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 calledbiomass. 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.
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.
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.
