HMSHost has introduced new PHA biodegradable straws from BIOLO in dining venues at U.S. airports across California, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
The partnership with BIOLO, secured through HMSHost’s packaging partner Baer & Associates, marks a significant milestone in HMSHost’s promise to reduce the use of single-use plastic guest packaging in its North American airport operations, the company said. HMSHost had previously tested paper straws as replacements for the plastic straws but was not satisfied with the performance.
BIOLO compostable straws are made from a renewable plant-based plastic alternative, known as polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA, that is TÜV-certified for biodegradation in soil, marine, and freshwater environments, as well as in home and industrial composting settings — breaking down in 180 days or less and leaving behind zero microplastics.
“We are incredibly pleased with not only the quality and durability of BIOLO straws, but also the customer experience. During our testing period, we repeatedly heard from travelers that they couldn’t believe that the sturdy, functional straws they were using weren’t made of plastic,” said Ann Fondersmith, senior director of sustainability, HMSHost. “Through our partnership with BIOLO, HMSHost can deliver on our important commitment to reducing single-use plastics by eliminating plastic straws. Over the course of a year across our North American operations, this will equate to keeping millions of plastic straws out of our environment.”
