The statistics, for the period July 2017 to March 2018, display a continued drop in the sales of plastic straws from Stephensons.
However, there has been a steady increase in the sales of paper straws, with paper sales surpassing those of plastic in March 2018. This marks a growth of 777% for paper straws during this period.
Stephensons managing director Henry Stephenson said: “This data really reflects a seismic shift in the buying ideology of operators and consumers. Sustainability and environmental credentials have quickly become integral factors in our industry and I think it’s fantastic."
The data also shows an increase in demand for PLA (polyactic acid) straws, another environmentally friendly alternative to plastic.
Stephenson added: “These changes in operations are clearly a response to growing concerns on the ecological effects of plastic waste, as highlighted by the BBC’s recent Blue Planet series and a number of high profile news stories of wildlife harmed by improper plastic disposal.
“The noteworthy results from this data work as a positive landmark to reflect that and, ultimately, they are a sign of where the industry is heading as a whole. Eyes in the hospitality trade are firmly set upon a more sustainable future and we will all work towards that.”