Custom Drinking Straws: 7 Eco-Friendly Options for Your Business

Plastic straws are one of the major contributors to plastic pollution. Approximately 8.3 billion straws pollute our beaches. And since they do not decompose, they break down into microplastics, which is very harmful to our marine ecosystem. Many countries have started banning the use of single-use plastic straws as part of their sustainability efforts. As such, the demand for reusable and sustainable custom drinking straws will only increase from now on.

Business owners, especially the ones in the FMCG industry should rethink the way they promote their drinks. Straws made from sustainable materials are now available, so there is no reason not to switch to a more eco-friendly substitute. People can now choose from a host of different materials such as metal, silicone, bamboo, and paper.

With that said, we rounded up the best sustainable straws that you can use for your business!

 

Custom Drinking Straws: What are Your Options?

Material 1: Stainless Steel

Reusable Drinking Straw with Wheat Case

This one is made from stainless steel and comes with a wheat-based container to protect them from dust and other contaminants. It also comes with a tiny brush so that people can clean them after using them.

 

Like their plastic counterpart, they also come in different sizes and colours such as rainbow, silver, gold, black, rose gold, purple, and blue.

 

Available in small and medium sizes, portable, reusable, and lightweight, metal straws are ideal for coffee shops, restaurants, bars, outdoor events, and travelling.

 

If you are interested in customizing these custom drinking straws, then feel free to contact us with product code: ODM-3198.

 

Multifunctional Collapsible Straw with Pocket Case Bottle Opener

Portability is the main selling feature of this multifunctional collapsible straw. It comes with a pocket case to protect them from dust and dirt. The cover also doubles as a bottle opener so customers can use this for opening bottles of soda and beer whenever they need to.

 

The carabiner attached also allows the users to attach the straws to their bags, making it perfect for travelling, hiking, and camping. People will never forget to bring it with them.

For this awesome product, the product code is ODM-3193.

 

Folding Stainless Steel Straw with Case and Brush

Its ability to be collapsed is a critical selling point of this product. After cleaning with a brush, people can just fold it and keep in its case.

 

Many people are hesitant to try stainless steel straws because of the aftertaste. However, we can assure you that this product is 100% safe to use. It is BPA-free and has no aftertaste.

 

They are available in different colours as well!

 

Do you see your company offering these awesome straws as custom promotional merchandise? If so, contact us and reference the product code ODM-3188.

 

Material 2: Bamboo

Bamboo straws are probably one of the best alternatives out there! It is organic, sustainable, and very safe to use. Done right, it can be a hip and stylish business giveaway for FMCG companies.

 

Bamboo is abundant in Asia, Africa, South America, and other countries where there is a mild to temperate climate. Therefore, manufacturing bamboo straws has a very low impact on the environment.

Marketing tip: Offer a free mini-brush and branded pouch to keep the straws clean. You can also offer other custom bamboo products such as insulated drinking bottles with a tea strainer and custom bamboo lunch boxes,

 

Material 3: Silicone

If you are looking for an eco-friendly corporate gift that is unique and extremely useful, then this collapsible silicone straw is your best bet. What we like about this promotional product idea is that it is reusable, effectively minimizing the need for plastic straws. It can be folded and fit into its capsule container.

 

Material 4: Glass

These custom glass straws are made from Borosilicate glass. It is a type of glass that is used for lab settings and the manufacture of kitchenware and wine glasses.

One of the qualities of Borosilicate glass is that it is thermal shock resistant. This means it will not crack even when subject to extreme changes in temperature. Therefore, these custom glass straws are safe to use for hot and cold drinks.

 

Material 5: Grass

An excellent alternative to plastic drinking straws, these grass straws are designed for one-time use only. They are made from a grey sedge grass species called Lepironia Articulata. Locally called “Co Bang”, it grows around the Mekong Delta Region in the southwestern region of Vietnam. It has a hollow stem that makes it ideal for sipping drinks.

What’s incredible about them is that they cost less in terms of manufacturing and production cost. Farmers and manufacturers do not use any special chemicals to treat the grass, therefore making the straws 100% natural.

 

Custom Drinking Straws: What Are the Benefits?

While plastic straws are a cost-efficient choice for many food businesses out there, we all know that they also pose a serious threat to our environment. They are non-biodegradable but they disintegrate into microplastics, harming our marine animals. So how does this correlate with your business?

1. Positive Image

Nowadays, customers choose to support businesses that are socially responsible. So, as a business, using eco-friendly products can help paint your company in a more positive light.

 

2. The Demand for “Green” Products is Only Going to Increase

Millennials are the biggest consumers of “green” products today. According to the 2018 Nielsen survey, this age group is more likely to buy products that are environmentally friendly and more open to changing their habits to reduce their impact on the environment. And we believe that this is going to be a way of life for the majority of people.

 

3. Augment Green Marketing

As promotional products, these straws can augment your sustainable marketing efforts. Coffee shops can also offer them as an exclusive promotional gift. Being a reusable alternative to plastic, it will certainly impress and attract more potential customers to your business. Between two competing brands, people will always choose the one that offers something extra- whether in terms of freebies or services.

 

4. Better Alternative

You see, drinking straws are a must in every restaurant and cafe. However, plastic straws are banned in many countries today, and businesses are compelled to look for better alternatives. As these are made from durable materials, they are reusable and leave no waste behind, something socially-responsible companies aim to achieve.

 

Our Takeaways

If you are thinking of joining the green revolution, it is important also important to assess the needs of the people, what is currently trending, and what would give your company a boost. With those factors in mind, we can say that reusable straws will no doubt offer lots of benefits to the company, customers, and the environment.

So, are you ready for the great shift? Do you want to inspire people while promoting your brand? We, at ODM, are committed to helping you grow your business through green promotional products and packaging. Our in-house designers are also here to help you come up with effective and high-quality designs.

Contact ODM today and reference the product codes mentioned above.

 

For More Green Marketing Ideas, Check These Blogs Out!

Thinking of much cost-effective and easily customizable custom drinking straws? Find out why paper straws are great options:

 

Make your events fun and exciting with these creative fun straws! Perfect for brand activation campaigns as well as Gift With Purchase marketing, this will no doubt pique customers’ interest.

 

Bubble tea is popular nowadays.

 

This is an awesome FMCG marketing idea and goes well with reusable straws! Wanna more about this product? Check this blog out:

 

A local cafe in the Philippines has joined the green revolution with its unique Sesame-street-inspired metal straws. Find out why this is so impressive!

 

We absolutely love this marketing idea by Pacific Coffee! Wanna know why?