How Design Impacts Sustainability and the Customer Experience in Hospitality

The Ocean Straw and Ocean Cup on a restaurant table hot drinks

How Design Impacts Sustainability and the Customer Experience in Hospitality

Introduction

Sustainability isn’t just about using fewer resources — it’s about designing better systems. That’s why The Ocean Straw Group is going beyond basic alternatives and introducing innovative, durable, and circular products that reshape the hospitality experience.

From the reusable Ocean Straw to the soon-launched Ocean Cup, we explore how product design contributes to the circular economy and delivers tangible benefits for HoReCa businesses.

♻️ What Is the Circular Economy?

A circular economy is built on keeping materials in use longer, reducing waste, and regenerating natural systems. Compared to the linear model of take–make–dispose, circular design creates value at every stage:

  • Keeps products and materials in circulation

  • Minimizes reliance on virgin raw materials

  • Designs out pollution and unnecessary waste

  • Supports ecological regeneration

This model isn't just good for the planet — it helps businesses reduce costs, meet regulations, and gain sustainability credibility.

🥤 The Ocean Straw – A Reusable Upgrade

Unlike traditional paper or plastic straws, The Ocean Straw is:

  • Dishwasher safe up to 10 times at 60°C

  • Designed for both single or multiple uses

  • Compostable, made from innovative bio-based materials

  • PFAS-free and doesn’t become soggy or dissolve in drinks

Whether reused or not, it drastically reduces the environmental footprint compared to fossil-based or low-quality alternatives.

☕ The Ocean Cup – A Durable, Bio-Based Game Changer

Our newest innovation, The Ocean Cup, is transforming beverage service across Europe:

  • Reusable up to 200 dishwasher cycles

  • Made from 100% bio-based biodegradable material sourced in Finland

  • Recyclable through either mechanical or chemical processes

  • Sleek, sturdy, and suited for hot or cold drinks

It’s a premium alternative to disposable cups, helping venues elevate the customer experience while meeting sustainability goals.

🌱 Why HoReCa Businesses Should Care

Sustainability is no longer optional – it’s a business imperative. Switching to The Ocean Straw and Ocean Cup offers:

✅ Cost-efficiency – Reduce reorder frequency and waste disposal costs
✅ Regulatory compliance – Aligns with SUPD and PPWR policies
✅ Guest satisfaction – Better usability = better service
✅ Brand positioning – Boosts your eco-credibility

Even small cafés can use our volume calculator to understand how much waste and cost they can save.

🔄 Easy to Adopt

Whether you're a wholesaler or a small venue, switching is simple:
📦 Order a free sample kit
📊 Try the calculator tool
📩 Or contact us directly

Let’s make circularity your competitive advantage.

✅ Conclusion

Great design isn’t just beautiful – it’s smart, sustainable, and scalable. With The Ocean Straw and Ocean Cup, your business takes a tangible step toward a plastic-free future, better customer experience, and meaningful cost savings.

🌀 The future of hospitality is circular.
Join the movement at www.theoceanstraw.com