Evanesce, an American sustainable serviceware producer, is set to initiate the production of the first 7.5 million drinking straws made from Biodolomer, a limestone-based compostable material. 

The material is said to possess most of the qualities of plastic but is environmentally sustainable.  

It is manufactured by Gaia Biomaterials in Sweden.  

Gaia Biomaterials CEO Peter Stenström said: "The US market is 500 million straws – per day, and we offer a material that gives the feeling that customers want. The potential is enormous.”  

The production of these compostable straws will take place at Evanesce's South Carolina facility, where extensive trials with Biodolomer have been conducted.  

Evanesce CEO Douglas Horne said: " There is a strong demand from consumers and brands for affordable, sustainable solutions. 

“Out of the materials we have tested, Biodolomer is the only one that has lived up to our quality expectations while also being a competitively priced premium product.”  

Biodolomer received certifications for industrial composting from both BPI in the US and DinCertco in Europe, along with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorisation for safe use in food-contact substances.  

It also has very low CO₂ and leaves no microplastics during the composting process.  

Furthermore, Biodolomer can be utilised for several applications and with most production techniques that are used for plastic.   

Peter Stenström added: "We are convinced that the new straws will make even more companies choose a solution that allows their customers to enjoy their favourite beverages without being left with a bad aftertaste in their mouth; both literally and figuratively."  

Founded by Åke Rosén in 2015, GAIA Biomaterials has several Bioplastic patents.