Eco Promotional Products and Wheat Straw
25 September 2023
What is wheat straw plastic?
When looking at eco promotional merchandise, you will see items made from wheat straw or wheat straw plastic, a bio-based alternative to traditional plastics. So, what is wheat straw plastic, how is it made, and where it is used to promote a greener and more sustainable future?
What is Wheat Straw Plastic?
Wheat straw plastic, also known as wheat plastic or simply wheat straw, is a bioplastic made from the stalks of wheat plants. Wheat straw is the leftover agricultural residue after wheat grains are harvested. Traditionally, this straw has little to no economic value and is often burned or discarded. However, by processing wheat straw into a usable bioplastic, we can reduce waste and dependence on petroleum-based plastics.
How is Wheat Straw Plastic Made?
The production of wheat straw plastic involves several steps:
Harvesting: Wheat is grown for its grains, and the leftover stalks, or straw, are collected after the grain harvest.
Processing: The collected wheat straw is cleaned, chopped into smaller pieces, and then ground into a fine powder.
Polymerization: The wheat straw powder is combined with a biopolymer, often a form of polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn or sugarcane. This mixture is then heated and processed to create a malleable material.
Moulding: The resulting wheat straw plastic can be moulded into various shapes and products using traditional plastic manufacturing techniques.
Where is Wheat Straw Used?
Wheat straw is finding its way into a wide range of products and applications due to its eco-friendly nature. Here are some common uses:
Food Packaging: Wheat straw is used to make food containers, takeaway boxes, and cutlery. It is a safe and non-toxic option for packaging and is often used for its biodegradability.
Disposable Tableware: Plates, bowls, and utensils made from wheat straw are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic tableware.
Stationery: Wheat straw can be used to make eco-friendly pens, pencils, and notebooks.
Home Goods: Manufacturers are increasingly using wheat straw to make household items such as storage containers, toothbrushes, and cutting boards.
Benefits of Wheat Straw:
Biodegradability: Wheat straw is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally in the environment, reducing long-term plastic pollution.
Renewable Resource: Wheat straw is a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable choice compared to petroleum-based plastics.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of wheat straw plastic typically results in lower carbon emissions compared to traditional plastics, especially when combined with biopolymers like PLA.
Waste Reduction: By using wheat straw as a raw material, we can repurpose agricultural waste, reducing the environmental impact of farming.
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Searching for a branded gift or promotional product? Finding it hard to discover something new, something different? This post will give you a different way of finding what you are looking for by explaining how the industry works and why endless browsing may not be the right approach - or you can watch the video here 1. Understanding how the promotional products industry works a. Promotional Products Distributors The web sites you see on Google are numerous – indeed there are 2,873 distributors in the UK, each selling branded merchandise and each with a website. The web sites vary from the aesthetically pleasing to the overcrowded. BUT you will see the same products on many different web sites – why? b. Promotional Products Manufacturers The number of actual manufacturers is relatively small – a few hundred – each making a single product line, whether that be bags, notebooks, pens or clothing. But the vast majority of the manufacturers will only sell to the Trade – you will find it difficult to access them without the distributor. c. Merchandise Wholesalers In addition to the manufacturers, there an even smaller number of ‘wholesalers’. These Trade only suppliers will stock a huge range of products from many different sources and brand the product with your logo. They may also allow electronic feeds of their products to the distributor websites. d. Images of products So, as you search the myriad of websites presented by Google, you are looking at distributors with potentially the same product lines. ‘But they appear different’ – I hear you say. Yes, that is because each distributor, ourselves included, chooses what we believe to be the best promotional products for a particular price and quality, and the best images. Three problems We may have chosen the wrong products We may have chosen the wrong image The products constantly change so it is really tough to keep the website updated But, remember all the distributors buy from the same sources and virtually all could supply ANY of the products you see….. 2. I don’t know what I am looking for but will know it when I see it! This is true for 95% plus of everyone searching. You do however have some basic parameters: Rough cost per item Estimate of the quantity An understanding of who it’s for An understanding of your brand How the product will be used TIMING This last one is the ‘real kicker’ – you may find what you want but not be able to get it in time – in our experience this happens so often. 3. Alternative approach – a guide So, what is the alternative approach? Have the distributor do the work for you – for FREE We spend every day looking at products, attending industry exhibitions and meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers. We know what is available and when. We can help you clarify a brief and then present you with ideas. We can even quote on a product you have seen elsewhere. See us as your guide. OUR PROMISE – no pushy sales people – happy to chat by email or WhatsApp if you prefer.
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How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
