Dunkin Just Teamed Up with Wincup to Test Biodegradable Straws

Dunkin’ Donuts, in a partnership with manufacturing company Wincup, is testing the use of a new biodegradable straw.

Wincup is behind green-friendly lids, straws and cups, and aims to provide the “most economical way to take care of the environment” with its new biodegradable Phade Straw.

According to WWF, the world’s oceans contain nearly 300 million tons of plastic litter right now which makes moves like this all the more welcome for the planet.

Wincup’s CEO says their innovation caught Dunkin’s attention and the product will be piloted at a few hundred of its stores.

“We’re super excited about the Dunkin’ trial and a few 100 of their stores, it’s going very well,” Brad Laporte, CEO of Wincup, told Yahoo Finance.

The Phade Straw, which is made out of polyhydroxyalkanoate, is also available in Walmart (WMT) under a private label brand.

The straw has also caught the attention of a couple Disney (DIS)-branded properties in Orlando.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate is a substrate derived from fermented plant oil. This alternative feels and “performs” like a tradition straw, but is marine biodegradable, home and industrial compostable.

“Plastic straws are typically very difficult to sort and, and recycle because of their shape and size. We went on a quest a few years ago to develop a new straw that has at least no footprint in the environment,” Laporte said.

The straws are also available online for customers to order directly and are available at more than 60 food service distributors that are selling them to restaurants and retail stores across the country.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.