Today, over 83% of consumers believe companies have a responsibility to implement sustainable practices. As the foodservice industry evolves, many businesses seek better alternatives to traditional single-use plastics.
Plastic straws remain a significant topic, with over 500 million pieces discarded in the United States daily. Restaurants, food chains, and hospitality establishments can lower their environmental impact by using plant-based products.
Discover how Greenprint continues to shape the industry with natural, degradable, and food-safe materials. The right supplies can help you connect with conscious buyers and create a cleaner planet.
What Are Greenprint Straw Materials?
Greenprint creates straws with environmentally friendly materials, including:
- Agave: The straws feature fibers that are a by-product of tequila production.
- Plant fibers: The straw collection contains some products formulated from canola seeds, a compostable material.
- Recycled plastics: Each product contains verified and traceable recycled plastic to reuse materials and minimize waste.
Types of Greenprint Straws
Whether you’re interested in biodegradable or compostable straws, Greenprint offers materials to suit your environmental goals. Determine which eco-friendly option will work best for your foodservice business.
Natural Agave Straws
Greenprint’s natural agave straws are made using sustainably sourced waste from the tequila-making industry. The plant-based straws offer an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Each product is lab tested and proven to biodegrade in bioactive landfills within one to three years.
Compostable Agave Straws
Backed by a Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification, Greenprint’s compostable agave straws break down into natural components in industrial settings without leaving harmful residues. Additionally, the products have an “OK Compost Home” seal to certify they break down naturally and safely in home garden compost heaps.
Benefits of Greenprint’s Natural Products
Greenprint uses a manufacturing facility that’s 40% wind-powered and eliminates bags and plastic packaging from its supply chain. The agave collection comes with various sizing options and colors. You can choose whether or not you want the straws wrapped, and you can select bulk quantities or smaller amounts to suit your business needs. The products are designed to be:
- Versatile: Natural agave straws are compatible with hot and cold beverages and don’t provide an aftertaste.
- Sustainably sourced: Some of the fibers are 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, while others are FSC mixed or recycled.
- Certified biodegradable: The plastics are American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified, ensuring they’re biodegradable.
- Safe for consumers and the environment: Food-safe products are produced without artificial, harmful chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or polyfluoralkyl (PFA) substances.
The Rise of Sustainable Straws in Foodservice
Plastic straws are typically made with polypropylene, a petroleum by-product. The production process involves extracting fossil fuels and using intensive manufacturing methods, which release toxic fumes and contribute to pollution. Plastic straws are estimated to take around 200 years to decompose, but not all single-use products do.
As the concern for pollution rises, businesses in the foodservice industry continue to look for plastic straw alternatives. Some states have heavily restricted or banned single-use plastic straws in response.
Greenprint’s natural products offer an ideal alternative to single-use plastic. Agave straws are reusable and maintain their structural integrity with prolonged use. When disposed of, the Greenprint’s agave straws are designed to break down by 95% within the first 180 days in an active landfill.
Learn More About Sustainable Straw Solutions
Whether you run a coffee franchise, fast-food restaurant, or fine-dining establishment, compostable and biodegradable straws can offer a valuable alternative to plastic. Greenprint’s natural straw ingredients provide an ecologically responsible way to serve and enjoy beverages.
Unlike paper products, agave straws hold their shape in various drinks. The designs look sleek and natural, offering a great conversation starter for eco-conscious drinkers. If you want your consumers to sip sustainability, reach out to learn more.
