Our Story
When you were watching the appalling images of marine wildlife dying because of plastic pollution in our oceans, so were we. The more we thought about it as a family, the more we thought we’d try to do something positive. And so, The Friendly Panda idea came to life as a way of replacing single-use plastic straws with a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for individuals, businesses and organisations everywhere. Something that can be engraved with corporate or personal messaging, is good to look at, good to hold, good to use and, well, just good.
We have extended our range over time and as you will see from our product page we now also supply bamboo cutlery, toothbrushes and so forth.
The Last Straw
It is very difficult to say with certainty just how many plastic straws are still being used every day in the UK as many fast food outlets and the hospitality sector are making changes to the straws that they supply and are coming away from single use plastic. All changes in the right direction are good but we all still have a way to go.
Plastic straws are in the top 10 most commonly found items of ocean pollution. They are rarely recycled and they typically take over 200 years to degrade in the ocean environment. And degrade doesn’t mean ‘disappear’, it simply means reduce in size to a point where they can be consumed by creatures right along the food chain. No matter how you look at single-use plastic straws, they’re bad news.
The Reusable Bamboo Straw
Here’s the good news. There’s a sustainable eco-friendly solution that’s good for the planet, good for people, good for brands and good for business.
Good for the Planet
Few products can match the sustainability of fast-growing, natural, chemical-free, biodegradable bamboo.
Good for Brands
Friendly Panda reusable straws are tangible proof that you’re putting your environmental credentials where your mouth is. They can help bring your brand’s CSR policy to life and help spread the message that you’re in-tune with the rapidly changing mood of an increasingly eco-conscious world.
Good for People
Handcrafted for us by local families in Southeast Asia, our bamboo straws bring relief to our oceans, economic benefits to small producers in challenging economies and guilt-free drinking pleasure to each and every one of us
Good for the Business
We have the facility to personalise your straws so if you are holding a corporate event, AGM, conference or party, we can add your company name, logo, messaging and contact details to your straws. With a Friendly Panda reusable bamboo straw as a corporate give-away or promotional gift, you’re not just advertising your business, you’re communicating your values.