Where can you buy sustainable straws?

As a hospitality manager, it's important to invest in sustainable options for your business. One of these options is the use of sustainable straws. But where can you actually buy them, and what should you look out for?

Fortunately, more and more suppliers are offering sustainable straws. A popular option is straws made from bamboo, reed, or wheat straw. These are the most sustainable options because they are simply plant stems! As a result, these straws are biodegradable. Additionally, there are straws made from paper or sugarcane, which can be composted after use. Besides disposable straws, there are also reusable options, such as stainless steel straws, metal straws, and glass straws.

Straw by Straw offers the most natural and sustainable option, namely straw straws and reed straws. These are available from HANOS, Bidfood, and Sligro, among others.

What should you, as a restaurant owner or manager, consider when purchasing sustainable straws?

1. Are you looking for disposable or reusable straws?

For reusable straws, you can consider stainless steel, glass, or silicone straws. Are they dishwasher safe, or can they be cleaned in the sink? Do you have enough capacity to properly wash each straw?

For disposable straws, you can look at paper straws, reed straws, and straw straws.

2. Do you prioritize quality and a representative appearance for your drinks, or do you focus mainly on budget?

Reed straws and straw straws are completely natural because they are made from plant stems. As a result, they are not as soggy as paper straws.

Paper straws are not natural and often contain a coating to prevent them from becoming soggy too quickly.

Edible straws are a fun option! They are often made from apples and starch.

Which option is best for you? Compare price and quality in this table.

3. The SUP guidelines for disposable products also play an important role.

Are you being offered a straw made from PLA or wood fiber with bioplastic? Keep in mind that these straws are intended for reuse. Disposable products with bioplastic are currently not allowed in the EU.

What is the difference between sustainable straws and plastic straws?

As a hospitality manager, you’ve likely seen plenty of alternatives to plastic straws. But what’s the real difference?

The biggest difference between sustainable straws and plastic straws is the material they’re made of. As the name suggests, plastic straws are made from plastic. This material is not biodegradable, meaning it can linger in the environment for many years. Moreover, the production of plastic straws generates a lot of CO2 emissions, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

On the other hand, sustainable straws are made from environmentally friendly materials. Reed and straw straws are biodegradable and therefore less harmful to the environment. You can also choose straws made from glass or metal, which are reusable.

As a hospitality manager, you can also opt for biodegradable plastic straws. These straws are often made from plant-based materials and can biodegrade in industrial composting facilities at 60 degrees Celsius. The big advantage is that you get the same convenience as regular plastic straws. However, it’s important to know that these biodegradable straws are not fully biodegradable and can still be harmful to the environment. More importantly, these biodegradable bioplastic straws are NOT allowed under EU legislation unless they are intended for reuse.

Your restaurant can make a significant contribution to a sustainable world by not using plastic straws. Among the available types, choose the one that best fits your establishment! By consciously choosing sustainable materials, you help reduce waste and CO2 emissions, which not only benefits the environment but also saves costs in the long run. Additionally, as a hospitality entrepreneur, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, which is a positive message to your customers!

Are you looking for sustainable straws for your restaurant? Check out our reed straws or straw straws! They are not only completely natural but also stylish!

How much do sustainable straws cost?

Sustainable straws are available in various price ranges. The price depends on the material the straws are made from and the quantity you order. On average, sustainable disposable straws cost between €0.019 and €0.25 per piece.

For example, straw straws cost less than 2 cents!

The sturdy reed straws have a wide diameter, and with Straw by Straw, you can enjoy up to 32% savings compared to other online shops.