In Bengalaru, India, a startup is producing biodegradable straws from coconut leaves.
Dubbed Evlogical Eco Care Private, the company takes fallen coconut leaves from local farms, gives them an “intense” cleaning, then sells them under the brand name Kocos Leafy Straws.
Manigandan Kumarappan tells The Logical Indian the eco-friendly straws do not get soggy for several hours, and that the operation provides livelihood for 15 local women. The straws are exported to United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
The company hopes to eventually produce biodegradable, single-use utensils, cups, coffee stirrers, and to-go food containers.