Noodles & Company, the United States-based National purveyor of fresh to order noodle dishes, has announced a company-wide initiative to be entirely plastic straw-free by the end of March 2022. Many fast-food, quick-service, and fast-casual restaurants have previously swapped to straws made out of paper-like materials, and Noodles & Company now believes it must make this swap in order t uphold its commitment to sustainability.
As part of this commitment, Noodles & Company is entering into a partnership with 'Aardvark,' a B2B material supplier, in order to ensure the straws the company now uses are high-quality and sustainable. These paper straws are certified BPI compostable, naturally degradable, and can last over three hours in a drink without deteriorating. On top of this, these straws are approved by the FDA. With this initiative, Noodles & Company is making a statement about sustainability not needing to come at the cost of quality.
Plastic-Free Straw Commitments
Noodles & Company Will Use Entirely Plastic-Free Straws by March
Trend Themes
1. Plastic-free Straws - There is a growing trend for companies to switch from plastic straws to more sustainable alternatives, creating opportunities for the development of new eco-friendly straw materials and suppliers.
2. Sustainable Packaging - As more companies commit to reducing their plastic waste, there is an increasing demand for sustainable packaging options, leading to innovation opportunities for companies developing eco-friendly packaging materials and technologies.
3. Corporate Sustainability Initiatives - Companies are making commitments to sustainability in response to consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly options, opening opportunities for sustainability-focused consulting firms and organizations that can help with the adoption of sustainable practices.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - As the Noodles & Company initiative demonstrates, there is a growing demand in the food and beverage industry for more sustainable packaging options and environmentally-friendly practices, creating opportunities for companies that can provide such solutions.
2. Supply Chain and Logistics - As companies seek to adopt more sustainable practices, there is an ongoing need for logistics and supply chain management to help implement and coordinate the movement of eco-friendly materials and products.
3. Environmental Consulting - As companies look to adopt more sustainable practices, there is a need for expert advice and consulting services to help guide them in their sustainability initiatives.