Paper Straws vs PLA Straws : Why EU Law Matters for Your Business

Side-by-side comparison of paper straws and PLA straws

Paper Straws vs PLA Straws: Why EU Law Matters for Your Business Choosing between paper straws vs PLA straws has become a strategic decision for cafés, restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and event operators. As sustainability expectations rise and regulations on single-use plastics continue to tighten across Europe and the UK, businesses need to understand the differences […]

EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: The Complete Compliance Guide 2026

Close-up of compliant packaging on a cafe counter, featuring a cold drink with a paper straw and a stack of kraft paper takeaway cups. Small PEFC and FSC certification logos are visibly printed on the paper cup and the straw wrapper, which is resting open.

EU Single-Use Plastics Directive: The Complete Compliance Guide 2026 Many hospitality buyers switched away from plastic straws in 2021 and assumed they had met EU requirements. However, the EU Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive has continued to evolve, with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations adding new compliance and cost requirements since the end of 2024. Businesses […]

Can You Microwave Paper Cups? The Safety Guide | 2026

Can You Microwave Paper Cups - Test

Can You Microwave Paper Cups? The Safety Guide Most disposable paper cups aren’t built for microwave use. Learn which coatings pose real risks, how to identify safe cups, and what hospitality buyers need to verify before sourcing. Request Free Samples The Short Answer: Standard disposable paper cups should not be microwaved because they often have […]

Plastic Free July: B2B Packaging Procurement Action Plan

Plastic Free July: B2B Packaging Procurement Action Plan Every July, procurement teams get a message from marketing or comms that starts something like “we’re supporting Plastic Free July this year, what have we changed?” If you buy packaging for a living, you know that question usually lands with less notice than it should. This guide […]

Paper Straws vs Metal Straws: Which Is the Better Business Choice in 2026?

Comparison of paper straws and metal straws as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws for restaurants and businesses.

By Hello Straw Product TeamLast updated: March 2026 As sustainability expectations continue to rise in 2026, businesses across hospitality, food service, travel, and events are under growing pressure to eliminate plastic straws. Governments are tightening regulations, consumers increasingly expect eco-friendly alternatives, and companies want solutions that align with both environmental goals and operational efficiency. Two […]

Paper Cutlery vs Steel Cutlery: The Hygiene Debate

By Hello Straw Product TeamLast updated: March 2026 Hygiene has always been important in food service, but in recent years it has become an even bigger priority for businesses and customers alike. Restaurants, airlines, caterers, healthcare providers, and delivery services all need to ensure that utensils are safe, clean, and handled properly. When choosing between […]

Paper Chopsticks in the US & UK: A Sustainable Dining Trend

chopsticks with sushi

By Hello Straw Product Team Last updated: February 2026 Disposable chopsticks are often associated with Asian dining cultures, but their impact, and potential for innovation is global. While countries like Japan use an estimated 23–25 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks every year, awareness around sustainability is reshaping how utensils are viewed far beyond Asia. In […]

Are Paper Cups Recyclable? The Complete Guide

When it comes to disposable cups, most people think of the red plastic cup often seen in American movies. It symbolizes fun and excitement, but it also represents a material that takes 500 years to decompose. Out of the millions of disposable coffee cups used every day in the UK, only 1% are recycled. So […]

Paper Forks for Cup Noodles: Sustainable In-Pack Cutlery Solution

Sustainable In-Pack Cutlery Solution by Hello Straw

By Hello Straw Product TeamLast updated: January 2026 As sustainability reshapes food packaging worldwide, the instant noodle and cup food industry continues to innovate, yet one key element of true convenience is still missing. Most cup foods are sold without any in-pack cutlery, meaning they cannot easily be eaten on the go. A similar challenge […]

Paper Chopsticks: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Wood

As a utensil, chopsticks are a staple for many of our favourite cuisines. From sushi and dumplings to bowls of noodles, their use is widespread. Today, paper chopsticks are emerging as a sustainable solution within the wider shift toward disposable paper-based foodservice products. Specifically it is estimated 80 billion disposable chopsticks are used every year. […]