In the world of mezcal, each element tells a story. From the land where agave grows to the hands that distill it, mezcal isn't just a drink: it's culture, territory and collective memory. In this profoundly symbolic scenario, Mundo Mezcal has established itself as a space where tradition and innovation converge. And it was precisely there that Penka found the perfect place to reframe an urgent question:
What would happen if even the disposable items that accompany mezcal also told a story?
Mundo Mezcal is not just another event. It is a meeting point between producers, brands, bartenders, chefs and consumers who understand that mezcal is a living identity. In that context, every detail matters: the drink, the glass, the ritual... and yes, also the straw.
Historically, disposable items have been invisible in events of this magnitude. They fulfill their function and disappear. However, Penka decided to change that logic by participating with a own stand, not to sell products, but to Provoke conversation. His presence at Mundo Mezcal was a clear statement: sustainability is not an accessory, it's part of the contemporary ritual.
The Penka space within the event functioned as an educational and sensory experience. Through their straws and utensils made with agave fiber, the brand showed that disposable products can be consistent with the philosophy of mezcal: respect for the earth and full use of the plant.
Attendees weren't just using a biodegradable straw; They discovered their origin. Agave bagasse — waste from the tequila and mezcal industry — is transformed into PolyAgave®, a patented biomaterial that gives life to safe, functional and compostable products (Penka, s.f.-b; Penka, s.f.-c).
Seeing the natural fiber integrated into the product was key. The visible texture of agave broke with the aesthetics of conventional plastic and generated questions, curiosity and dialogue. The straw stopped being a disposable object and became a storytelling vehicle.
One of the greatest achievements of Penka's participation in Mundo Mezcal was Change the narrative around disposable ones. Instead of focusing solely on biodegradable, the conversation turned to circular economy.
The message was clear:
Not only do these straws degrade, They return to nature.
Made from plant-based bioplastics, BPA-free and approved for contact with food, Penka products are designed from the outset to be reintegrated into the environment at the end of their useful life (Penka, s.f.-c). In an event where agave is the protagonist, using a straw made from the same production cycle reinforced the coherence of the message.
Each drink served with an agave straw represented a small act of regeneration. A simple gesture, but full of meaning.
Penka's participation in Mundo Mezcal also demonstrated how massive events can reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing experience or aesthetics. Restaurants and events that have implemented vegetable fiber utensils such as those in Penka have managed to reduce up to a 50% of your carbon footprint associated with disposable items (Penka, s.f.-e).
In the context of Mundo Mezcal, this reduction translated into something more powerful: collective consciousness. Bartenders, brands and consumers began to question what other elements of the event could be transformed under a circular logic.
Not only was Penka present; Activated a reflection.
There is deep consistency in using agave products at an event dedicated to mezcal. Agave not only gives rise to the beverage, but it now also participates in the complete consumption experience.
This comprehensive vision connects with previous Penka collaborations with brands such as José Cuervo, where it was possible to replace up to 30% of traditional plastics with agave fiber in straws, demonstrating that sustainable innovation can scale when there is a shared will and purpose (Penka, s.f.-g).
Mundo Mezcal thus became a living laboratory where tradition, design and sustainability converged in a single space.
Environmental transformation doesn't always happen with great speeches. Sometimes it starts with something as small as a straw. At Mundo Mezcal, Penka demonstrated that disposable items can stop being a problem and become part of the solution.
One straw at a time, one drink at a time, one conversation at a time.
When the objects that accompany our traditions respect the origin of those traditions, consumption becomes more conscious and the future more promising. Penka didn't just participate in one event; sowed a new way of understanding disposable materials within agave culture.
Learn more about our straws.
