Sustainable personal care, baby, and beauty brand, The Cheeky Panda, is highlighting the widespread presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’, in paper straws and how they can be a potential source of health and environmental risks.
Despite the positive shift made by the hospitality industry away from plastic to paper straws, recent Belgian research reveals an alarming fact – 90% of paper straws contain PFAS.
While recognising the impact of the industry’s transition away from plastic straws, The Cheeky Panda is now urging the hospitality sector and consumers to actively address the PFAS issue by embracing even more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as its PFAS-free bamboo straws.
To draw attention to the issue of PFAS in paper straws, and the benefits of its PFAS-free bamboo straws, the company is shedding light on the process of how recycled paper is made and its implications for product safety.
Recycled paper, used seven to nine times before fibre degeneration, retains PFAS during the de-inking and bleaching processes.
While paper straws made from recycled paper are durable and resistant to moisture, ensuring their performance during use, concerns arise because PFAS persist for thousands of years.
These chemicals can enter into the beverages they come into contact with when consumed and enter the water system when disposed of, posing potential health risks.
Scientific studies have found PFAS in high quantities have been linked to various health issues, including diminished vaccine response, lower birth weight, thyroid diseases, liver damage, kidney cancer, and even testicular cancer.
In contrast, by opting for its 100% bamboo straws with no recycled content, The Cheeky Panda ensures PFAS-free straws are made with naturally robust bamboo fibres, which do not become mushy when drinking a milkshake or a crushed ice-based drink.
This choice not only addresses concerns related to PFAS but also presents a superior option for both sustainability and functionality.
Chris Forbes, co-founder of The Cheeky Panda, voiced his concern about the prevalent presence of PFAS in paper straws, emphasizing the need for awareness in the hospitality industry.
Mr Forbes said: “The revelation that the majority of paper straws contain PFAS is deeply concerning. The hospitality industry, which seeks to embrace sustainability, needs to be aware of the hidden dangers lurking within what are perceived as eco-friendly plastic straw alternatives.”
Highlighting The Cheeky Panda’s dedication to providing eco-friendly and safe alternatives, he added: “We are proud to announce that our entire range of bamboo straws, as well as our loo rolls, are PFAS-free. Our commitment to offering products that are both planet-friendly and safe for consumers has been a long-standing priority.”
As an industry leader in sustainable bamboo products, The Cheeky Panda ensures that its bamboo straws and loo rolls are free from PFAS, distinguishing them from many paper straws in the market. Rigorous third-party accredited testing guarantees that The Cheeky Panda’s straws contain no harmful chemicals, reinforcing their position as a secure and eco-conscious choice for both the environment and human health.
The Cheeky Panda is dedicated to raising awareness about the potential risks associated with PFAS in paper straws. The company firmly advocates for better, safer alternatives within the hospitality industry and beyond, and is inviting businesses and consumers to make a responsible choice for the environment and their health by choosing The Cheeky Panda’s PFAS-free straws.
As the transition to PFAS-free straws gains momentum, the company said it is crucial to recognise that some of the largest F&B operators in the UK and the global market are yet to make the switch. This inertia in adopting safer alternatives can be attributed to concerns related to cost, availability and potential resistance to change.
As consumer awareness continues to spread concerning the potential health and environmental hazards of PFAS, the shift to PFAS-free straws is becoming an increasingly important consideration for F&B industry leaders.
The Cheeky Panda’s range of PFAS-free bamboo straws are available from leading distributors including Alliance Disposables, Bunzl CHS, Lyreco, and Tri-Star Packaging.
