About Us

We are a pioneering force dedicated to providing products made from sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean, with straws and single-use items accounting for a significant portion. This plastic degrades into tiny particles called microplastics, which persist in the environment indefinitely and pose severe threats to ecosystems and human health.

Our mission is to make a positive impact by offering solutions that significantly reduce waste and prevent the accumulation of microplastics.

About The Ocean Straw

The Ocean Straw is a solution to the global plastic pollution problem: it is a premium reusable drinking straw made in Spain, from an innovative, sustainable material from Finland. It is designed to fit into a circular economy: Reducing, reusing and recycling are key methods for circularity and saving the natural resources, ensuring that our actions today don't compromise the future.

WHY IS IT BETTER THAN CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC OR PAPER STRAWS?

Because it is REUSABLE and it CAN BE WASHED IN A DISHWASHER UP TO 10 TIMES (at 60°C). This means that each Ocean Straw is worth ten disposable straws, which not only contributes to cost savings but, more importantly, to the reduction of waste generation. We actively promote its reusable nature so that people also conceive, perceive and use it as intended.

Because it is STRONG & DURABLE: Suitable for all types of beverages, it is resistant enough to withstand regular use without bending or breaking. Additionally, and unlike paper straws which lose their strength after 30 minutes in liquids, it can be used for up to 24H without getting soggy (at temperatures up to 40ºC - 2 hours at temperatures above 70ºC).

Last but not least, because it is SAFE FOR BOTH PEOPLE AND THE PLANET:

  • It does not contain glue to maintain its form. It does not contain PFAs commonly used for coating. It is free from harmful substances.
  • It is made from a wood & plant-based material that has been developed to mimic the beauty, functionality and circularity of nature. It offers the convenience and functionality of conventional plastic straws without posing a risk to ecosystems.
  • It biodegrades WITHOUT LEAVING BEHIND PERMANENT MICROPLASTICS OR OTHER TOXIC RESIDUES, reverting to natural components (CO2, water, and biomass). This helps maintain the carbon-cycle in balance, as the CO2 produced is absorbed by growing plants and trees through photosynthesis. 
  • ORGANIC RECYCLING: At the end of its life-cycle, it can be disposed of in bio-waste bins for collection and processing in industrial composting facilities. The resulting nutrient-rich compost can be used in agriculture to improve soil quality. In a composting facility, the biodegradation process takes a maximum of 6 months, while in nature, the time frame is similar to that of a tree leaf.
  • It is free from common food allergens.

Overall, The Ocean Straw combines user-friendliness with environmental sustainability, making it a versatile and responsible choice for environmentally conscious people.

Our Vision

Our vision is to emerge as the foremost and trusted provider of sustainable drinking straws on a global scale. We aspire to assist eco-conscious businesses and organizations in reducing their carbon footprint, and inspire consumers who are eager to embrace a more sustainable way of life.

FAQ

Questions and answers about The ocean straw
What are your straws made from?

Our straws are made from a patented material, which main components are sustainably sourced biodegradable biopolymers originating from plants and natural wood dust from industrial side streams. This innovative process eliminates the need for tree harvesting specifically for material production. By repurposing wood dust from the wood industry, we ensure that no additional deforestation occurs, preserving forest ecosystems and promoting sustainable resource management.

How are your straws produced?

Our straws are produced using extrusion processing, a highly efficient manufacturing method. In this process, the material is melted and forced through a narrow opening or die to shape it into a straw. Existing conventional plastic extrusion machinery is used, which makes production more sustainable by avoiding the need for investments in new equipment. This approach reduces environmental impact by repurposing existing machinery, in line with our commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

Are your straws reusable? How do they perform?

Yes, our straws are designed and intended for multiples uses. They can be reused, and washed in the dishwasher for up to 10 times (at 60°C). They are strong and resistant enough to withstand regular use without bending or breaking. Additionally, they can be used for up to 24 hours without getting soggy (maximum temp. of liquid 40°C - 2 hours with temp. > 70°C).

Compared with paper straws?

Paper straws are typically single-use items, which means they need to be replaced more frequently, leading to more waste generation. They lose their strength within 30 minutes when immersed in liquids, making them less reliable for extended use. They can easily turn into mush and become a choking hazard for small children who chew on them. Furthermore, paper straws, though biodegradable, often contain glue and may be coated with PFAs (forever chemicals), which can leave behind toxic substances and microplastics.

