It is estimated that 10 million plastic straws are used in Australia every day. They contribute to the estimated 150 million tonnes of plastic filling our oceans and by 2050 experts estimate there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish! Fortunately, more environmentally friendly solutions are available.

Australia joins the straw ban movement

Australia is the latest country to join the plastic straw ban movement, following the likes of Canada, the UK and Germany.

With single-use plastics being in the spotlight this year, State Governments and supermarket chains have banned single-use singlet bags and plenty of bars and food-service outlets across the country have joined the movement.

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are stepping up their war on plastic and have recently pledged to stop selling plastic straws by the end of 2018, promising to ban plastic packaging from their stores.

Raising awareness

To combat plastic straw use, campaigns such as The Last Straw are calling on venues and individuals to adopt more environmentally sound alternatives such as paper straws. So far, there have been over 200 venues all around Australia that have joined and championed The Last Straw campaign.

Today’s consumer is more aware than ever, and is more likely to purchase products and services from companies whose values are aligned with their own. According to Horizon Media’s Finger on the Pulse survey, more than 81% expect companies to make a public commitment to good corporate citizenship. This is where restaurants, retailers and others in the hospitality industry can gain an edge with something as simple as a straw!

Rethinking your brand positioning

Many big-name brands have vowed to reduce ocean and landfill pollution by banning plastic straws and adopting alternatives such as paper products.

Beginning in June, several McDonald’s restaurants in Australia began testing the paper straws with their customers and the feedback was mainly positive. The trial is part of a long-term effort to identify, sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic straws.

A better alternative to single-use plastic straws

Paper straws are recyclable throughout Australia and New Zealand, and they will also naturally decompose in a commercial or home composting environment – making them the perfect addition to any business looking to address their carbon footprint.

How long do paper straws last?

Paper straws are designed to break down much faster than plastic, which can last hundreds or thousands of years. For this reason, a paper straw does not have the same impenetrable barrier to liquid
and moisture like a plastic straw.

Our straws are made from high quality 3-ply premium paper, and are designed to last for the time it takes for you to finish a drink. If you squeeze, or play with your straw, then yes, it will break apart. If in doubt, try it out!

Choose your colour option

Made with food-safe paper, glue and water-based inks these straws can be used for any cold drink and they look great too. Castaway® paper straws are the perfect complement to any beverage.

We offer many styles and colours, so there is sure to be one to catch your eye!

Pair them with our HiKleer® cups and lids!

Made with recycled PET, these clear cups are designed with presentation, portion control and recyclability in mind – perfect for customers looking for ‘on-the-go’ drinking convenience! With a comprehensive selection of paper straws, spoons, and cups, you’ll find just what you need to compliment your drinks menu.

Brand Builders – Promoting your brand (or event)

Although implementing paper over plastic is just one step in reducing your carbon footprint, your customers will appreciate that you are taking important steps to improve your environmental impact – every time they look down to take a sip, they will remember that it was your company that made a difference.

At MPM, we have the ability to create custom designed and printed products as seemingly innocuous as paper straws! Castaway® paper straws can be custom printed with your own unique logo or design – contact us for more information.

For more information or to place an order, please contact MPM Marketing Services.