Kids Cup 280 ml (9.5 ounces)

Eco-Friendly kids cups made from wheat straw plastic.  These are 280 ml (about 9.5 ounces) and features a double insulated shell and open and close lid.  Choose from our 4 calming colors.
 
What is wheat straw plastic?
 
Wheat straw plastic is the latest eco friendly material and is a smart, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. It is a premium food grade material and is completely BPA free and has FDA approval. The impact of regular plastic on the environment is devastating, and wheat straw plastic is an awesome alternative.
It is made from a by-product of wheat production, namely wheat straw. It has many applications like wheat straw food containers, wheat straw drinking straws, wheat straw plastic plates, reusable coffee cups and many more.
What is Wheat Straw Plastic and is it Eco Friendly?
So what is wheat straw plastic? Wheat is a type of grain that is used to make flour, bread and wheat derived products like pasta. Wheat straw is the byproduct that is left over after the wheat harvest, and by using it to make a plastic like substance, it is an ideal zero waste option.
Wheat straw contains cellulose and by breaking it down, a new product can be created. The process creates the opportunity to make different kinds of polymers. Natural polymers are found in our bodies, like hair and nails. Plastic is made from artificial polymers, but polymers created from wheat straw, are completely natural.
How is Wheat Straw Plastic Made?
Straw, which is the by-product of the wheat harvest, contains lignin. Lignin is the part of the plant that keeps it standing up. So it is similar to a tree trunk, but for smaller plants. Lignin, when combined with sugar, can be turned into a bio-plastic.
First the lignin needs to be broken down to be able to make the plastic like material. Lignin is broken down by bacteria called Rhodococcus jostii, which is found in soil. The bacteria can produce acid, which easily breaks down the lignin without the use of any artificially produced products, which is far better for the environment.
Once the lignin has been broken down, it is mixed with sugar to form a plastic-like substance. This is then molded into forms like plates, cups and storage containers.
Wheat straw is also used to create a paper like substance that is used to make products. With the addition of certain chemicals, the straw is turned into a pulp, and the pulp is then pressed into a plate. It is strong, non-allergenic and does not contain any gluten.
This process is not limited to wheat straw only, other agricultural waste products like grass, leaves and even wood, can also be used, thereby producing an all natural plastic.
Perks and Benefits of Wheat Straw Plastic
It is entirely biodegradable. It will take 3 to 6 months to turn to compost in your home compost and only 1 to 2 months in a local municipal compost facility.
It is renewable and sustainable. As these products are completely natural, they can decompose and be used as fertilizer.
Non-allergenic.
Gluten free.
Easy to clean, sturdy and strong.
Microwave and freezer safe.
Without odor and will not go moldy.
They can also be turned back into pulp by melting them and creating different products again and again.
Less energy is required to produce the wheat straw plastic-like substance. A lot of energy is used to produce artificial plastic and the emission of carbon dioxide gasses are very high. Because wheat straw is natural, it requires much less energy to produce pulp.
The natural fibers make the material sturdy enough without requiring the addition of toxins like oil.
Additional source of income for the wheat farmers as they can sell the byproducts for a reasonable price.
Waste disposal is reduced and no need to burn the straw which further adds to air pollution.
It can handle hot liquids up to 100°Celsius / 220°Farenheit
Conform to US food and Drig Administration guidelines.
Wheat straw can be used to create paper, so saving our forests as well. Disposable paper products, like plates and cups, can be replaced by the wheat straw substance. No need to cut down our forests to get the materials needed, but use the agricultural waste product. Greenware plant fiber blend containers are made with a blend of wheat straw and wood fiber.
What is the Impact of Wheat Straw Plastic on the Environment?
Wheat straw is a byproduct of growing edible grains, so there is no additional farming or harvesting procedures required. It is biodegradable, so will take less time to break down naturally.
Through the process of photosynthesis while growing wheat, it would extract more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air, than it would produce. Production of bio plastic consumes less energy and gives off less CO2 emissions, than the production of synthetic plastic which is derived from petroleum.
Traditionally the straw was burnt after the wheat harvest, which would give off more CO2 gases, so this is avoided. Although the burning of wheat straw has been banned in the UK, and it is frowned upon by many, the fields are still burnt in many parts of the world like South America. Bioplastic is beneficial for our planet and global warming, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
Wheat straw plastic is very versatile and can be used for many applications. Because of the heat resistance of up to 100° Celsius / 220° Fahrenheit, it can be used for reusable travel mugs. It is a great way of reducing single use plastics.