more economical, sustainable solution?

As a contract manufacturer, UrthPact specializes in providing certified home and industrial compostable and marine-degradable alternatives to plastic and paper straws. We believe it is essential to offer sustainable products made from renewable resources that are convenient, reliable, economical, and durable.

As a contract manufacturer, when you work with UrthPact, you can have it your way. We will customize a straw to meet your branding requirements, including sizes, colors, and wrap messages. 

Our straws are better for the environment than plastic and paper alternatives and are more durable and enjoyable for your customers. Our customers report that our straws are less prone to breaking or going soggy, and the natural materials give them a pleasant texture and taste.

As a company, we are committed to positively impacting the environment. Our company mission is to keep 25 billion plastic parts from polluting our landfills and oceans by 2028. 

To help us achieve our goal, we are constantly researching and working with new materials and products to help reduce waste and pollution. Small changes can make a big difference, and by choosing our straws, you are making a conscious decision to reduce your environmental impact in the communities you serve.

Coming to the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show? Stop by Booth #9620 and talk to us about how UrthPact can be your resource and one of the solutions to help you meet your business and sustainability goals. 

Founded in 2013, UrthPact’s mission is to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on our environment by creating single-use products that are certified compostable by BPI and TUV that meet the needs of businesses and their consumers.