An environmentally friendly choice that requires no compromise

An environmentally friendly choice that requires no compromise

A video taken in 2015 by marine biologist Christine Figgener shows the rescue of a sea turtle whose straw got stuck in its nose.


The film quickly garnered global attention after its release, and this shocking imagery sparked reflection and action worldwide. Subsequently, more and more countries and regions decided to ban single-use plastic straws, with Seattle becoming the first city in the world to do so.


Taiwan and the Philippines also joined this environmental movement in 2019. In 2024, the world further promoted "plastic reduction" policies and planned to reduce plastic use by 60% by 2040.


【Virnova bamboo fiber paper straws】 were created to address the growing environmental demands, with the core concept of "quality and environmental protection coexisting" to provide consumers with an uncompromising alternative.

Working together internationally to create a sustainable future

Virnova and GoldenKawayan of the Philippines are sister companies, sharing the same mission and vision to provide high-quality, durable bamboo fiber paper straws and jointly promote global plastic reduction efforts. We believe that environmental protection should not be confined to one region, but should be a transnational action. Through good products, we aim to allow more people to enjoy the pure experience of beverages while simultaneously contributing to the well-being of our planet.

Virnova passed the test

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001

SVHC (Related to REACH Substances of Very High Concern)

Substances of Very High Concern refer to chemical substances that pose significant environmental and human toxicity and pose a high risk. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) selects these substances after review and evaluation, in accordance with Article 58 of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances) regulation, which covers substances classified as Group 1 and 2 carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxicants (CMR substances), substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic, highly persistent, highly bioaccumulative, or substances for which there is evidence of similar hazards (e.g., endocrine disruptors).

002

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been a major concern in Europe and America for the past decade or so. PFAS are chemically stable and difficult to decompose, and easily accumulate in the environment. Due to their surfactant, waterproof, and oleophobic properties, they are widely used in food packaging materials. PFAS are endocrine disruptors, binding to receptors for thyroid hormones, estrogen, and leptin, and also affecting metabolism and the immune system; in terms of reproductive toxicity, they can affect the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy and the infant during lactation.

003

BPA & PAEs (Bisphenol A & Plasticizers)

BPA is a common chemical raw material used in polycarbonate (PC) plastics and is also frequently used as a coating material for the inner walls of cans. BPA can disrupt human hormones; some human epidemiological studies have found a link between BPA and type 2 diabetes and heart disease in adults, and it can also affect reproduction and development. PAEs are a class of widely used plasticizers added to plastics to enhance elasticity, transparency, durability, and lifespan. Current research results largely indicate that PAEs have reproductive and developmental toxicity in experimental animals. Regarding carcinogenicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies DEHP (probably carcinogenic to humans) as a Group 2B substance and BBP as a Group 3 substance whose carcinogenicity in humans is not yet classified.

004

Plastic Inspection

While plastics offer excellent plasticity and water resistance, and are inexpensive, they are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down into smaller fragments, ultimately leading to microplastic pollution. When these microplastics enter the ocean, they are ingested by marine life and eventually end up on our tables through the food chain. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to high concentrations of microplastics may cause intestinal inflammation and other gut health problems, and that microplastics may contain harmful chemicals; ingesting these particles could release these harmful substances into the body, posing potential health risks.