Are you looking for sturdy, sustainable straws? Check out our collection here.
Welcome to our blog post about straws! In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about straws, from their origin to the different types available. As a wholesaler of environmentally friendly products, we understand the importance of sustainability and want to share our expertise with anyone looking for eco-friendly straws. Straws come in all shapes and sizes, and nowadays there are many sustainable variants that contribute to reducing plastic waste. Here we go: everything about straws!
How did straws originate? The evolution of straws
Straws have been a popular tool for easily consuming drinks for centuries. The origin of straws dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were used to drink beer. These early straws were made from thin stems of plants such as grains or reeds. By using a straw, people could drink liquids without tilting their heads back.
Over time, straws began to spread to other parts of the world and were used for various applications. In ancient Greece, people used straws made of metal to drink wine, while the ancient Romans made straws from gold and silver.
In the 19th century, the first paper straws were introduced. These straws were made of paper coated with paraffin to make them water-resistant. These paper straws quickly became popular in bars and restaurants.
Today, there is a growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic straws. By reducing the impact of plastic on the environment, various sustainable options have become available, such as straws made from bamboo, stainless steel, glass, and even wheat straw.
Why do people use straws?
Straws for convenience
People use straws for various reasons. One of the main reasons is convenience. Using a straw makes drinking liquids easier, especially for cold drinks with ice cubes.
Stains on teeth
Additionally, straws can help prevent stains on teeth by directing the liquid straight to the back of the mouth without making contact with the teeth. Some people also use straws to protect sensitive teeth or a sensitive mouth.
Hygiene
Furthermore, straws are often used in the hospitality industry for hygienic reasons. By using a straw, direct contact between the mouth and the glass or bottle is avoided, which can reduce the spread of germs. This is especially important in public places where multiple people use the same drinking glasses.
Although straws can be convenient, traditional plastic straws have a negative impact on the environment. They are difficult to degrade and contribute to plastic pollution. That's why more and more people and businesses are opting for environmentally friendly straws.
Check out the collection of sustainable straws here:
What is the difference between all types of straws?
Straws come in all shapes and sizes. We have a list here as well:
Reusable straws, disposable drinking straws, edible straws, bendable straws... you name it, there are so many different types of straws nowadays. The difference lies in quality, material, and (re)usability. If you want to know more about the different variants, read this article first
What are the regulations for selling straws?
When it comes to selling straws, there are certain regulations that hospitality businesses must adhere to. These regulations concern the materials and environmental friendliness of the straws. Here are some important aspects to consider:
- Material: The use of plastic disposable straws is prohibited. To comply with the regulations, it is recommended to choose straws made from sustainable materials such as reed, straw, bamboo, stainless steel, or paper.
- Compostability: If you want to sell compostable straws, they must meet the European standard EN 13432. This standard ensures that the straws are fully biodegradable and do not leave behind harmful substances.
- Labeling: It is important to clearly label the straws with the correct information, such as the material they are made from and whether they are compostable. This helps customers make informed choices and select the right type of materials for their drinks.
Straw by Straw supplies sustainable straws to the hospitality industry. We have an assortment of thick straws, short straws, cocktail straws, and much more. All products in our range are suitable as disposables, meaning: single-use straws.