Our straws stand out as a more sustainable, durable, and user-friendly option compared to paper straws. Their innovative material composition, multiple-use design, and superior environmental credentials make them an excellent choice for those seeking to minimize their environmental footprint without compromising on quality or convenience.

Compared with PLA straws?

PLA straws are also bio-based but can take up to 30 years to biodegrade, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in the process. They are not suitable for hot drinks, due to PLA's poor heat resistance. Made from fermented starch derived from crops like sugarcane and corn, PLA requires extensive chemical processing, including the use of sulfur dioxide, to convert starch into bioplastic.

In contrast, our straws provide a more sustainable and efficient alternative. They biodegrade without releasing harmful gases or leaving behind permanent microplastics or toxic residues. This results in a lower environmental impact and offers a safer, more reliable product for consumers.

Are your straws or their material treated with any kind of chemicals?

No. Neither the material nor the straws are treated with chemicals. They do not contain organic fluorinated chemicals such as PFAs (forever chemicals) as intentionally added substances.

What sizes and diameters do you offer?

We offer three diameters: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm. Standard lengths are 150mm, 200mm and 230mm. We can also produce 260mm upon request.

What drinks can I use with your straws?

Our straws are suitable for all kinds of beverages, including hot and cold drinks, whether it's a refreshing smoothie, hot coffee or a classic soda.

The 6mm diameter models are best suited for soft drinks, while 8mm sizes are ideal for smoothies and milkshakes and 10mm for Bubble Tea and thick Smoothies/Milkshakes.

Are your straws biodegradable?

Yes, all compostable products are biodegradable. Biodegradability is the process in which natural bacteria, fungi, or microbes break down a material into CO2, water, and biomass.

Our straws are made from a certified industrially compostable material (EU standard EN 13432) and this certification is applicable to all products manufactured from this material with a maximum thickness of 270 microns, including therefore all our straws. Additionally, the biodegradability of the material has been tested in a simulated marine environment with natural seawater, showing a 75.5% relative biodegradation in 420 days.

How do you straws help reduce the carbon footprint?

If carbon emissions are certainly responsible for the climate issues facing our planet, not all carbon is equally damaging. A distinction should be made between biogenic carbon, which is absorbed, stored, and emitted by organic matter like soil, trees, plants, and grasses, and non-biogenic carbon, found most notably in fossil fuels like oil, from which conventional plastic products are made.

When our straws biodegrade, they release CO2 that is part of the natural carbon cycle. Trees and plants will absorb this CO2 from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, maintaining a balanced carbon cycle. In contrast, fossil-based carbon, which takes millions of years to form underground, releases a significant amount of carbon in a short period when extracted and consumed. This rapid release is not equally absorbed and leads to the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere.

By using renewable and bio-based materials, our straws significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting a healthier planet.

Industrially compostable?

Industrial composting is a controlled biodegradation process that occurs in specialised facilities under specific conditions, and which ensures complete biodegradation within 6 months without leaving behind any toxic residues.

Industrial compostability is a clear benefit as it helps minimise the accumulation of waste through recycling and allows our straws to be disposed of in the bio-waste bin along with other organic waste for collection and industrial composting.

Do industrially compostable products decrease the quality of the compost?

No. Products that are certified industrially compostable undergo rigorous testing. According to EU standard EN 13432, these products must disintegrate within 12 weeks and completely biodegrade within six months, with 90% or more converting to CO2.

Any remaining biomass must be non-toxic and free from heavy metals. Certified industrially compostable products contribute to producing high-quality compost without harmful residues.

Home-composting vs industrial composting?

Both forms of composting create a nutrient-rich compost, only they achieve it in different ways. Home-composting typically takes longer to break down organic matter because the conditions are less controlled compared to industrial facilities. Additionally, certain types of kitchen waste, such as meat and fish, may not be suitable for home-composting due to their potential to attract pests and vermin. Industrial composting, on the other hand, is a carefully managed process that optimizes decomposition and ensures rapid biodegradation.

Contact information

Email: support@theoceanstraw.com

Phone: +46 738 211 400