12 months later…

Our Oxo-Biodegradable Eco-Straw is the most cost effective option. A Plastic Straw with the additive “Reverte” which alters the molecular structure of the plastic, giving the end user the same experience as a normal PP straw with all liquids including high acid juices, but the added eco advantage of having an approximate lifespan of 18 months after its useful life instead of 30+ years, like a normal straw.
After an initial 48 hours of sunlight, and exposure to oxygen, the straw will begin to degrade, eventually become brittle, slowly breaking down to where it can be then be attacked in a micro-biological form, eventually degrading to CO2 and Biomass. If this straw unfortunately finds it way into an open environment, this is where its degradable properties work well. Our OXO-BIO Eco-Straws meet standards for exposing and testing plastics that degrade by a combination of Oxidisation and Biodegradation. These straws take longer to break down compared to PLA or Paper and therefore cannot be claimed as a commercially compostable straw, however once fully broken down, meet the same eco-toxicity standards as Tier 3 – Ecotoxicity in the standard EN13432. The plastic, now biomass and CO2 poses no threat to the earth, once fully broken down.

NEW PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) straws made with Natur-tec BF703B resin – ie Vegetable Starch. Natur-Tec® BF703B is a fully biodegradable/compostable biopolymer, fully certified to the stringent requirements of international standards for compostable plastics, such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432 and ISO 17088, and therefore provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. This product has a shelf life of approximately 12 months from date of manufacture.

This new range is for those looking for a commercially compostable, biodegradable straw, that is user friendly with all beverages including High Acid Juices.

Our Paper Straws have now been sold in Australia for over 4 years, tried and tested for quality and usability. There are a lot of cheap imitations, but ours are a real 3-ply Food Grade Kraft Paper Straw, making the straw last well in a drink, and hold its shape, as one of the best on the market.

With no waxes, and only 0.6% food grade glue to make the straw, this meets the required standards of EN13432 that glue must be less than 1%. As a paper straw is made up of natural cellulose fibres it can be universally considered compostable and biodegradable. We have lab tests results meeting a PASS for Council of Europe Resolution AP (2002) test for Heavy Metals and Chemicals (list can be provided) and also to FDA standards. Our paper straws are made in a factory holding BSCI certification, and are made to the highest standard including UV pasteurized before final packing. Our Paper straws hold up in all beverages, but does not quite last as long in a high acidic juice or smoothie, maybe a PLA or Oxo-Bio may be a better choice here.

Paper straws would be best considered for safety of our marine environment, as Plastic, Oxo-Bio, and even PLA still pose a threat to marine animals if they unfortunately enter this environment due to irresponsible humans, along with plastic bags, plastic and glass bottles, and other rubbish. For our customer’s close to the water it would be recommended that paper straws are possibly the best choice, having natural celulose fibres as the primary material of the straw. We just need to ensure that any straws don’t end up in the oceans in the first place as a primary objective.