ANAHEIM, CA, –Charta Global, provider of specialty, office, stationery, food-grade and packaging boards for the US and Latin America, and strategic partner to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), has launched a new paper application to provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws in North America.

This new product offering addresses the changing demands of consumers, who continually look for brands and products that satisfy environmentally conscious goals. According to APP’s 2019 Paper & Packaging Consumer Trends Report, 61% of consumers prefer to purchase products from companies that have made public commitments to sustainability goals.

As more restaurant and fast, casual brands announce transitions away from single-use plastics, APP’s Enza MF brand provides a PEFC and FDA-certified solution for straw conversion. The 100% virgin fiber product is OBA-free, chlorine-free and designed to run on all current straw converting equipment. Its advanced strength is ideal to handle all types of hot and cold liquids while maintaining the straw structure and integrity, and its smooth surface allows for complex printing and color design capabilities.

Available in widths of 500, 600, 1000 and 1500 mm, the product has a final basis weight of 300 gsm that can be achieved by customizing the three-layer structures. Optional features include off-line coating for added surface protection and detailed graphics. The product is designed to last up to five hours in chilled water making it suitable for standard straws, U-shaped straws for asceptic boxes, liquid pouches, and even stir sticks because of its dense base paper.

“We’re pleased to bring a plastic straw alternative to the North American market,” said David Chin, vice president, sales, Indonesia Division for Charta Global. “The conversation surrounding sustainable food packaging has surged in 2019, and we’re glad to support brands looking for high-quality alternatives to single-use plastics.”