Eco-Friendly Straw Startups

Coasty, a retail brand launched in 2018 by Shanna Henry and Petros Pappalas under the restaurant supply company World Brand, produces biodegradable paper straws designed to reduce plastic pollution in waterways. These straws are dye-free and undergo a unique post-production drying process that enhances their structural integrity, making them five times stronger than most paper straws on the market. The materials are sourced from sustainably harvested paper, ensuring that more trees are planted than are used in production. Coasty straws biodegrade in natural environments within weeks and are non-toxic, positioning them as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic straws.

Coasty initially introduced its straws to local restaurants—including DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, Judy’s on Cherry, Willoughby’s on Park, and the Queen City Diner—before expanding into retail. The company commenced a consumer test market at ten Redner’s Warehouse Market locations in Pennsylvania beginning March 2, 2020. Co-founders Henry and Pappalas leverage resources from the Berks LaunchBox at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania, to access mentoring, prototyping assistance, and networking opportunities that support further product development and market expansion.

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