Earlier this year Pernod Ricard announced that it will stop using non-biodegradable plastic straws and stirrers across its business, as well as asking global affiliates to follow suit.
Created by Loliware co-founders Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Anne Tucker, the lolistraws are made from a seaweed-based material, but that can be eaten after use or will decompose. The straw, which looks and feels like plastic, can be made with a fruit flavor or added nutrients.
The duo launched a Kickstarter campaign at the end of last year and by January had successfully raised $49,160 with the support of 1,083 backers.
Cocktail craze
While the drinks industry has been using plastic straws and stirrers for decades, Pernod Ricard says the rebirth of cocktails has seen an ‘explosion’ in their use.
The single-use items can take more than 200 years to break down; and some 500 million straws are used and discarded in the US alone every day.
Calls to ban the use of single-use plastic straws have been gathering momentum: with the UK government last week announcing plans to ban them from sale and other drinks giants such as Bacardi and Diageo also pledging to eliminate their use across their businesses.
Pernod Ricard USA says its collaboration with Loliware will help it eliminate plastic straws in its business.
“We are excited to see where the relationship takes us," said John Tran, director of sustainability & responsibility at Pernod Ricard USA.
"Plastic straws can have a large environmental impact to marine life and oceans. Eliminating our use is only half the battle; offering alternatives that reimagine how straws are made, used, and converted to energy is the next step for genuine transformational change. Supporting Loliware is part of our commitment to a low-carbon, circular economy."
Pernod Ricard’s brands include Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu and Beefeater Gin.