Over the past decade, bars have begun to redefine their role in environmental sustainability. One of the most significant and visible changes has been the transition from the use of plastic straws to biodegradable alternatives. This evolution not only responds to increasing public scrutiny on plastic pollution, but also to a profound change in consumer expectations.
Penka, a pioneering company in biodegradable solutions, has developed straws based on vegetable fibers that allow bars and entertainment establishments to offer sustainable experiences without compromising functionality or aesthetics. This innovation is aligned with a global trend that has gained strength thanks to new regulations and scientific evidence on the irreversible damage caused by single-use plastic.
According to the Ocean Conservancy report (2019), plastic straws and agitators are recurrently among the ten most collected wastes during coastal clean-ups, with more than 14 million units collected in the last 35 years (Ocean Conservancy, 2019). Not only does this waste pose a direct threat to marine species, but it takes more than 200 years to decompose, generating microplastics that persist in the ecosystem.
The need to act has become critical. As António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, warned:
“Plastic pollution is a global threat that requires urgent global action”
(UNEP, 2018).
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stresses that replacing single-use products with biodegradable alternatives can substantially reduce marine and terrestrial pollution. The adoption of biodegradable straws represents one of the first visible and efficient steps in this change.
In fact, the study Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability shows that those countries and sectors that have banned or replaced single-use plastics have achieved reductions of up to 80% in coastal waste related to these products (UNEP, 2018).
Beyond the environmental impact, the change has had positive effects on brand perception. El 2021 Global Sustainability Study, carried out by Simon-Kucher & Partners, revealed that 50% of global consumers consider sustainability as one of the five main factors in their purchasing decisions, and 34% are willing to pay more for sustainable products (Simon-Kucher, 2021).
This reinforces the value of adopting green policies not only as an ethical action, but as a strategic business decision.
Bars in cities such as San Francisco, Amsterdam and Mexico City have successfully led the adoption of biodegradable straws such as those manufactured by Penka with technology PolyAgave®, based on plant fibers.
These figures show that sustainable changes are not only possible, but also economically feasible and well received by consumers.
Penka has accompanied this transition with biodegradable solutions that meet international standards, are functional in humid environments and offer the same premium experience as traditional plastics. PolyAgave® technology ensures that straws decompose naturally without leaving microplastics, contributing to the ecological life cycle of the product.
The implementation of biodegradable straws in bars represents an effective solution to reduce the environmental impact of this industry without sacrificing experience or profitability. The combination of innovation, change in business culture and consumer demand has created the ideal environment for the mass adoption of more sustainable practices.
Contact us to learn more about our biodegradable straws.
