Paper Straws vs Metal Straws: Which Is the Better Business Choice in 2026?
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 […]
Can You Microwave Paper Cups?: All You need to Know in 2026
Single-use plastic cups are now a thing of the past. And it is not only due to their detrimental effect on the environment, with them taking 200 to 450 years to decompose, but also due to their possible effects on our health. Research by the National Institute for Public Health finds that plastic food packaging […]
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
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 Straws vs PLA Straws: What is the Best Sustainable Option?
By Hello Straw Product Team Last updated: January 2026 Choosing the right drinking straw has become a strategic decision for cafés, restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and event operators. Across Europe and the UK, sustainability expectations are rising while regulations around single-use plastics continue to tighten. For businesses, this often creates confusion, especially when choosing between paper […]
Paper Forks for Cup Noodles: Sustainable In-Pack Cutlery Solution
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. […]
Goodbye Plastic Spoons: Paper Utensils for Yoghurt & Pots
The era of plastic spoons as a staple for frozen yogurt shops and takeaway desserts is coming to an end. You heard us. People are finally recognizing that the 40 billion pieces of single-use plastic cutlery consumed each year are doing far more harm than good. And it’s not just consumers waking up to the […]
Paper Utensils: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Cutlery
The average person spends around 74 minutes each day eating; that’s more than an hour devoted to food, whether it’s at the dining table or in a restaurant. And a growing share of those meals now come from the “eat and collect culture,” or, as we more commonly call it, takeaway. From ordering Chinese food […]