Compostable and PFAS-Free: The New Standard for Drinking Straws in Hospitality

three bamboo boxes of the ocean straw

Compostable and PFAS-Free: The New Standard for Drinking Straws in Hospitality

Plastic pollution has become a growing concern in the HoReCa industry due to the massive consumption of plastic packaging and single-use items. In response, the European Union has implemented strict regulations aimed at reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. The Ocean Straw offers a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional plastic and paper straws—a solution that helps businesses stay compliant without compromising on quality or guest experience.

Quick Summary

  • 🌟 Compliant with SUPD and PPWR regulations

  • 📊 Reduces waste and long-term costs

  • 🚫 Free from PFAS and allergens

  • 🌿 Circular economy-compatible and reusable

  • 👥 Endorsed by bartender associations in Norway and Sweden

Navigating EU Sustainability Regulations

Since 2021, the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) has banned a wide range of plastic items including straws, plates, and cutlery. In 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into effect, introducing even stricter rules that promote recyclability, reusability, and safe materials in food-contact packaging.

These regulations apply directly to the HoReCa sector, which uses millions of straws every day. While many businesses quickly switched to paper or PLA alternatives, these often come with problems:

  • Paper straws become soggy within minutes, often needing to be replaced multiple times per guest.

  • PLA straws don’t biodegrade in nature and are difficult to recycle.

  • Many products contain PFAS or synthetic glues that break down into harmful microplastics.

A Compliant, Durable Alternative

The Ocean Straw is fully aligned with EU regulations. It’s made in Spain using bio-based, biodegradable material sourced from Finland—with no trees cut in the process. The material is created from wood dust (a side stream from industrial production) and other responsibly sourced, compostable ingredients.

  • ✅ PFAS-free and allergen-free

  • ♻️ Compostable and industrially recyclable

  • 🥛 Maintains its structure in hot and cold drinks

  • ☕ Dishwasher-safe up to 10 cycles at 60°C

This makes The Ocean Straw a long-lasting, safe, and convenient alternative that performs like conventional plastic, without its environmental cost.

Why Paper Straws Fall Short

Paper straws may seem eco-friendly, but they create problems:

  • ❌ Soggy in minutes — weakens drink quality and guest experience

  • ❌ Replaced multiple times per guest — increases waste and costs

  • ❌ Unpleasant taste or smell — alters drink flavor

  • ❌ Possible PFAS and glue content — creates compliance and health risks

The Ocean Straw avoids all of these downsides while offering better performance and a better guest experience.

Buyback Program for Paper Straws

Already have paper straw stock? We offer a buyback program for unused inventory at a fixed price per straw (regional rates apply). This removes cost-related obstacles and simplifies your switch to a sustainable solution.

Endorsed by Industry Experts

  • 🍺 Approved by the Norwegian and Swedish Bartender Associations

  • 🏨 Used by leading HoReCa venues in Scandinavia

  • 📦 Available through trusted distributors including:

    • Drammen Papir Engros / Norengros

    • Culina / ECO Engros

    • Storcash

    • Eureca Engros

    • Snabbgross / Axfood (Sweden)

    • Shauq Gourmet (Dubai)

We're also actively expanding and seeking new international distributor partnerships.

Stay Ahead of Regulations

The Ocean Straw helps your business:

  • ✅ Stay compliant with EU legislation

  • ✅ Reduce long-term costs by lowering waste

  • ✅ Support sustainability goals without sacrificing quality

Want to test the difference?

👉 Order your free sample kit or try our Straw Calculator to estimate your savings and impact.

Useful Links